Kuala Lumpur, 21 April 2017 : UTM Toastmasters Club with strong support from Language Academy, UTM International and the Office of Corporate Affairs has organised its first social gathering at UTMKL to bring together UTM staff and students of KL campus and to help set in motion the process of chartering a Toastmasters club for UTMKL chapter. Especially for this momentous occasion, eleven Toastmasters, who are UTM staff, students and alumni, the President and Vice Presidents of UTM Toastmasters Club, and the President of Johor Jaya Toastmasters Club and Kelab Toastmasters Bahasa Melayu Johor Bahru travelled all the way from UTM Skudai campus for a day trip. In this gathering, the club shared information about Toastmasters International, a global community of speakers and leaders, and showcased UTM Toastmasters Club’s programmes and interagency collaborations that empowered all individuals, not only its members, to become more effective communicators and leaders. This gathering was attended by local and international, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and staff of UTMKL campus who are eager to level up their skills on communication and leadership.

The club holds the principle that learning takes place best when individuals have opportunities to project themselves, to express their thoughts and views and to receive feedback from more knowledgeable others in a social, fun and engaging language-rich environment. In line with this principle, the gathering was themed ‘Treats and Treasures’ and included the emphasis on the use of the word ‘cherish’ as the Word of the Day, the use of language games, two prepared speech demonstrations, five impromptu speeches from the audience, and a networking session. The gathering was topped with a discussion on the way forward for the development of a Toastmasters club exclusively for UTMKL residents. For more information about UTM Toastmasters Club and activities, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/utmtmc or contact Dr Farhana Diana Deris (Vice President – Public Relations) at 018 2087678/ diana@utm.my or Prof Dr Nor Haniza Sarmin (Vice President – Membership) at 017 7557660/ nhs@utm.my.