The Almanac of AMG UMP YASA Programme 2021-2022

It is said that learning a new language opens a whole new world of opportunities, and the Akademi Menara Gading Universiti Malaysia Pahang Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah Programme (AMG UMP YASA) 2021-2022 is a perfect reflection of that ideal. This collaboration between the Centre for Modern Languages (CML), UMP and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Indera Shahbandar (SMKIS), Pekan, Pahang, was more than just a language learning initiative. It was a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and community building that brought together 32 Form 5 students from diverse backgrounds. As the programme ended on 15 February 2023, let us walk down the memory lane and look back at the incredible journey we had taken together and celebrate the accomplishments of the participants.

The programme’s opening ceremony or online orientation took place via Google Meet on 11 September 2021. The event was attended by representatives from both CML and SMKIS. It marked the beginning of the collaboration aimed at helping the students develop English language skills that would benefit them academically and socially. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first phase of the programme was held online with weekly classes from September to December 2021. The online sessions allowed participants to participate in language lessons and activities, providing an interactive learning environment that motivated and engaged students.

Then on 11 December 2021, an event called “Engliscape on the Go” was organised to observe the students’ language skills in action. This event was the highlight of the year and intended at improving students’ English language skills in a fun way wherein the students needed to complete various language activities at different checkpoints. The event was a great success as students could demonstrate their language skills enthusiastically and engagingly during the games.

To get the students immerse in a hands-on learning experience, weekly face-to-face classes had been conducted since January 2022 at one of the CML Pekan computer labs. The easing of COVID-19 restrictions had allowed for a return to traditional classroom instruction, which was welcomed by both students and instructors. The inclusion of “Game Time” with Dr. Jue, “Hogwarts Express” with Ms. Wan Farah and “Music & Pizza “with Ms. Arul and Mr. Soul had made the classes more interesting and livelier. In addition, student attendance was consistently good throughout the year, demonstrating a strong commitment to learning and a high class participation level. It is hoped that the sessions with the instructors from CML will help the students achieve their academic goals and develop valuable skills for their future. 

In addition to regular classes, the students participated in an unforgettable Hari Raya celebration organised by CML. This event provided an opportunity for them to interact with each other and of course with the CML staff as well. As part of the celebration, they also had the opportunity to perform an English-translated, traditional Raya song. Overall, this activity helped to enrich the students’ language learning experience and foster a sense of community within the school and the members of CML. 

Another programme initiative included was a district-level event called “Engliscape on the Go” held on 28 September 2022. The event brought together students from various schools in the Pekan district, providing them with a valuable opportunity to showcase their talents and connect with their peers. Despite strong competition, the SMKIS student representatives demonstrated exceptional language skills and teamwork, earning them a well-deserved third place. This achievement was a sheer reflection of the dedication and hard work of the students, teachers, and instructors of the programme, and we were immensely proud of them.

The field trip to Putrajaya on 2 December 2022 was another memorable experience for the students. During the field trip, they were encouraged to speak English with anyone they ran into, which helped them gain confidence in practising their language skills. The field trip also served as a platform for them to socialise and learn together. Overall, the field trip to Putrajaya not only provided a unique learning opportunity for the students but also left beautiful moments that lasted a lifetime. 

The final class session on 9 December 2022 was carried out by Ms. Azimah and Mr. Shamsul. This marked the end of an eventful academic year. During the session, the students took their time to reflect on the entire programme and share their thoughts on what they had learned and how they had grown over the past year. A small award-giving ceremony was held to celebrate their participation in the various activities during the field trip. The event was a fitting end to a year of hard work, dedication, and learning, and it left the students with a sense of pride in their accomplishments and memories they will cherish.

As the saying goes, for every beginning, there is an end. A closing event was organised to thank and congratulate them for their participation and achievement. The event was held on 15 February 2023 at the UMP Pekan Library Executive Lounge. One of the highlights of the ceremony was Izad’s heartfelt speech which left a deep impression on the audience. His words were inspiring and encouraging and resonated with everyone in attendance. Moreover, Mr. Shamsul had prepared an exciting montage that summarised the entire course of the programme. It was a momentous occasion as awardees were recognised for their outstanding contributions, and all left feeling inspired and proud of what they had achieved. Notable winners included Nurina Maisarah binti Mt Ngainon, who received the Most Outstanding Effort Award; Muhammad Khairul Izzadtullah bin Abdul Wahab, who won the AMG UMP YASA Citizenship Award; and Nurul Aqilah Syahirah binti Mohd Yusri, who received the Principal Award. We congratulate all the award winners and wish them the best in their future endeavours.

By: Hanisah Bon (Kasbon), Azimah Ahmad Zaki And Noor Azlinda Zainal Abidin
The writers are Lecturers at the Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP).

E-mail: hanisah@ump.edu.my, azimahaz@ump.edu.my, azlinda@ump.edu.my