Malay Language Choral Speaking and Poetry Programme Ignites Cultural Passion
ALOR SETAR, 16 February 2024 – 183 international students of Albukhary International University (AIU) took part in the Malay Language Choral Speaking and Poetry Programme held on February 14, 2024, at the Auditorium, AIU. The event was part of the Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi II (Malay Language Communication II) Course organized by Dr. Husairi Hussin, the Course Instructor, in collaboration with the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Northern Chapter and the School of Business and Social Sciences (SBSS), AIU.
Dr. Husairi expressed his joy, stating, “I am thrilled that after three months of teaching international students who initially lacked familiarity with the Malay Language, except students from Indonesia and Thailand, they have successfully demonstrated proficiency through choral speaking as anticipated. Even representatives from DBP and members of Angkatan Sasterawan Nasional Kedah (ASASI) who were present at the event expressed pride in the students’ commendable speaking abilities. May the endeavour to promote the Malay language at AIU persist, God willing.”
He added, “We hold the belief that engaging in these activities will encourage international students to utilize the Malay language, thereby nurturing a stronger bond with our language and heritage over time.”
Prof. Dr. Nor Azilah Husin, the Dean of SBSS, remarked, “Mastering the Malay language isn’t intimidating since we utilize the same Roman letters as in English. This similarity significantly facilitates comprehension. Through these activities, the learning journey becomes both easy and enjoyable.”
“Here, we’ve had the chance to fully engage with Malaysian culture through poetry and choral speaking regardless of our nationalities. It’s a fresh and enriching experience for international students,” commented Fatimiyah Abas Abdul Manan Nduen, representing the winning team.
Alongside the group showcases by students, the event featured performances by members of ASASI, including Nur Ameera Nabila Binti Azmi, Farahida Camelia Binti Fadzil, Mohd Faizal Bin Mehat, and Wan Mohammad Taufik bin Wan Mohd Kamal.
Also present were Khairul Anum Mohd Ali, the Deputy Director of DBP Northern Chapter, Zalina Ahmad, the DBP Munsyi (the DBP Language Expert), and Noor Hayati Haya, the School Improvement Specialist Coach (SISC) + Social Science, Kuala Muda/Yan District Education Office, and Abdul Shakur Abdullah, the Director of Corporate Communication and Marketing Department, AIU.
