UMPSA STUDENTS GEAR UP FOR THE DEMANDS OF A GLOBAL WORKFORCE THROUGH STANDARD GLOBAL CLASSROOM SESSION

4 June 2025 – In the move to equip students with essential professional communication skills, the Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) successfully organised a Standard Global Classroom session on this date. The virtual event, held via Microsoft Teams, attracted the participation of over 120 students from various Diploma and Degree programmes enrolled in ULE2232 and ULE2342 - English for Professional Communication courses. 

Themed “Cross-Cultural Meeting Skills: What Do You Need to Know?”, the session featured Mohd Nokasimaazmi Safa’i, a Senior Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Officer at Qatar Energy – one of the top 10 listed companies in Qatar, according to Forbes. With a wealth of experience in the oil and gas sector, the invited speaker shared practical insights into conducting communication in multicultural and international work environments. 

“Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Seek job opportunities abroad, broaden your perspectives, and use platforms like LinkedIn to build meaningful connections,” he advised during the session. He further highlighted that, “Networking is no longer optional; it is essential for career progression in today’s competitive job market.” 

Additionally, his talk offered a realistic sight into the expectations of employers in global industries. Topics discussed included understanding cultural differences, managing conflicts that arise from physical meetings, and demonstrating cultural awareness in diverse teams. 

Instructor Hamizah Zahari, emphasised the relevance of cultural awareness in professional communication. “Being fluent in English is just one part of the matter. Knowing how to adapt your communication style to different cultural contexts is what truly sets professionals apart in the workplace.” 

Demonstrating student leadership and commitment, the session was moderated by Siti Nur Ain Abdul Razak, a second-year Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics Engineering Technology from UMPSA. Her moderation ensured a smooth flow and interactive discussion throughout the two-hour session. 

The Standard Global Classroom is part of UMPSA’s commitment to bridging academic learning with global industry expectations. As businesses increasingly operate across borders, the session highlighted the growing need for graduates who are not only proficient in languages, but also culturally intelligent and globally connected. 

The employment landscape is evolving on a great speed and the Centre for Modern Languages is committed to delivering high-impact learning experiences that align with the current needs of industry, preparing UMPSA students to excel in the industry. 

Prepared by: Hamizah Zahari & Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan