UMPSA students triumph at UTM Festival of Languages and Cultures (FLC) 2025

JOHOR BAHRU, 14 May 2025 – Students from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) brought home two awards at Festival of Languages and Cultures (FLC) 2025 hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). 

The event held at Raja Zarith Sofiah Library, gathered students and language educators around the globe. 

With the theme ‘Celebrating Languages Across Cultures’, the two-day festival was more than a competition, it was a platform for academic celebration, language and cultural exchange. 

Representing UMPSA were two language teachers, Jamilah Bebe Mohamad and Amir Haikal Imran Ahmad Ashaari from Department of Foreign Languages, Centre for Modern Languages (CML) and five degree students.

Ahmad Fauzan Ahmad Faizul, a degree student stepped into the storytelling spotlight with his original piece, ‘The Tales of the Cursed Sisters’ which reimagines a Thai urban legend. 

His performance, enhanced by props and makeup, won him The Best Storytelling Performance, triumphing over more than ten contestants. 

Behind his outstanding delivery was coaching from an English teacher, Amy Zulaikha Mohd Ali. 

Together, they developed a performance that was creatively staged.

“I am grateful to my teachers for believing in me.” Fauzan shared. 

“Thank you to Madam Amy for her guidance, my German language teacher for encouraging me to join and to my accompanying teacher for helping with everything from ideas to my costume.

“Winning was a joyful moment, but for me, the real reward was connecting with others through storytelling,” he added.

UMPSA’s second victory came through the Hangman Challenge, a fast-paced multilingual word game that tested both vocabulary and cultural knowledge. 

Team members Luqmanul Hakim Azizuddin, Nur Zarifah Hana Mohd Hanafi, Siti Nur Zulaikha Zaidi and Mis Faezah Ronnie faced off against other competitors by decoding words like sushi, croissant and Pad Thai. 

Their quick thinking and teamwork won them first place in the competition.

“This was not just a game, it taught us the value of trusting each other and working together as a team,” said Siti Nur Zulaikha.
 
 

The success of UMPSA’s delegation was made possible through the encouragement of Head of Department of Foreign Languages, CML, Dr. Wan Jumani Fauzi. 

“I am proud of the students and grateful to the teachers who guided them.

 “I encouraged them to participate for the experience, and they returned with both growth and victory.

“They brought their best selves. It was wonderful to see them enjoy learning and experience something,” said Dr. Wan Jumani.

She further highlighted that UMPSA’s participation reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to nurturing communicative graduates who are ready to thrive in a global environment.

“This opportunity was also made possible through the support of the Dean of the CML, Associate Professor Dr. Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi. 

“The leadership and collaboration at all levels ensured that students not only competed, but also gained valuable development. 

“To all students who participated in the FLC online competitions, congratulations on your effort.

“I encourage you to keep seeking enriching experiences. 

“There are many more valuable platforms waiting for you,” Dr. Wan Jumani added.

Beyond the awards, FLC 2025 provided UMPSA students with a wealth of enriching activities, from multilingual forums and cultural showcases to interactive language games. 

These activities not only deepened their understanding of global cultures but also sparked confidence in language learning. 

Inspired by this success, CML hopes to see more students take part in future events that celebrate the beauty of language and cultural exchange beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead, CML aims to bring similar intercultural learning opportunities to its own campus through upcoming initiatives such as the Language and Cultural Carnival (LCC). 

Designed to promote language appreciation, creativity and intercultural competence, LCC will provide students with meaningful ways to engage with both languages and cultures.

Reference:
https://news.utm.my/2025/05/festival-of-languages-and-cultures-2025-cel…

By: Leong Hui Theng, Amir Haikal Imran Ahmad Ashaari and Jamilah Bebe Mohamad, Centre For Modern Languages (CML)