UMPSA STRENGTHENS ENGLISH COMPETENCY THROUGH THE UMPSA ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST (UMPSA-EPT)
PEKAN, 16 July 2026 – Recognising that effective communication is a cornerstone of professional excellence, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to invest in the English language development of its workforce through the UMPSA English Proficiency Test (UMPSA-EPT) 2026.
Jointly organised by the English Proficiency Test (EPT) Team under the Competency Unit, Centre for Modern Languages (CML) and the Centre for Talent Management, Registrar’s Department, the programme serves as a strategic initiative to equip newly appointed permanent staff with the language competencies required to thrive in an increasingly global and interconnected workplace. The UMPSA-EPT is a compulsory requirement for the confirmation of appointment of all newly appointed permanent staff at the university. Under the university's competency requirements, academic staff must achieve Band 6. In contrast, staff in the management and professional group must achieve Band 5, reflecting UMPSA's commitment to maintaining high standards of communication and professionalism across its academic and administrative community. This proficiency test was first developed in 2012 and has since been further enriched by the committed language instructors to ensure its significant relevance. This in-house examination is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of this institution in empowering diversified language capabilities for the parties involved.
Held from 13 to 16 July 2026 at the Centre for Digital Technology (DiTec), UMPSA Pekan, the programme began with a comprehensive three-day preparatory course, followed by the UMPSA-EPT examination on the final day. Participants attended intensive sessions covering the three core components of the written assessment: Reading, Writing, and Grammar, to strengthen their language proficiency and examination readiness. The course also highlighted the expertise of CML's English language instructors, who guided participants through intensive sessions designed to strengthen their language proficiency and examination readiness. The Reading modules were conducted by Ms. Rosnani Ismail and Ms. Azimah Ahmad Zaki, while Ms. Nur Syafawati Sabuan and Ms. Nurkarimah Yusof facilitated the Writing modules. The Grammar sessions were delivered by Ms. Nor Suhardiliana Sahar and Ms. Nurul Nadia Muhammad, equipping participants with practical strategies and reinforcing their confidence before sitting for the UMPSA-EPT examination.
More than a preparatory course and examination, the UMPSA-EPT programme reflects CML's ongoing commitment to nurturing a culture of continuous learning and lifelong professional development within the university. By leveraging the expertise of its academic staff, CML continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing English language competency among UMPSA employees while supporting the university's aspiration to produce globally competent professionals.
As the saying goes, "Language is the bridge that connects knowledge with opportunity." Through initiatives such as the UMPSA-EPT, UMPSA continues to empower its staff with the communication skills needed to excel in their respective roles, contribute effectively to the university community, and engage confidently on the international stage.
Prepared by: Nur Anisnabila Dianah, Nur Syafawati Sabuan