UMPSA STUDENTS DRIVE MARINE AWARENESS THROUGH CREATIVE ENGLISH SULAM PROJECT
PORT DICKSON, 10 June 2025 – The implementation of the Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) initiative under the supervision of the Centre for Modern Languages (CML) through the project Public Service Announcement Videos of Ornamental Fish for Global Engagement was successfully carried out in close collaboration with the Port Dickson Ornamental Fish Centre. A total of 29 students from the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, pursuing the Bachelor of Building Construction Technology with Honours and enrolled in the Essential English course (ULE1352), took part in the project. They were guided and mentored by several staff members from the English Language Division, including senior lecturers and senior English language instructors such as Dr. Fatimah Ali, Associate Professor Dr. Hafizoah Kassim, Nur Syafawati Sabuan, Arulselvi Uthayakumaran, Norsuhardiliana Sahar, and Aisyah Hanum Abu Bakar.
The core focus of this project was to highlight the role of ornamental fish centres managed by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, which are dedicated to research, conservation, and public engagement relating to ornamental fish species. These institutional efforts align with both national and global priorities to preserve aquatic life. One of the main challenges these centres face is the general lack of public awareness, particularly concerning conservation agendas and fishery protection efforts aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 – Life Below Water. Through the SULAM programme, students were able to raise their own awareness and extend this knowledge to the wider community about the initiatives carried out by these government agencies.
The implementation of this project through Advocacy SULAM under the Essential English course aimed to connect the ULE1352 syllabus with experiential learning, promote knowledge transfer and awareness of aquatic life, empower students with media production and community outreach skills, contribute to SDG 14, Life Below Water, and integrate social innovation with academic excellence.
Students were exposed to skills such as discussion techniques, SDG principles, the production of Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos, and elements of literature to support the execution of the programme. The knowledge-sharing concept was also put into practice, where students developed storyboards for PSA video content to be shared with the participating government agency. In addition, the main output of the project was the students’ production of PSA videos focused on the importance of marine conservation. These creative works will be compiled and shared with the Port Dickson Ornamental Fish Centre as a symbolic gesture of the collaboration and partnership forged with the CML.
This successful first initiative by the CML in implementing SULAM project reflects the perseverance and dedication of UMPSA staff, and it proudly places the name of this technical university beyond the borders of Pahang Darul Makmur.
Prepared by: Nur syafawati Sabuan, Associate Professor Dr. Hafizoah Kassim and Dr. Fatimah Ali