Mandarin lessons popular for expats living in Singapore

Hundreds of languages are spoken across Asia but by far the most common is Mandarin. In fact, it is the most spoken language in the world and is replacing Japanese as the Asian language of business.

In September Beijing announced plans for a massive expansion in language school places for overseas students in a bid to boost international fluency.

Singapore is just one of the countries in which learning Mandarin has become popular. Austrian expat Hilli Derold has ensured her two young daughters learn the language.

She told the BBC's Mariko Oi, "Asia is the place to be for the future. By learning Mandarin, the girls will have a better understanding of the Chinese culture."