JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 22 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Department of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) (JTNCPI) in collaboration with the Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), successfully organised a one-day Language Camp under the Rocket to Fluency community service initiative. The camp, themed “Book/Movie Character,” was held at Le Grandeur Palm Resort, Senai.

Guided by the motto “Ace Your English, Communicate with Ease,” the Rocket to Fluency program reflects UTM’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) through inclusive and impactful education. The initiative empowers members of the UTM community by enhancing English language proficiency, communication confidence, and lifelong learning skills.

The program is delivered through four structured subprograms designed for different community segments: Language Academy Young Scholars (LAYS) for primary school pupils, Mastering the Art of Public Speaking (MAPS) for secondary school students, MUET Preparatory Workshop (MPW) for tertiary students and university staff, and Work Talk Mastery (WTM) for UTM support staff. Conducted multiple times throughout the year, these subprograms address diverse communication needs across academic and professional contexts.

Across all subprograms, participants demonstrated positive learning outcomes, including improved language use, confidence, and communication effectiveness. The LAYS program employed creative, hands-on approaches such as storytelling and role-play to encourage active language use among young learners. MAPS participants showed marked improvement in public speaking confidence, MPW participants reported increased readiness for the MUET examination, and WTM participants gained practical strategies for effective workplace communication.

The Language Camp served as the culminating platform for the initiative, showcasing participants’ progress through engaging and interactive activities. Highlights included Readers’ Theatre performances by LAYS participants, interactive language games, and a competitive exhibition featuring creative projects and presentations from all subprograms, demonstrating practical application of newly acquired language skills. The closing ceremony was emceed by two MAPS participants, reflecting the program’s success in fostering confidence, leadership, and communication competence.

An award presentation ceremony recognised outstanding participants and teams with awards such as Best Participants, Best Teams, Best Presenters and Best Dress. The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation). Also in attendance were Prof. Dr. Arief Salleh Rosman, Dean of FSSH; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahim Haji Salam, Chair of the Language Academy; Ganesan Andimuthu, Deputy Registrar, Office of JTNCPI; Prof. Ts. Dr. Kamalrulnizam Abu Bakar, Chair of the Smart Digital Community Research Alliance; Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Dalila Mat Said, Chair of the Research Associate (RA), Resource Sustainability; and Jaffrey Samsul Bahrin, Deputy Registrar of FSSH.

Led by Azura Sirri and Radiah Mohd Alip, the Rocket to Fluency program demonstrates UTM’s strategic commitment to high-impact CSR initiatives that strengthen language proficiency, communication confidence, and community engagement. The program will progress to its final phase in April 2026, extending its benefits to UTM staff members and their children in support of sustainable community development, in line with UTM’s motto, “In the Name of God for Mankind.”

By Azura Sirri and Awis Rumaisya Azizan