CML CELEBRATES MALAYSIAN HEROES AT “SPEAK UP!” 2024
Gambang, 20 September 2024 - A two-day event “Speak Up!”, was successfully held on 18 and 19 September 2024, aimed at improving the communication skills of personnel from the 4th Brigade Headquarters (Mechanize), Kuantan Air Base, and Naval Region 1 Headquarters. This comprehensive program focused on enhancing both verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as fostering confidence among participants.
The event, organised as part of Malaysia Day celebrations, brought together over 88 troops from the three military units. This year marks the fifth collaboration between Community Services Unit of Centre for Modern Languages (CML) with the troops. “Speak Up!” 2024 featured a series of interactive workshops and communication input designed to develop clear and effective communication which essential for both military operations and day-to-day tasks.
Some of the featured are ice-breaking session, conversational skills, impromptu speech, and presentation skills led by CML expert trainers respectively: Nur syafawati Sabuan, Siti Nurzaimalina Abd Majid, Dr. Ezihaslinda Ngah, and Dr. Azwin Arif. The trainers were assisted by dedicated facilitators: Dr. Mohammad Musab Azmat Ali, Dr. Nor Yazi Khamis, Khairul Amri Abdul Aziz, Abdul Jalil Abdul Rahim, Nur Anisnabila Dianah, Wan Noor Farah Wan Shamsuddin, Zarina Mohd Ali, Nurkarimah Yusof, Arulselvi Uthayakumaran, Rosnani Ismail, Hamizah Zahari, and Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan. This event will also not be made possible without the assistance of the committee members: Kang Mei Feng, Syahrina Ahmad, Mardhiyyah Zamani, Azlina Mohd Ariffin, Farah Hanan Aminallah, and Suriayati Mohd Sidek.
Throughout the event, expert trainers conducted sessions on various aspects of communication, including practicing conversational starters, reading non-verbal cues, and playing many game stations. The highlight of “Speak Up!” was a group presentation segment where participants showcased their original poem based on their interpretation of Malaysia Day. Representatives from each military unit recited their poems and engaged in collaborative discussions, demonstrating their growth in both confidence and clarity of expression.
Lieutenant Faris Syahmi from the Naval Region 1 Headquarters remarked on the significance of such event in his speech during the closing ceremony. “This event has been a valuable experience for the troops. Effective communication is a critical part of our teamwork, especially when working across different units. Speak Up has strengthened our ability to communicate effectively.”
The closing ceremony also attended by the Head of Department of English Language division, Dr. Umi Kalsom Masrom who delivered token of appreciation to outstanding participants and best group from the event. “Speak Up!” is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement in the armed forces. The “Speak Up!” initiative was hailed as a success, with many participants expressing enthusiasm for future sessions to build on the skills learned. The event marks a significant step towards fostering a more communicative and cohesive military force in Malaysia.
Prepared by: Wan Noor Farah Wan Shamsuddin, Dr. Nor Yazi Khamis, Dr. Azwin Arif Abdul Rahim, Nur syafawati Sabuan & Suriayati Mohd Sidek
