KOTA SAMARAHAN: Eighty primary school children took part in #UNIMASEDGE which was launched at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) here yesterday.
Initiated by the university’s Faculty of Language Studies and Communication Studies, the ‘EDGE’ in #UNIMASEDGE stands for ‘Empowering Diversity through Goal-oriented Engagements’.
It is a signature programme that is designed to increase the use of the English language in the university and its surrounding communities.
According to Unimas Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Professor Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman, who was represented and had his text speech read by the faculty’s Dean Professor Ambigapathy Pandian, said that he wants the programme to reflect the role as a public university and aspirations in relation to the development of the English language in the state.
“It expresses our aim and commitment to make the English language usage more accessible not just within the university, but also to the communities surrounding it.
“It is also geared towards becoming a platform for students and academics to share their experiences, knowledge, and skills.
“These aspects would in turn be used to empower the diverse communities in Sarawak via meaningful projects and activities,” he said.
In addition to that, the university’s undergraduate students will also take part in the programme as by helping out in it, they will gain real-world training and experiences.
“On top of enhancing their leadership skills and proficiency in English, the exposure that they obtain would also improve their critical-thinking abilities as well as inculcate the value of volunteerism among them,” he said.
