On 14 February 2017, Madam Azizah Khalid Merican (CEO SIDMA College UNITAR Sabah) launched the SIDMA College English Enhancement Programme (EEP), a tailor-made programme to improve student’s ability in the four main areas: in speaking, listening, writing and reading in English.

Held at SIDMA College, the ceremony was also attended by  the college management team, Mr. Louis Jais (Academic Manager), Ms Melissa Marcus Molijol (Student Counsellor), Ms Valerie Charles (representative from Office of the Registrar) and Madam Jenifah Abdullah as the English Language Facilitator

During the launching of the first stage of EEP; which is also known as “Express English” involving the first cohort of 35 students, Madam Azizah announced that the programme is part of SIDMA College Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to provide free coaching in English to the targeted students, and hoped that students can enjoy learning the language as well as can benefit from it.

The main objectives of the programme among others, are aimed to improve the standard of English as well as to boost the student’s confidence in using the language, which would indirectly encourage their usage of the language as a second language in Malaysia. Other programmes in the pipeline to be implemented soon, are Grooming and Induction Courses for students upon completion of their studies in the college.

Madam Azizah also introduced Madam Jenifah Abdullah, whom the college has handpicked to facilitate the implementation of the programme. Madam Jenifah, a former Senior Education Officer as well as member of the Malaysian Teacher Support Team, has undergone as well as conducted various intensive English Language Teaching and learning courses during her 38 years of service with Sabah Education Department. She would be developing related teaching and learning modules, as well as creating conducive learning environment to suit and enhance students mastery of the language through active involvement and interactions.

“Express English” is a four (4) hours weekly programme implemented throughout the 14 week semester (with a total 56 credit hours). Students who successfully complete the programme will be presented with a certificate of participation from the management of the college.

By Jenifah Abdullah  and Teo Eng Seng.

SIDMA College UNITAR Sabah,

KOTA KINABALU.