UMPSA English Carnival 2026 showcases the power of creative language learning

GAMBANG, 17 May 2026 – Laughter, spirited debates, thrilling mysteries, and imaginative storytelling filled the lecture halls and classrooms of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) as the Intelligentsia Club successfully organised the much-anticipated English Carnival 2026 at the UMPSA Gambang Campus on 16 and 17 May 2026.

For two vibrant days, Block W was transformed into a lively celebration of language, creativity, and student talent, bringing together participants from various faculties through a series of exciting and interactive English-based activities. 

Far beyond a conventional language programme, the carnival created a dynamic space where students could communicate confidently, think creatively, and connect with one another in an enjoyable learning environment.

The excitement began on Saturday morning with the fun debate competition held at W-DK-12, led by the programme person-in-charge (PIC), Nurshafitri Abdullah. 

The venue quickly came alive with passionate arguments, spontaneous humour, and energetic exchanges as participants debated light-hearted yet thought-provoking topics. 

Unlike formal debate settings, the competition encouraged students to express ideas freely and confidently while showcasing their public speaking and critical thinking skills.  

True to its name, ‘Fun Debate’, the event was filled with echoes of cheers and laughter. 

The participants managed to create an atmosphere that was both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. 

After an exciting series of debates, Team Ctrl Alt Defeat, consisting of Alvinna Maressa, Amothinie, and Vaarsini, was crowned as the champion. 

As the sun set, students gathered once again for the much-awaited Movie Night at W-DKU-S-01, handled by the Programme PIC, Debbie Chan May Lynn. 

The hall was filled with excitement as students enjoyed an evening of cinematic storytelling and shared laughter with friends and peers. 

More than just entertainment, the programme allowed students to experience English in a natural and immersive setting through dialogue, emotions, and cultural expressions portrayed on screen. 

It also strengthened bonds among students, highlighting how language can foster meaningful social connections. 

The event drew a crowd of 101 participants who came together to experience an entertaining and immersive movie session. 

This was followed by a quiz session to enhance students’ understanding, especially on the storyline, characters, and vocabulary. 

In the quiz segment, Muhammad Syahid was announced as the first-place winner, followed by Norrul Farra Hayzal in second place, while Siti Muis proudly secured third place.

The momentum continued on Sunday morning with the murder mystery competition, turning the lecture hall into a thrilling arena of clues, puzzles, and suspense. 

This competition was conducted by the programme PIC, led by Subhashini Paramasivam. 

Working in teams, participants raced against time to analyse hints, solve challenges, and uncover hidden answers. 

The activity demanded teamwork, effective communication, and analytical thinking, keeping participants fully engaged throughout the competition. 

The room buzzed with anticipation as students collaborated intensely to crack the mystery before their competitors. 

After an intense and thrilling competition, the “Lady Detectives United” team emerged victorious, with “Enola Holmes” and “Sherlock Holmes” teams taking second and third place, respectively. 

The Best Dressed Award was also presented to the “James Bond” team. 
The team names were also chosen by the participants, inspired by the characters in investigative cases and movies. 

Head of the English Language Department, Centre for Modern Languages, Dr. Ezihaslinda Ngah,  was also present to grace the closing ceremony of the murder mystery competition and the prize-giving session for the winners.

Closing the carnival on a creative high note was the story continuation competition, which was coordinated by the programme PIC, Harishini Punniamaurthi, held on Sunday afternoon at W-DK-01. 

The competition successfully attracted participants in the individual category and pair category. 

They captivated the audience with imaginative plot twists, emotional narratives, and unexpected endings as they developed stories from given prompts. 

The competition showcased not only the students’ creativity and storytelling abilities, but also their confidence in expressing ideas fluently in English. 

From humorous adventures to heartfelt tales, each story reflected the unique perspectives and imagination of its creator. 

For the individual category, Nur Batrisyia emerged as the winner, followed by Nik Muqri in second place and Nur Amalina in third place. 

Meanwhile, Devraj and Nurzatul Afifah received consolation awards for securing fourth and fifth place, respectively. 

For the pair category, Anisafitri and Nur Atikahfitri, who are siblings, emerged as the winner, while Nishta and Sahana secured second place.

The successful organisation of English Carnival 2026 reflects the Intelligentsia Club’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant English-speaking culture within UMPSA. 

Through fun, interactive, and student-centred activities, the programme demonstrated that language learning can extend beyond textbooks and classrooms into experiences that inspire confidence, creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. 

The programme was conducted with the support of the Akademi A.D.A.B, Centre for Modern Languages and the cooperation of the university’s Centre for Security Management and University Health Centre to ensure the smooth implementation of all activities throughout the carnival. 

The committees also extended appreciation to the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology (FTKKP), the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology (FTKA), and the Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology (FIST) for their cooperation and assistance with the venues used throughout the carnival. 

The programme director of English Carnival, Harishini a/p Punniamurthi, expressed hope that programmes such as this would continue to empower students to embrace English as a language of communication, creativity, and global engagement. 

President of Intelligentsia Club, Nurshafitri Abdullah, also expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating that seeing everyone come together, laugh, and grow through this English Carnival reminds me why I love being part of this community. 

“It is truly an honour knowing we’ve created not just an event but also a beautiful memory that will stay with us long after the carnival ends,” she said. 

With its lively atmosphere and meaningful impact, English Carnival 2026 successfully proved that learning English can be both enriching and unforgettable. 

By: Nur Anisnabila Dianah, Abdul Jalil Abdul Rahim, Centre for Modern Languages (CML), Harishini Punniamaurthi, Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology and Subhashini A/P Paramasivam, Faculty of Industrial Management