HE ELCa English Language Carnival boosts graduates’ skills and employability

GAMBANG, 9 November 2024 – The Higher Education English Language Carnival (HE ELCa), organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) and hosted by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), served as a significant platform to improve English language proficiency among students of Higher Education Institutions (IPTs) in Malaysia.

With the objective of empowering students to be more confident and proficient in English, the carnival provided opportunities for them to communicate outside the classroom in meaningful and engaging ways.

A total of 1,000 participants attended the event, comprising students from nearly all public universities (UAs) in Malaysia. These students have been involved in various activities and competitions since last June.

The closing ceremony was officiated by the Director of the Academic Excellence Division (BKA), Department of Higher Education, Associate Professor Dr Azidah Abu Ziden. Also in attendance were the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development), Professor Ts. Dr Kamal Yusoh; Dean of the Modern Languages Centre, Associate Professor Dr Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi; and Director of the International Relations Centre, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azmir Mohd Azhari.

According to Associate Professor Dr Azidah, the ministry aims to cultivate holistic graduates who are not only academically capable but also possess the creativity, critical thinking, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s economy.

“HE ELCa is also aligned with the ministry’s broader goals, including strengthening the research ecosystem and encouraging international collaboration.

“Mastery of English is not just a skill but also opens up greater potential and opportunities, enabling us to connect with the global world,” she said. She also presented prizes to the winners of the competitions.

“Through HE ELCa, the ministry hopes to prepare graduates who are internationally competitive and able to contribute towards a better future for the country,” she added.

Students participating in the carnival not only honed their language skills but also developed essential personal qualities required to compete on the global stage.

The carnival successfully produced holistic graduates who excel not only academically but also in critical thinking and self-confidence, which are essential in today’s economy.

The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony for the five main competition categories: ‘Mobile Journalism’, ‘Click, Create & Educate’, ‘Harmony Huddle’, ‘Trashion Show’, and ‘Green City Challenge’, as well as the Powerhouse Award.

Several public universities (UAs) also participated as exhibitors, including Universiti Malaya (UM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and others.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)