RCP 2025: CULTIVATING YOUNG MINDS
PEKAN, 12 September 2025 - The grand closing ceremony of the Reading Circle Programme (RCP) 2025 brought together a vibrant gathering of students, educators, and committee members at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), celebrating another milestone in cultivating a strong reading culture on campus.
Organised by the Centre for Modern Languages (CML), the programme has grown into one of UMPSA’s flagship initiatives for enhancing English proficiency and fostering the joy of reading among diploma students.
This year’s edition saw an impressive participation of 620 first-semester diploma students from both Pekan and Gambang campuses, a testament to the programme’s continued relevance and appeal. Students engaged in small group discussions, interactive reading sessions, and peer-sharing activities designed to sharpen critical thinking and communication skills while deepening their appreciation for English texts.
In her speech, Professor Datin Ts. Dr. Mimi Sakinah binti Abdul Munaim, the Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic & International (Internationalisation), reminded students that reading is more than an academic exercise. “Reading is about seeking knowledge, discovering meaning, and developing a better understanding of the world. A strong reading culture supports academic achievement and prepares our graduates to compete globally,” she said.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Zuraina binti Ali, the Dean of the Centre for Modern Languages, expressed her gratitude to the dedicated language teachers, committee members, and students who made the programme a success. “The Reading Circle is not just an activity, it is a movement. It represents UMPSA’s mission of producing academically competent, innovative, and socially responsible graduates. We hope this programme inspires our students to carry the reading habit into their personal and professional lives,” she shared.
Looking ahead, CML announced that more interactive and future-focused programmes will be introduced, including Digital Reading Circles, Thematic Reading Weeks, and Community Sharing Sessions, that extend beyond the campus to local schools and communities. These upcoming initiatives will not only support UMPSA’s academic goals but also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The ceremony concluded with a call for students to remain committed to reading as a lifelong pursuit. The energy in the room, however, suggested that this is only the beginning. As the curtain fell on RCP 2025, one thing was clear: the Reading Circle has become more than just a university programme. It has become a tradition of intellectual curiosity and community spirit that UMPSA is determined to carry forward for years to come.
Prepared by: Noraisah Nurul Fatwa Mohd Razali & Rosnani Ismail