Having fun with English

The organising committee, judges and participants at the UTAR English Week

The Department of Modern Languages (DML) of the Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) organised the annual English Week at Sungai Long Campus on 1 March 2017. The main objective of the event was to provide a platform for the students to use the English language creatively.

DML Head Yogesvary a/p Alahakone enthused, “The purpose of the event is twofold: we want to inform all of you, especially the students that learning, knowing and using English can be fun; we also want to acknowledge our students who have excelled in the English courses from the May 2015 to October 2016 trimesters.  We are awarding certificates to these high achievers.”

She continued, “I am glad to see so much creativity, talent, cooperation and initiative among our students. Therefore, I would like to thank all the participants for joining the English Week and our new dean, Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng for supporting this event. I would also like to record my appreciation to the judges Ms Tan Hwei Ping, Dr Sharon Jacqueline a/p Albert Wilson and Zachary Roland a/l A. F. Anthony, as well as all the students and lecturers who have helped to make this event a success.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat emphasised the importance of the language learning environment as the key to learning a language successfully. “Language learning is fun. Learning a language through its associated culture can help to create a more conducive learning environment that facilitates effective language learning.”

“I once spoke to a Scandinavian university president and was told that many Scandinavians are polyglots who speak several languages fluently in addition to their mother tongue. I was impressed when he told me that the students’ interest toward the culture of a language play a vital role in keeping them motivated to continue learning the language. The UTAR English Week is also a platform that provides our students with an appropriate language environment to learn English through enjoyable performances,” said Prof Ewe.

The UTAR English Week encompassed various performances such as speechmaking, singing, dance dramas and a musical skit. Besides those, there were two sessions of lucky draws and the presentation of certificates to the high achievers in recognition of their academic accomplishments.

Yogesvary thanking the organising committee and participants

Prof Ewe highlighting the significance of a conducive language learning environment

The English Week Champion was Year Three Architecture undergraduate Lionel Kueh

The First Runner-up, Yuva Dharshini, speaking on “Courage over Fear”

Dr Tneh presenting a prize to the Second Runner-up Audrey Ng

Team No Silence was named as the Third Runner-up for the dance drama “Women Empowerment”

Fourth Runners-up Ghan Pui Nee and Emelia Lee performing “Everything has Changed”

Some high achievers receiving certificates from Prof Ewe