Latest news with #TESL


The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Nur Syafienaz makes history as first Orang Asli in TESL at IPG Kota Bharu
KOTA BHARU: Nur Syafienaz Nazri, an 18-year-old from the Temiar tribe, has become the first Orang Asli student to study Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Kota Bharu. The Gua Musang native, who hails from Kampung Lambok, Kuala Betis, aims to use education as a tool to transform her family's future. 'Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, especially in English, as few in my village master the language,' she said. She scored 8As in her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) last year and immediately applied to IPG. 'Alhamdulillah, my application was accepted,' she shared during a press meet at the IPG Kota Bharu Campus in Pengkalan Chepa. The eldest of four siblings, she credits her English proficiency to self-learning via TikTok and YouTube, along with teacher support. 'I am grateful to pursue a Bachelor of Teaching (Hons) in TESL for Primary Education here,' she added. She urged other Orang Asli youth to embrace education and step out of their comfort zones. Her mother, Siti Norsyakila Kamarzaman, hopes she adapts well and excels in her studies. IPG Kota Bharu Campus director Dr Narita Mohd Noor confirmed Nur Syafienaz is the first Orang Asli student in the TESL programme. 'This is remarkable, as English is rarely chosen by Orang Asli students, who typically prefer Bahasa Melayu,' she said. This year, IPG Kota Bharu enrolled 529 new students, a significant increase from just over 200 in 2024. - Bernama


The Star
27-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
UKM doctoral student bags award
Emerging talent: Nurin Erdiani (centre) with her award, flanked by Common Ground Research Networks director Prof Bill Cope (left) and Prof Mary Kalantzis – both professors at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. ACADEMIC writing, a key component of higher education, can be challenging for students. With changing times, educators teaching these skills to tertiary students also need to evolve their methods. According to Nurin Erdiani Mhd Fadzil, a PhD student in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), educators can incorporate six key complementary constructs into their teaching: artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, typography and layout design, aesthetic value, contextual signals, and writing coherence. These constructs form part of the multimodal learning framework she developed for teaching academic writing in English as a Second Language (ESL) specifically for university students – the focus of her PhD research. Nurin Erdiani recently presented her research at the Twenty-First International Conference on Technology, Knowledge and Society 2025 in Taiwan, where she was among five outstanding early-career scholars and graduate students to receive the Emerging Scholar Award. The award, presented by Common Ground Research Networks based in Illinois, United States, recognises young scholars who demonstrate academic excellence, research dedication and significant potential to shape the future of knowledge and technology. Other recipients this year include representatives from institutions such as the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, the Ontario College of Art and Design University, Canada, the National University of Singapore, and the University of the Pacific, San Francisco, US. Nurin Erdiani explained that the main objective of the framework is to offer a more holistic, interactive and relevant pedagogical approach that meets the needs of 21st-century learners. 'This approach is designed to make the teaching of academic writing more contextual, engaging, and aligned with today's learning realities. 'By combining elements of AI, digital technology, and multimodal communication – such as visuals, typography and contextual cues – students can develop a deeper understanding not only of the content but also of how it is delivered. 'For educators, the framework serves as a practical and flexible guide for designing writing assignments that are more creative, responsive, and focused on fostering coherence and aesthetic value in students' writing,' she said in a press release dated July 8. Nurin Erdiani added that her study opens new avenues for the ethical integration of AI in the classroom, such as using AI-powered idea generators or self-assessment tools to increase student engagement and expedite feedback processes. 'This award has given me a huge motivation boost to continue contributing to research and educational innovation. 'It encourages me to stay active in academia, especially in exploring the potential of technologies like AI in language pedagogy. 'It also expands my global research network and opens up opportunities for cross-institutional academic collaboration. 'Overall, it strengthens my direction as a young researcher aiming to impact future educational policies and practices,' she said.


Daily Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
‘Master English to gain from tourism' advice
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 By: R Gonzales Text Size: Joniston (front row, 2nd from left) George (front row, left), teachers and students at the launch of English Literacy Programme. KIULU: Rural youths have been encouraged to master the English language to capitalise on opportunities in the tourism sector as a platform for building future careers. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the English language proficiency is an important skill to help rural students thrive in the modern era, especially as community-based tourism gains popularity with more domestic and international visitors flocking to rural areas like Kiulu. 'This advantage can create job opportunities for local youth to become tour guides and interact personally with tourists while showcasing village life,' he said at the launch of the English Literacy Programme for Rural Students at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens on Monday. Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman, pointed out Kiulu's growing potential as a summer camp destination for international students, making the English language communication increasingly valuable for the younger generation. The Kiulu Assemblyman noted that most companies now conduct official business in the English language, including writing emails, preparing contracts and handling important documents, while government agencies like the STB use the English language in daily communications, especially when dealing with international networks. He reminded students that the English language skills are typically listed as requirements in job applications, giving those with good English proficiency a competitive advantage in the job market. 'I strongly encourage Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) trainers and teachers to play active roles in this programme as their contributions can make a real difference in developing confident English language speakers in our rural schools,' Joniston added. The English Literacy Programme for Rural Students involves over 100 Form Three and Four students, funded by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (KKRC) and conducted by TESL trainers and teachers from Universiti Malaysia Sabah. KKRC President Datuk George Taitim Tulas said the club would continue supporting capacity-building programmes as part of community economic empowerment efforts, particularly in rural areas. SMK Tun Fuad Stephens senior assistant principal Ismail Haji Mat was also present. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


The Star
08-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Shaping tomorrow's leaders in communication
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@ to learn more about scholarships and entry requirements.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ETFs to Ride on Tesla's Renewed Growth Story
Despite weak quarterly earnings, Tesla TSLA has been riding higher on optimism over the launch of robotaxis and Musk's promise to refocus on his business (read: Should You Buy Tesla ETFs Post Q1 Earnings Miss?). Investors can capitalize on the potential growth with ETFs having a substantial allocation to this luxury carmaker. These include Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF TESL, The Nightview Fund NITE, Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund XLY, Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF VCR and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF FDIS. According to a Bloomberg report, Tesla plans to launch its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, TX, on June 12. The news marks a key milestone in CEO Elon Musk's strategy to transition Tesla toward autonomous driving and artificial intelligence. The launch date is still tentative and subject to internal review but it aligns with Musk's earlier statements that the service would debut by the end of has successfully completed a driverless test drive of a Model Y SUV on public roads in Austin, marking a significant milestone as the company prepares to launch its robotaxi service. Elon Musk announced his departure from his advisory role in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This move signals Musk's renewed focus on Tesla amid recent challenges. Investors are optimistic that his full attention will drive innovation and address the company's recent hurdles, including declining sales and production issues. Beyond electric vehicles, Tesla is investing heavily in AI and humanoid robotics—areas Elon Musk believes could redefine the company's future value. While these initiatives are promising, they remain highly speculative, and many investors are holding out for more concrete progress before fully committing. Tesla reported dismal first-quarter 2025 results, missing estimates for earnings and revenues. Adjusted earnings per share came in at 27 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 44 cents and deteriorating 71% from the year-ago earnings. This marked the sixth earnings miss in the last seven quarters. Revenues dropped 9% year over year to $19.3 billion and fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $20.98 billion. The big miss was attributable to the automaker's brand crisis amid waves of protests, boycotts and criminal acts in response to CEO Elon Musk's political antics and work in the Trump administration. Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF (TESL) Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF uses an active management strategy to capture the potential of Tesla's stock price movements while implementing an advanced options overlay to manage downside risks. It has an expense ratio of 1.20% and AUM of $31.9 million. TESL trades in volume of 34,000 shares per day on average (read: Best-Performing ETFs of Last Week). The Nightview Fund (NITE)The Nightview Fund is an actively managed fund seeking long-term capital appreciation with the goal of outperforming the S&P 500 Total Return Index over a rolling 5-year period. It holds 19 stocks in its basket, with Tesla occupying the top position at 22.2% of its assets. The Nightview Fund charges 1.25% in annual fees and trades in an average daily volume of 2,000 shares. It has accumulated $25 million in its asset Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY)Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund offers exposure to the broad consumer discretionary space by tracking the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index. Holding 51 securities in its basket, Tesla takes the second spot with 18.7% of the assets. Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund is the largest and most popular product in this space, with AUM of $21.7 billion and charges 8 bps in annual fees. It trades in an average daily volume of 3.5 million shares and has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 (Hold) with a Medium risk outlook (read: Consumer Confidence Surges in May: ETFs to Gain).Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR)Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF currently follows the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Discretionary 25/50 Index and holds 292 stocks in its basket. Of these, Tesla occupies the second position with a 14.3% allocation. Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF charges investors 9 bps in annual fees, whereas volume is good at nearly 60,000 shares a day. The product has managed about $6 billion in its asset base and carries a Zacks ETF Rank #3 with a Medium risk MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (FDIS)Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF tracks the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Discretionary Index, holding 262 stocks in its basket. Of these, TSLA takes the second spot with a 14.7% share. Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF has amassed $1.8 billion in its asset base while trading in a good volume of around 165,000 shares a day on average. Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF charges 8 bps in annual fees from investors and has a Zacks ETF Rank #4 (Sell) with a Medium risk outlook. Tesla's robotaxi initiative is progressing more quickly than anticipated, with near-term testing and self-delivery milestones acting as catalysts. Combined with Musk's re-dedicated leadership and a long-term vision rooted in autonomy and AI, Tesla appears poised to solidify its position at the forefront of the next automotive revolution. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY): ETF Research Reports Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR): ETF Research Reports Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (FDIS): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data