Speak Up! 2024 for Malaysian Heroes confidence booster

GAMBANG, 20 September 2024 – The 2024 Speak Up! event, now in its fifth edition, marked yet another successful collaboration between the Centre for Modern Languages (CML), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and the Malaysian Armed Forces. 

Held over two days, on 18 and 19 September, this year’s program was specially designed to enhance the English communication skills of personnel from the 4th Brigade Headquarters (Mechanize), Kuantan Air Base, and Naval Region 1 Headquarters. 

With a focus on building confidence in both personal and professional communication, the event brought together over 88 troops from the three military units.

Organized as part of the Malaysia Day celebrations, Speak Up! 2024 featured a series of interactive workshops and engaging activities, all aimed at developing practical English language skills essential for military operations and everyday tasks. 

The participants practiced conversational techniques, impromptu speeches, and presentation skills. 

Sessions also covered key elements of effective communication, such as reading non-verbal cues, initiating conversations, engaging in turn-taking, and participating in language-based games.

One of the event’s highlights was a group presentation, where participants showcased their creativity and patriotism through the recitation of original poems commemorating Malaysia Day. 

As the country’s defenders, the troops infused their performances with enthusiasm and national pride. 

The activity was a testament to their increased confidence and clarity of expression, showing the program's impact on their communication skills.

During the closing ceremony, Lieutenant Faris Syahmi from the Naval Region 1 Headquarters commended the participants for their dedication and engagement. 

“This event has been a valuable experience for the troops. Effective communication is crucial to our teamwork, especially when working across different units. Speak Up! has strengthened our ability to communicate effectively,” he noted.

Dr. Umi Kalsom Masrom, Head of the English Language Division at CML, officiated the closing ceremony, presenting tokens of appreciation for outstanding performances. 

She emphasised the importance of continuous development in the armed forces, particularly in communication skills, and praised the collaboration between CML and the military.

The event was spearheaded by the Head of the CML Community Service Unit, Nur syafawati Sabuan, with professional trainers Siti Nurzaimalina Abd Majid, Dr. Ezihaslinda Ngah, and Dr. Azwin Arif leading the sessions. 

They were supported by a dedicated team of facilitators, including Dr. Nor Yazi Khamis, Dr. Mohammad Musab Azmat Ali, Khairul Amri Abdul Aziz, Abdul Jalil Abdul Rahim, Nur Anisnabila Dianah, Wan Noor Farah Wan Shamsuddin, Zarina Mohd Ali, Nurkarimah Yusof, Arulselvi Uthayakumaran, Rosnani Ismail, Hamizah Zahari, and Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan. 

The event’s smooth execution was further ensured by the hard work of the organizing committee: Kang Mei Feng, Syahrina Ahmad, Mardhiyyah Zamani, Azlina Mohd Ariffin, Farah Hanan Aminallah, and Suriayati Mohd Sidek.

Speak Up! 2024 has been hailed as a resounding success, with participants giving overwhelmingly positive feedback. 

The event not only strengthened the communicative skills of the participants but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations aimed at fostering a more proficient and confident Malaysian military force.

By: Dr. Nor Yazi Khamis, Wan Noor Farah Wan Shamsuddin, Dr. Azwin Arif Abdul Rahim, Nur Syafawati Sabuan and Suriayati Mohd Sidek, Centre for Modern Languages (CML)