UMPSA welcomes new students with an overview of language courses

PEKAN, 22 September 2026 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), through the Centre for Modern Languages (CML), introduced its English, foreign language and Bahasa Melayu course offerings to new students during an academic briefing at Pekan Campus in conjunction with Minggu Induksi Siswa (MINDS) for Semester I of the 2026/2027 academic session.

The briefing provided an overview of the language courses available across different programmes, alongside information on course registration, assessment responsibilities and a new Bahasa Melayu graduation requirement.

The session was delivered by CML Deputy Dean (Academic and International), Associate Professor Dr. Noor Raha Mohd Radzuan and was also attended by CML Manager, Azlina Abdul Mubin.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Noor Raha, the briefing aimed to introduce new students to the centre’s language course offerings and help them understand how these courses support their academic and professional development.

“We want students to become familiar with the language courses available through CML and understand how they fit into their study programmes.

“Through our English, foreign language and Bahasa Melayu courses, we encourage students to strengthen their communication skills and explore opportunities to become competent in at least one additional language,” she said.

At bachelor’s degree level, the offerings include Fundamentals of English, Essential English, English for Academic Communication, English for Vocational Purposes, English for Technical Communication and English for Professional Communication.

The range of courses reflects the different communication demands students encounter during their studies. 

Academic communication prepares students to participate in university learning, while technical and professional communication provides opportunities to apply English in contexts relevant to their disciplines and future careers. 

Developing these abilities is particularly relevant to students who need to explain specialised information, present ideas and communicate with different audiences. 

The briefing placed English language learning within students’ broader academic preparation, highlighting the courses through which they can strengthen these skills.

Students were also introduced to further English course options, including Critical Thinking through Literature, Creative Writing, English Mechanics, Project-Based Proposal Writing, Interpersonal Effectiveness and Score IELTS. 

These elective courses extend the scope of language learning to literary engagement, writing, interpersonal communication and preparation for IELTS. 

They provide students with different avenues to pursue their interests and develop specific language abilities.

Beyond English, CML’s Foreign Language Department provides courses in Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish. 

It also offers German and Korean courses for students enrolled in both single degree and dual degree programmes, as well as Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi, a compulsory course for international students. 

Exposure to additional languages offers students opportunities to broaden their communication abilities and engage with different cultures. 

For those considering international learning experiences, language study can form part of their preparation for communicating in a new environment.

During the briefing, Associate Professor Dr. Noor Raha also highlighted CML’s role as a service centre offering compulsory courses that students must complete to fulfil their graduation requirements. 

She announced the introduction of ULB1320 Bahasa Melayu dan Masyarakat as a new graduation requirement for Malaysian bachelor’s degree students beginning with the 2026/2027 cohort. 

“Students must register for the course during either Semester I or Semester II of their first year through the Open Registration system. 

“The non-credit course comprises one module with 40 hours of student learning time and is delivered online through KALAM using a micro-credential module,” she said. 

The briefing also explained procedures students need to observe when registering for and attending their language courses. 

Students were reminded to check their course codes, class times and venues carefully and to be ready at the scheduled starting time. 

Students were also encouraged to familiarise themselves with UMPSA’s e-Community (e-Comm) portal and check it regularly for the latest course information and announcements.

The MINDS briefing marked the beginning of students’ language learning journey at UMPSA, encouraging them to make full use of CML’s diverse course offerings. 

As they develop their disciplinary expertise, the ability to communicate confidently across languages can help them bring that expertise to wider audiences and pursue opportunities beyond national borders.

By: Associate Professor Dr. Noor Raha Mohd Radzuan and Azlina Abdul Mubin, Centre for Modern Languages (CML).