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Oleh: Izzul Azzany bin Marzuki Surabaya: Melalui Program Mobiliti Menyelam Budaya, Merentas Nusantara ke Universitas Negeri Surabaya, seramai 8 orang pensyarah dan 10 orang pelajar Kulliyyah Pelancongan Mampan dan Bahasa Kontemporari (KSCTL) telah menyertai program silang budaya dan khidmat masyarakat di SMP Labschool UNESA 3, Surabaya. Program ini merupakan inisiatif untuk memperkenalkan permainan tradisional Melayu kepada pelajar-pelajar terpilih di SMP Labschool UNESA 3. Objektif utama program ini adalah untuk menyemai kesedaran budaya serumpun dan memperkukuh nilai warisan budaya Melayu dalam kalangan pelajar SMP Labschool UNESA 3 dengan cara yang tidak formal agar program ini menyeronokkan dan mampu memberikanmemori yang indah kepada mereka yang terlibat. Menurut Dian Hijrah Saputra, Kepala Sekolah SMP Labschool UNESA 3, pihak sekolahamat berbesar hati dan mengalu-alukan kunjungan pensyarah dan pelajar UIAM Pagoh dalam pelaksanaan program silang budaya untuk memperkenalkan permainan tradisional Melayu. Tambah beliau, pihak sekolah berharap program ini akan menjalinkan hubungan yang lebih akrab antara dua pihak dan berharap agar kerjasama ini tidak terhenti pada hari inisemata-mata, sebaliknya berterusan pada masa akan datang. Seterusnya, terdapat beberapa permainan tradisional telah diperkenalkan kepada pelajar SMP Labschool UNESA 3, iaitu Ceper, Batu Seremban, Lempar Selipar dan Galah Panjang. Permainan ini sering kali dilihat dimainkan oleh masyarakat Melayu khususnya golongan kanak-kanak sewaktu masa lapang. Tambahan pula, permainan yang diperkenalkan ini tampak memberikan impak yang positif kerana disambut baik oleh pelajar sekolah tersebut. Pelajar berminat untuk mempelajari cara bermain yang betul dan bergelak tawa bersama sama kerana keseronokan bermain permainan tersebut. Seorang pelajar UIAM Pagoh menyatakan keterujaannya, “saya berasa sangat gembira kerana dapat memperkenalkan budaya Melayu kepada pelajar di sekolah ini, dan saya lihat mereka amat berminat untuk mengenali budaya Melayu dengan lebih mendalam.” Wakil pelajar UIAM Pagoh membimbing pelajar SMP dalam permainan Ceper, membuka ruang interaksi budaya secara santai dan menyeronokkan. Di samping itu, program ini turut menjadi platform bagi menonjolkan persamaan budaya serumpun antara Malaysia dan Indonesia yang berkongsi akar warisan khususnya dalam permainan rakyat. Program ini wajar untuk diteruskan agar warisan permainan Melayu tidak pupus ditelan zaman, sebaliknya terus hidup dalam diri generasi muda serantau. Program ini juga menjadi titik tolak kepada hubungan kerjasama pendidikan dan budaya antara dua negara yang akrab dan mempunyai persamaan dari segi sejarah, bahasa dan juga identiti. Melalui usaha kecil ini, akar budaya Melayu terus disemai di tanah serumpun,mengukuhkan jati diri dan jalinan Nusantara.

Hotel Putra Brasmana, Kuala Perlis – 26 February 2025 The event hall of Hotel Putra Brasmana came alive with laughter, learning, and lively discussions as 35 administrative staff from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ) gathered for the “English for the Workplace” workshop. A collaborative event between UniSIRAJ (formerly known as KUIPS) and the Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages (KSTCL), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), the event left participants not only more confident in their writing but also more connected to their roles and each other. Delivered by a dynamic team of language and communication experts from the Department of English Language, KSTCL —Dr. Shahrul Nizam bin Mohd Basari, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Afiza binti Mohamad Ali, and Dr. Al Amirul Eimer bin Ramdzan Ali—the workshop was designed to build practical English writing skills,  relevant to the workplace scenario in the current technology era. Funded by the Jamalullail Research Grant Scheme (JRGS 4.0), the session forms part of a year-long initiative to uplift communication standards among UniSIRAJ administrative officers​. Structured into highly interactive segments—including Introduction to Workplace Writing, a Needs Assessment, and Writing Formal Emails—the half-day workshop successfully merged practical instruction with  lively peer engagement activities​. But what took the facilitators by surprise was the overwhelming energy and active participation during the Needs Assessment session. “We expected a simple feedback round,” shared Dr. Shahrul, “but it turned into a passionate discussion. Participants not only voiced their struggles with workplace English but also suggested meaningful solutions. The openness and eagerness to learn exceeded our expectations. Most importantly, their basic use of English was commendable too.” That energy translated into glowing reviews from attendees. One participant wrote, “This was a very impactful workshop. I’ve learned so much about improving my email writing and professional tone.” Another said, “Please hold a second series—I’ll definitely register again!” Notably, a common theme in the feedback was the strong preference for face-to-face sessions. “The interaction really motivated me. I hope more workshops will be done in person like this—much better than online!”This sentiment was echoed by several others, suggesting that the physical environment encouraged more open sharing and real-time learning and communication—a crucial element for language skill development​. Organized by UNISIRAJ’s Human Resource Department, the programme clearly resonated with the attendees, many of whom left inspired and empowered to improve their workplace communication as the university aims to  gain better credibility in its internationalization efforts which include dealing with PhD students from overseas. The facilitators now plan to take this valuable feedback into account as they design future workshops and workable modules in the series. More in-person sessions, deeper content, and longer durations are likely on the horizon. As the English Writing for the Workplace Workshop series continues, one thing is clear: when learning is interactive, relevant, and personal, the results are not just measurable—they’re transformative and exciting! Reported byAP Dr Afiza Mohamad Ali,Research Team Member.11/4/2025

Written by Toasty Bite, Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages (KSTCL), IIUM Pagoh campus 26 December 2024 KANGAR, 20 December 2024: A groundbreaking initiative, A Persuasive Strategy Workshop was organized by IIUM Pagoh, in collaboration with Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ). The workshop was fully sponsored under the Jamalullail Responsible Research Grant Scheme (JRRGS) 4.0, awarded by Majlis Agama Dan Istiadat Melayu Perlis (MAIPs). Held at the serene campus of UNISIRAJ in Pauh, Perlis which was previously known as Kolej Universiti Islam Perlis (KUIPs), the dynamic one-day workshop aimed at empowering UniSIRAJ students and MAIPs staff with the skills to speak persuasively and influence effectively in both personal and professional settings. With a focus on Islamic principles from Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah, the workshop went beyond theoretical knowledge. It provided participants with practical skills of using persuasive strategies to inspire others to embrace and live by Islamic values. Experts Guidance and Interactive Learning The workshop featured insightful sessions led by Dr. Lilisuriani Binti Abdul Latif @ Bapoo and Dr. Azean Idruwani Binti Idrus, esteemed lecturers from the Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages, IIUM Pagoh. The program explored key aspects of persuasion, including its fundamentals, its roles in daily life, and the language involved in persuasive communications. Interactive activities designed by a team of six facilitators, young entrepreneurs from Toasty Bite (KSTCL), added an engaging element to the event. These activities included icebreakers and a pitching competition which was infused with Islamic values. In the workshop, participants got to listen to two short lectures, discuss what had been taught in small groups and tried to craft and deliver persuasive pitches. Through hands-on sessions and constructive feedback, attendees gained confidence and built their persuasive speaking skills in English. By the end of the workshop, participants showcased notable progress where they presented refined and compelling pitches that impressed judges and peers alike. A Diverse Group of Participants A distinctive aspect of this workshop was its diverse group of participants, primarily international students from Nigeria, the Philippines, and Indonesia along with some Malaysian students. Despite the limited Malay language they have, the international students actively engaged with the content, often using Malay phrases like “bagus” and “mantap” to express their understanding, which added a lighthearted and enthusiastic atmosphere. The facilitators played a key role in guiding participants through persuasive techniques, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging critical thinking, navigating them to refine their skills. Positive Feedback and Lasting Impact Despite the workshop’s brevity, the positive feedback from participants was overwhelming. One participant, reflecting on the transformative workshop, passionately suggested that such programs should be held regularly, as well as at various institutions to encourage continuous learning. Another powerful takeaway was a quote from Dr. Lili: “We persuade because there is a problem.” This simple yet profound statement reinforced the idea that effective persuasion starts with understanding and addressing real-world issues. Certainly, feedback from the Persuasive Strategy Workshop affirmed its success, with participants gaining not only new skills but also the confidence to apply them ethically and effectively. For the facilitators, the workshop was a transformative experience that reaffirmed the importance of communication, leadership, and the ability to inspire others. The team expressed optimism about how the persuasive strategies shared during the program would empower participants in their future persuasive speech construction to discuss and solve problems.

By Dr. Nonglaksana Kama

By Dr. Nonglaksana Kama Click her for Istidamah Colloquium No.5/ 2024 Click here for The Malay Heritage Magazine Click her for the E-Magazine Saji Tradisi Melayu Click here for song Nasi Goreng Bubur Kacang by P. Ramlee Click her for the MFHB Flagship montage

By Dr. Nonglaksana Kama