UMPSA Campus buzzes with excitement for the new semester kickoff!

Located in the state of Pahang, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) has two campuses – in Pekan and Gambang. The pleasant campus atmosphere, equipped with various facilities, makes this premier technological university a top choice for students continuing their studies. As the semester holiday comes to an end, UMPSA is now bustling with activities for the new semester, commencing with new students’ registration week for the 2024/2025 academic session.

With optimism and a commitment to realizing their long-held aspirations, it is hoped that this new semester would equip students to effectively confront the challenges ahead. The course registration process, which may have begun earlier for senior students, always needs to be updated, and students must be ready to make any necessary changes. Class selection and scheduling are generally determined by the students according to their preferences.

The sounds of vehicles, the lively atmosphere in the cafeteria, laboratories, and lecture halls filled with thousands of students, along with pedestrian pathways bustling with students engaged in their academic activities, contribute to making the UMPSA ecosystem a busy and vibrant university once again.

It is well-known that the semester break is a time for students to return to their hometowns and take the opportunity to rest after more than three months of diligently pursuing knowledge with enthusiasm. This month-long break usually passes in the blink of an eye, and as the time to return to campus approaches for the new semester, students will make the necessary preparations. Some return to campus with their parents, while others who are more independent, travel back using public transport or by driving themselves. Each time a new semester begins, students start their campus life with renewed determination to improve and to be better than the previous semesters.

Students starting the semester also express different views and hopes from one another. According to a third-semester student from the Faculty of Science and Industrial Technology (FIST), Muhammad Afiq Rohman, he is looking forward to returning to UMPSA because the Science Industry and Technology Expert Society (SCITEXS) will hold an appreciation night to honor outstanding students in the faculty. They will be acknowledged at a dinner event, with performances and award presentations.
 
 

According to Muhammad Arif Akmal Mohd Yusoff, a student from the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology and also a Cadet Officer in the Air Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES), although his semester break is a bit different from other students due to the uniform body training sessions, he still shares the same spirit and determination as other students to start the new semester. In addition to focusing on improving his academic performance, he will continue with his PALAPES activities such as drill practice, learning battlefield knowledge, and other training sessions. Last year, he had the opportunity to attend military exhibitions like Defence Security Asia (DSA) and Langkawi International Maritime (LIMA). Therefore, in this semester, he hopes to have the chance to participate in other visits as well.

Meanwhile, according to a third-year student Nurul Syahiera Abd Latip from the Faculty of Industrial Management and a representative of the UMPSA Student Representative Council (MPP) for the 2023/2024 session, her experience as an MPP representative is a very valuable opportunity that has made her a more confident student. At the beginning of this semester, she hopes that her lectures will be more engaging and she is eager to meet new friends and lecturers for her new courses. She also advises new students to take the courage to get involved in the MPP, as they will be able to contribute their energy and efforts to UMPSA and engage in various activities enhancing leadership, communication, and teamwork.
 
 

Being part of the UMPSA teaching team, language teachers from the Centre for Modern Languages, Amy Zulaikha Mohd Ali and Shamsul Harbi, expressed their excitement and enthusiasm to join students in the classroom this semester for various competitions to be held in conjunction with the Higher Education English Carnival (He Elca 2024) and the UMPSA Language and Cultural Carnival 2024. Both programs will undoubtedly provide students with experiences and opportunities to try something new.
 

For students who are graduating soon, the beginning of this new term is the start of the final semester at UMPSA. In the limited time remaining, it is hoped that these students will make the most of their campus experience, creating sweet and proud memories to cherish and to share these moments with their children or even grandchildren in the future. Campus life has proven to be a significant part of one’s life that impacts and influences a person after graduation. Students are encouraged to maximize the opportunities available to them at UMPSA, nurturing optimism for their personal and academic growth.
The availability of classrooms and learning laboratories at UMPSA has also garnered attention as the new semester commences. Preparations for this semester have been made well in advance and have caught the attention of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman. He has also been involved in the survey and inspection of classrooms and laboratories for the teaching and learning sessions. This regular exercise reflects the commitment and efforts of all parties to ensure that UMPSA remains dedicated to providing the best campus experience for all students.
 

May this semester begin with good intentions, efforts, and actions that lead to future success. Sincere intentions will guide us towards achievement, while consistent effort is the key to reaching our goals. Let us all commit to working hard and diligently at every step of the way. With good intentions and diligent efforts, God willing, all our dreams will materialise. To all UMPSA students and educators, have a great semester ahead and keep striving!

Authors are instructors at the Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
This article represents the authors’ personal views and does not reflect the official position of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).

E-mail: asiah@umpsa.edu.my and jamilahbebe@umpsa.edu.my