CFS Kampar enhances secondary students’ learning and communication skills

Over 100 Form 3 to Form 5 students from SMJK Shing Chung, Sungai Siput, had an engaging and enriching experience during a school engagement project organised by the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) of UTAR Kampar Campus on 20 June 2025. Held as part of the UTAR-SMJK Shing Chung Talent Development Project, the programme featured a motivational talk and a series of team-building activities.

The session commenced with a thought-provoking motivational talk delivered by CFS Kampar Campus academic Ms Haw Ai Peng, who highlighted the value of education and its transformative impact on one’s future. The talk encouraged students to embrace learning as a lifelong journey and to stay focused on their academic goals. It was followed by dynamic team-building activities led by CFS Kampar Campus academic Ms Chung Zi Ling, assisted by student helpers. The activities were designed to enhance communication, build trust and foster teamwork among participants.

Students expressed their enthusiasm for the programme. Form 5N student Law Kar Yee remarked, “This is the first time I’ve participated in such a fun and engaging activity. I really enjoyed it!” Form 5J student Yeong Xin Yee shared, “I realised that education can truly broaden my horizons and enhance my knowledge. I feel more motivated to focus on my studies.”

On the same day, CFS Kampar Campus also organised a talk titled Effective Study Skills for the Form 5 students of SMK Methodist (ACS) Kampar. Delivered by CFS Kampar Campus academic Ms Bhargkavi Pari, the session guided students to identify their unique learning styles and offered practical tips to improve concentration and study efficiency.

The Feedback from participants was highly encouraging. Form 5 Arts student Ahmad Osman reflected, “Today’s session was very useful. I learned how to prepare mind maps.” Form 4 Science student Anis Sabiha added, “I discovered more effective study methods. In the past, I focused on memorising, but now I realise the importance of understanding the content.”

The momentum continued on 24 June 2025 with the English-Speaking Programme for Form 5 students of SMJK Shing Chung. The programme began with a talk titled The Importance of Speaking Skills, delivered by CFS Kampar Campus academic Ms Chin Ngai Sim. She emphasised the significance of speaking skills and introduced students to effective speaking techniques. Following the talk, an Impromptu Speaking Workshop was conducted by CFS Kampar Campus academic Mr Lionel Keith Vytialingam, facilitated by CFS Kampar Campus academics Ms Chuah Ee Chiet and Ms Soon Cai En. The workshop was filled with interactive speaking activities aimed at sharpening students’ impromptu speaking skills and building their confidence in public speaking.

Participants found the session enjoyable and meaningful. Form 5M1 student Tan Yi Shen commented, “I learned that even if my English is not perfect, I should not be afraid to speak.” Low Wen Ting, also from Form 5M1, added, “I gained a lot of insights into speaking, and now I understand how these skills can be applied in university and daily life.”