LANGUAGE LEARNING AND SDGS: INSPIRING CHANGE THROUGH GLOBAL CLASSROOM

29 August 2025 – The Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), successfully held the first session of its Global Classroom (Standard) for ULE1212 Essential English course.  

The two-hour session, conducted from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., featured Associate Professor Dr. Zulfa Sakhiyya from Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia, who delivered a lecture titled “Creating Impact: Using PSA Videos to Promote Sustainable Development Goals.” 

The session was attended by 70 students from sections RE01, RP01, and RP02, who actively participated in the interactive activities and discussions. The students were supervised by three language teachers, namely Rosnani Ismail, Noraisah Nurul Fatwa Mohd Razali, and Nabila Abdul Malek. 

Dr. Zulfa emphasised the importance of English as a global language that opens access to knowledge, empowers individuals, and creates economic opportunities. She encouraged students to reflect on their own motivations for learning English and to consider how they can become impactful learners, not only for personal growth but also for their communities. 

The session introduced students to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the role of digital storytelling, particularly Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos, in raising awareness and inspiring change.  

Students were guided to think critically about how language and media can work together to communicate powerful messages on issues such as education, gender equality, and sustainable development. 

Interactive activities using online tools such as menti.com allowed students to share their ideas and discuss challenges in learning English. The high level of engagement reflected UMPSA’s aim of combining language learning with real-world issues, encouraging students to apply their communication skills beyond the classroom. 

This session contributed to part of the students’ course assessment, where they will develop PSA projects to demonstrate their understanding of both the SDGs and effective communication strategies.  

This Global Classroom session thus provided a valuable platform for students to strengthen their English proficiency while cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness. 

Prepared by: Rosnani Ismail, Noraisah Nurul Fatwa Mohd Razali & Nabila Abdul Malek