UMPSA to host TalkShop Final Showcase to celebrate students’ English empowerment journey

PEKAN, 3 November 2025 – The Centre for Modern Languages (CML), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), will proudly host the TalkShop Final Showcase on 7 November 2025, celebrating the achievements of students who have successfully completed a five-week journey of creativity, confidence, and communication excellence.

The TalkShop initiative is part of the English Language Empowerment Programme, an effort by CML to strengthen English proficiency among UMPSA students through interactive, experiential, and student-centred speaking activities.

Over the course of five dynamic weeks, participants took part in a series of engaging modules aimed at enhancing their confidence, fluency, and communication skills.

The journey began with ‘Mini Mic Moments’ (Week 1), where students delivered spontaneous 60-second speeches on lively topics such as ‘Your Favourite Food’ and ‘A Dream Job’.

Each session encouraged self-reflection through learning portfolios, helping students evaluate their progress and speaking style.

In Week 2’s ‘Visual Voices’, students honed their narrative and descriptive abilities by describing picture-based prompts on familiar themes like family, hobbies, work, and travel.

The excitement continued with ‘Tell Your Story: Virtual Food Tour’ (Week 3) — a TikTok Challenge that saw students creatively presenting traditional dishes from around the world in 3–5 minute videos, blending cultural appreciation with digital storytelling.

The series culminated in ‘Be the Voice of Change!’ (Week 4), where students transformed into campus newscasters, producing impactful video reports on pressing global issues inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Mental Health on Campus, Say No to Food Waste, and Save Electricity.

The upcoming Final Showcase will highlight the best performances and video projects, featuring live presentations, and an appreciation ceremony to honour exceptional participants and facilitators.

Dean of the Centre for Modern Languages, Associate Professor Dr. Zuraina Ali, expressed her pride in the students’ achievements and the programme’s success in fostering communicative confidence.

“The TalkShop programme reflects CML’s commitment to empowering UMPSA students with strong English communication skills and global awareness. 

“I hope the participants will continue to speak with confidence, inspire others, and use language as a tool for positive change,” she said.

Meanwhile, TalkShop Coordinator,  Nabila Abdul Malek, praised the students’ enthusiasm and creativity throughout the five weeks.

“It has been inspiring to see our students step out of their comfort zones and express themselves in English with growing confidence. 

“I hope TalkShop has shown them that learning English can be both meaningful and enjoyable,” she shared.

CML also extends heartfelt appreciation to all TalkShop facilitators from both Gambang and Pekan campuses for their dedication, creativity, and commitment in mentoring students throughout the programme.

Participants described the TalkShop experience as both fun and transformative.

Irfan Affandy Zul, one of the participants from the Pekan campus said, TalkShop helped me become more confident in speaking English in front of others. 

“The activities were interesting and made me realize that communication is not just about words, it’s about connecting with people,” he said. 

Echoing his sentiments, Wan Zarith Sofea, another participant, shared, each week offered something new and exciting. 

“I especially enjoyed the newscaster activity and it taught me how to present ideas clearly and persuasively. 

“TalkShop really made learning English enjoyable,” she said.

The TalkShop Final Showcase 2025 is set to be an inspiring celebration of student voices, creativity, and growth reflecting UMPSA’s mission to nurture confident, competent, and globally minded graduates.

By: Noraisah Nurul Fatwa Mohd Razali and Nabila Abdul Malek, Centre for Modern Languages (CML)