KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) board of directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie has proposed that the university’s Faculty of Languages and Communications (FBK) undertake research collaborations (internally and externally) involving the use of technology to create applications in the use of language learning.
He said in his speech at the recent FBK Open Day that technology could be a powerful agent in the education system as it enhanced student intelligence and created holistic high-level thinking.
At the same time, FBK dean Prof Dr Ambigapathy Pandian said the faculty was committed to preserving the languages available throughout the country while upholding Bahasa Melayu as the national language and strengthening the use of English as the language of knowledge.
“Ethnic languages, especially in Sarawak should also be preserved and given attention in maintaining the identities and local knowledge. Thus, FBK has offered some ethnic/Borneo language courses such as the Sarawak Malay dialect, Iban, Bidayuh and Melanau languages,” he explained.
In addition, he said offering third language courses such as Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese and French was also seen as an opportunity to increase students’ marketability in the working world.
Themed “Kelestarian Bahasa”, the activities held during the two-day event included book exhibitions and exhibitions of research posters, book sales, cultural activities, traditional games, storytelling competitions, berpantun (rhyming verses), public speaking, talks on MUET paper answering techniques as well as motivational sessions for SPM students.
The highlight was ‘Syarahan Perdana’ with Datuk Seri A. Samad Said.
Also present was Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi.
