Communicative English Course Programme Shares Academic Expertise With Thailand
Pauh Putra, July 18 – Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) continues to increase its visibility in the ASEAN region through the Communicative English Course programme in collaboration with Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University (NPRU) Thailand.
The UniMAP Centre for International Languages (CIL) organised the programme which took in 20 students from NPRU's Centre for Humanitarian Studies and lasted for 21 days from June 28 until today.
CIL Director Prof Dr Harshita Aini Haroon said the programme was intended to highlight UniMAP in the ASEAN region through the academic collaboration in the field of English language as well as exposing the students to Malay communication skills and culture.
"In addition, it also strengthens the collaboration of both universities and acts as a channel for the expansion and strengthening of ASEAN in enhancing knowledge sharing in the region.
"I hope that both universities will benefit from this program as a stepping-stone for future programmes whether in academic or non-academic fields," she said during the programme closing ceremony at Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Library Auditorium today.
Also present was Deputy Director of NPRU Language Institute Khanitta Thaichareon.
At the closing ceremony, the NPRU students performed the “Ayam Didik” dance which was taught in class during the three-week program.
Meanwhile, programme director Masturah Sabri said that during the programme at UniMAP, students receive comprehensive instructions in the classroom through a specially developed module.
She said the module was developed by CIL lecturers and teachers.
"In addition to classroom sessions, various other activities were planned such as academic visits to Langkawi, Penang and Alor Setar and the opportunity to learn about Malay culture by visiting Kampung Pulau Pisang, Jitra," she said.
She added that in addition to English classes, NPRU students also had to attend a Malay language class session which was taught by CIL language teacher Juliana Ahmad and Malay dance lesson by a UniMAP Cultural & Recreation Unit (UKR) cultural artist.
Earlier, one of NPRU's students, Yasmeena Yuerae, said the experience of learning Malay language and dance was very enjoyable and this was an experience that would not be available in Thailand.
"We have had the opportunity to learn customs and cultures of the people in Malaysia of various races, each with their own uniqueness.
"In fact, by studying the prescribed modules, I can also increase my English language proficiency and improve our confidence in communicating with my friends in the ASEAN region," she said during at the event.
