1. The main object of this investigation is to obtain information about the relative levels of the mental abilities of Malays and Chinese as measured by intelligence tests. Any differences noted will, it is felt, be of considerable educational significance. 2. Previous investigations into racial differences in intelligence are reviewed in Chapter 2. 3. The enquiry necessitated the construction of a special test of intelligence, suitable for the conditions obtaining in Malaya. 4. The geographical and educational background to the investigation is discussed in Chapter 5. 5. Next follows a discussion of the sampling problem and of other considerations of methodology. 6. The total number of pupils tested was 2987 Malays and 1486 Chinese. The findings (Chapter 7) reveal what is considered to be the precocity of Chinese over the Malays. Chinese precocity ceases to be significant, however, after 14 years of age. 7. Some political discussion, necessary to an understanding of the problems arising tram the "encroachment" of Chinese in Malaya, is offered in Chapter 8. This is followed by an examination of the position of the Malay in the English educational system and of the significance of the English educational system to the Malays in particular. 8. The possibility that the racial differences which appear to exist as between Malays and Chinese may be due to environmental, including nutritional, conditions - or even to personality - has not been overlooked. 9. In Chapter 14 the conclusion is drawn that although the differences in mental ability demonstrated as existing between Malays and Chinese are, in all probability, environmental and not inherent and permanent, they are nevertheless real and unlikely to change in the near future. It is therefore considered desirable that Malay pupils in English schools should not be placed in competition with Chinese pupils until the age of 14 years when the differences cease to be significant. The need for greater facilities for English education for Malays is stressed. The need for further research is also advocated.

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