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Shaping tomorrow's leaders in communication

Shaping tomorrow's leaders in communication

The Star08-06-2025
Communication is the essence of human connection. It connects cultures, builds relationships and facilitates the expression of one's ideas clearly.
It is essential for meaningful engagement in any context.
But effective communication is more than just words—it encompasses adaptability, cultural awareness and empathy. These skills are nurtured through purposeful learning.
At University of Cyberjaya (UoC), its Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences offers three programmes that develop individuals in these components: Early Childhood Education, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and Mass Communications.
These programmes form a cohesive educational journey that shows how effective communication empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to local and global communities.
Building a child's foundation
UoC's ECE programmes provide extensive practical experience through immersive internships and hands-on training in fully equipped educational settings.
Compassionate educators are indispensable in a child's formative years. They create safe, supportive environments that encourage self-expression and build the confidence needed for strong communication skills.
UoC's Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma and Degree programmes are designed to develop these educators through a holistic curriculum encompassing classroom simulations and real-world training such as internships.
The curriculum ensures students develop skills such as leadership, problem-solving and effective teaching methods to help them tackle real-world challenges involving the learning of children.
Bridging through language
UoC's TESL programme combines linguistic theory with practical classroom teaching experiences to produce highly competent, culturally sensitive educators.
English is central to much of daily communication, serving as a shared language that bridges cultures and enables the exchange of ideas—even when it is a second language for many.
Mastering its nuances not only improves language skills but also deepens understanding of the people and cultures involved.
But acquiring a second language can be challenging for some. Without support, it may limit one's ability to communicate effectively, leading to missed opportunities and strained relationships.
UoC's Bachelor of Education (Honours) in TESL programme equips aspiring educators the skills to teach non-native speakers English with clarity, confidence and cultural sensitivity.
With a robust curriculum covering linguistics, curriculum design, assessment and classroom management, the programme blends theory with practical teaching experiences to prepare graduates for careers in education, content development and translation, catering to the linguistic needs of people from various backgrounds.
Voices that influence
In a fast-paced, content-driven world, media is capable of reaching larger audiences with greater impact than ever – the ability to contribute to social dialogue, shape public perception and drive change beyond borders.
UoC's Mass Communications programmes prepare students for careers in media, public relations, broadcasting and digital content to become global communicators with purpose.
Taught by industry professionals, its curriculum combines practical training with strategic communication theory, cultivating media-savvy professionals who can lead in a dynamic global landscape.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art multimedia labs and broadcast studios to gain hands-on learning experience.
Discover your voice
Explore UoC's campus and state-of-the-art facilities during its Open Day from June 14 to 15 or June 21 to 22.
Begin your journey of becoming a skilled global communicator with UoC's programmes today.
For more details, visit their official website or chat with their education counsellors via WhatsApp at 011-1112 3344 or email studywithus@cyberjaya.edu.my to learn more about scholarships and entry requirements.
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Leo XIV: 'Love cannot do without truth'
Leo XIV: 'Love cannot do without truth'

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Leo XIV: 'Love cannot do without truth'

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Speaking English as an ‘Anak Merdeka': Not Westernised, just globalised
Speaking English as an ‘Anak Merdeka': Not Westernised, just globalised

Focus Malaysia

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  • Focus Malaysia

Speaking English as an ‘Anak Merdeka': Not Westernised, just globalised

EVERY time I speak English in public, I feel eyes on me. Some admire. Some judge. Some smile. Others sneer. When I speak it fluently, confidently, without fumbling, the assumption often follows: 'She must think she's more Western than Malaysian.' As a language lecturer with over 15 years of experience and a TikTok content creator under the name Awin Rzk, I often teach my followers how to speak English with a British flair, for fun, for style, for confidence. But some netizens are quick to attack. 'Lupa daratan', they say. 'Tak hargai Bahasa Melayu'. What they fail to see is that I am not promoting arrogance, nor am I dismissing our national language. I am sharing knowledge. I am educating. I am empowering. My content, both online and in the classroom, is born from love. Love for my students, my country, and the belief that Malaysians deserve to be articulate in any room they walk into, whether at home or abroad. That assumption, though quietly harboured, is far too common in our society. And this Merdeka, I feel compelled to speak. Not just as a content creator. Not just as a lecturer. But as a proud 'anak Malaysia'. We are not Westernised for speaking English. We are globalised. And we are free. Independence was never just about driving out foreign powers. It was about reclaiming our right to choose. The right to chart our own path. The right to learn any language, access any knowledge, and express ourselves without fear or shame. So why, after all these years of nationhood, are we still policing how Malaysians speak? Why is fluency in English still met with suspicion, as if it is a sign of betrayal? I do not teach English because I want Malaysians to abandon their roots. I teach it because I want them to rise. I want them to speak at international forums, to publish in global journals, to lead in multinational companies. I want them to sit at the world's table, not quietly in the corner, but with presence, poise, and power. Our students are brilliant. But I have seen too many of them shrink during job interviews or international conferences not because they lacked intelligence, but because they lacked confidence in their English. And sometimes, it is not even their fault. It is ours. We made them believe that being too fluent was showing off. That choosing English meant forgetting where they came from. We told them to be proud of being Malaysian, but only if they spoke a certain way. Let me be clear: Bahasa Melayu is our national language, and it is sacred. It holds our soul and our history. But loving one language does not mean we must reject another. Speaking English does not dilute your patriotism. It expands your ability to be heard. We are a nation born of many cultures. We speak Malay, Chinese dialects, Tamil, Iban, Kadazan, English, and more. That is not a weakness. In fact, it reflects the very essence of who we are. It shows how truly Malaysian we are diverse, adaptable, and united in our differences. This Merdeka, I raise the Jalur Gemilang as I do every year. I sing 'Negaraku' with my hand on my heart. And I continue teaching English with purpose. Not to Westernise my students, but to equip them with the tools to thrive beyond borders while staying rooted in who they are. That is what it means to be truly Merdeka. To speak without shame. To learn without limits. To grow without fear of being misunderstood. So no, I am not Westernised. I am Malaysian. I am a language lecturer with years of experience and a digital educator who teaches out of love for this country. I believe our young Malaysians should never feel they have to choose between fluency and patriotism. Let them speak with confidence. Let them dream in many languages. Let them rise in every room they enter. Because the world is listening. And it is time Malaysia speaks clearly, proudly, and without shame. ‒ Aug 13, 2025 Shazlin Razak is the English Language Lecturer at the Centre for Foundation Studies in Science (PASUM), Universiti Malaya. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Unsplash/Putra Mahirudin

Not Westernised, just globalised: Speaking English as an ‘Anak Merdeka' — Shazlin Razak
Not Westernised, just globalised: Speaking English as an ‘Anak Merdeka' — Shazlin Razak

Malay Mail

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Not Westernised, just globalised: Speaking English as an ‘Anak Merdeka' — Shazlin Razak

AUGUST 13 — Every time I speak English in public, I feel eyes on me. Some admire. Some judge. Some smile. Others sneer. When I speak it fluently, confidently, without fumbling, the assumption often follows: 'She must think she's more Western than Malaysian.' As a language lecturer with over 15 years of experience and a TikTok content creator under the name Awin Rzk, I often teach my followers how to speak English with a British flair, for fun, for style, for confidence. But some netizens are quick to attack. 'Lupa daratan', they say. 'Tak hargai Bahasa Melayu'. What they fail to see is that I am not promoting arrogance, nor am I dismissing our national language. I am sharing knowledge. I am educating. I am empowering. My content, both online and in the classroom, is born from love. Love for my students, my country, and the belief that Malaysians deserve to be articulate in any room they walk into, whether at home or abroad. That assumption, though quietly harboured, is far too common in our society. And this Merdeka, I feel compelled to speak. Not just as a content creator. Not just as a lecturer. But as a proud 'anak Malaysia'. We are not Westernised for speaking English. We are globalised. And we are free. Independence was never just about driving out foreign powers. It was about reclaiming our right to choose. The right to chart our own path. The right to learn any language, access any knowledge, and express ourselves without fear or shame. So why, after all these years of nationhood, are we still policing how Malaysians speak? Why is fluency in English still met with suspicion, as if it is a sign of betrayal? I do not teach English because I want Malaysians to abandon their roots. I teach it because I want them to rise. I want them to speak at international forums, to publish in global journals, to lead in multinational companies. I want them to sit at the world's table, not quietly in the corner, but with presence, poise, and power. Our students are brilliant. But I have seen too many of them shrink during job interviews or international conferences. Not because they lacked intelligence, but because they lacked confidence in their English. And sometimes, it is not even their fault. It is ours. We made them believe that being too fluent was showing off. That choosing English meant forgetting where they came from. We told them to be proud of being Malaysian, but only if they spoke a certain way. Let me be clear. Bahasa Melayu is our national language, and it is sacred. It holds our soul and our history. But loving one language does not mean we must reject another. Speaking English does not dilute your patriotism. It expands your ability to be heard. We are a nation born of many cultures. We speak Malay, Chinese dialects, Tamil, Iban, Kadazan, English, and more. That is not a weakness. In fact, it reflects the very essence of who we are. It shows how truly Malaysian we are diverse, adaptable, and united in our differences. This Merdeka, I raise the Jalur Gemilang as I do every year. I sing Negaraku with my hand on my heart. And I continue teaching English with purpose. Not to Westernise my students, but to equip them with the tools to thrive beyond borders while staying rooted in who they are. This Merdeka, I raise the Jalur Gemilang as I do every year. I sing Negaraku with my hand on my heart. — Bernama pic That is what it means to be truly Merdeka. To speak without shame. To learn without limits. To grow without fear of being misunderstood. So no, I am not Westernised. I am Malaysian. I am a language lecturer with years of experience and a digital educator who teaches out of love for this country. I believe our young Malaysians should never feel they have to choose between fluency and patriotism. Let them speak with confidence. Let them dream in many languages. Let them rise in every room they enter. Because the world is listening. And it is time Malaysia speaks clearly, proudly, and without shame.

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