ELHAM CASCADING WORKSHOP STRENGTHENS CEFR-ALIGNED ENGLISH LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, 16-18 December 2025 - The English Language Higher Education Assessment in Malaysia (ELHAM) Cascading Workshop was successfully conducted at Universiti Malaya (UM). The three-day programme marked the second ELHAM cascading workshop, following ELHAM 1.0 held at the same university from 1 to 3 October 2025.

The primary objective of the workshop was to train English language educators in applying the ELHAM Assessment Books within Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or CEFR-aligned assessment practices, with a focus on ensuring consistent application across higher education institutions.

The workshop marked the conclusion of a national initiative launched in November 2017 to align English language assessments in Malaysian universities with CEFR, establishing an internationally recognised benchmark for English language proficiency. Through this initiative, ELHAM promotes reliable, fair, and valid assessment practices and guides curriculum development across public and private universities.

The ELHAM project is led by Sasigaran Moneyam of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), in collaboration with member universities nationwide. Professor Dr. Zuraidah Mohd Don serves a pivotal role as Advisor and Lead Consultant for ELHAM, in developing four assessment reference books, each focused-on language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

She expressed hope that these publications would provide valuable insights into the practical application of CEFR standards in English proficiency assessment at the university level.

The workshop featured expert trainers from other institutions, reflecting strong inter-university collaboration. Dr. Fatimah Ali represented UMPSA as a trainer and the author for the Writing component with Associate Professor Dr. Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi in the same expert team. Other trainers included Siti Norzaimalina Abd Majid (Listening), Aisyah Hanum Abu Bakar (Speaking), Nur syafawati Sabuan (Reading), as well as Marziah Ramli and Dr. Umi Kalsom Masrom (Writing).

Through focused training sessions, hands-on discussions, and collaborative activities, participants gained deeper understanding of CEFR-aligned assessment principles and practical strategies for implementation.

The successful completion of the ELHAM Cascading Workshop reinforces Ministry of Higher Education’s commitment to strengthen English language assessment standards and enhancing the global competitiveness of its higher education system.

Prepared by: Siti Norzaimalina Abd Majid & Nur Syafawati Sabuan