Kuala Lumpur, 24th January: Professor Ros Richards, the Director of the International Study and Language Centre, and Professor Steven Mithen, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International and External Engagement), University of Reading, United Kingdom were here on a visit to discuss possible areas of collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, specifically, with the Language Academy.
The two-hour-meeting were attended by Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Azraai bin Kassim, UTM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Associate Professor Dr. Mohd. Ismail bin Abd. Aziz, the Director of the Office of International Affairs, Associate Professor Dr. Masputeriah Hamzah, the Deputy Director (Corporate Affairs and Branding), and members of the Language Academy, began with a presentation by Associate Professor Dr. Noor Abidah Mohd. Omar, Director of Language Academy on programmes offered by the Language Academy, followed by presentations by Prof. Steven Mithen and Professor Ros Richards.
Among the areas discussed was UTM Test of English Communications Skills for Graduating students (TECS). Initially the test which was first approved on 21 May 2008 was an option for year 3 and final year students. In December 8, 2010 the senate made TECS compulsory for all full-time bachelor degree students for the purpose of quality assurance as a world class university and enhancement of marketability of UTM graduates. Reading suggested their staff observe the conduct of tests and provide feedback on the written and oral test implemented.
A joint collaboration will be initiated conducted on research into test for the workplace to measure university graduates’ readiness to communicate in English at the workplace to enhance global or international mobility of graduates from UTM and University of Reading. It was also suggested that staff of University of Reading be appointed as Visiting Professors at Language Academy (LA). In this capacity, the appointed staff is expected, among others, to sit on the Curriculum Development Committee for the English language courses offered by LA, to teach on certain courses and to conduct teaching and learning workshops.
UTM is considering making University of Reading as one of the Global Outreach Programme (GOP) destinations for. University of Reading is interested in adopting the same facility for students of Reading University to UTM. To further increase inbound international students to UTM, University of Reading was also encouraged to send students to attend the various Summer School programmes offered by UTMSPACE.
There is also a possibility of students exchange between UTM BEd. TESL students (Faculty of Education) and TESOL students of Reading. More discussions on the possible credited courses which students of both institutions could attend to fulfill the requirements of the different programmes.
Developing a staff exchange programme for those teaching the pre-sessional and in-sessional courses for International students. As University of Reading has vast experience in offering these courses for its international students, such an experience would benefit UTM. It was also suggested that University of Reading staff be appointed to teach on the courses conducted in UTM for capacity building.