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Asia Pacific Language Centre (APLC), a specialist language centre of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), and recipient of the Best Language Centre Award at the Malaysia Education and TVET Awards 2024, proudly played a key role at the Mega World of Words (WoW) KL Festival held from 17th to 19th September at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia.
Reigniting Malaysia’s Reading Culture
The festival served as a vibrant platform to reignite Malaysia’s passion for reading through diverse, hands-on experiences.
Among the APLC lecturers involved were Ms Haryati Mohd Amran How (Senior Lecturer, APLC at APU), Ms Esther Yap Zi Lei (Curriculum and Assessment Leader, APLC at APU), Ms Nur Nazrin Hadia Zakaria (Lecturer, APLC at APU), Ms Raziah Sultan Kabeer (English Proficiency Test and Teacher Training Coordinator, APLC at APU), Ms Aishwarya Lourdes Mohan (Lecturer, APLC at APU), Mr Thisan S P Arumugam (Lecturer, APLC at APU), and Mr Kirran Raaj Subbarao (Lecturer, APLC at APU).
Participants began their journey at the Reading Placement Booth, where they took part in personalised assessments designed to evaluate their reading proficiency in an engaging and supportive environment.
What is traditionally seen as a formal evaluation process was transformed into an enjoyable exploration of individual reading abilities, helping participants gain greater awareness of their language strengths and areas for growth.
At the Gallery Walk, APLC students proudly presented creative posters themed “The Journey of English: past, present, and future,” sparking lively discussions among participants about how the English language has evolved across time and cultures.
The activity not only deepened participants’ appreciation of linguistic history and diversity but also encouraged them to reflect on the role of language in shaping communication in today’s interconnected world.
Through these engaging activities, APLC demonstrated how creative and inclusive language education can inspire lasting appreciation for reading, supporting national efforts to build a stronger culture of literacy and lifelong learning.
APLC Student Shines in Creative Writing
The festival also highlighted the achievement of Nanako Tsuji, an APLC student from Japan, who placed among the top four winners in the Creative Writing Competition for university students, impressing judges with her originality, clarity, and emotional depth.
Her success stands as a testament to how language learning extends beyond classroom study, empowering students to express their ideas, share their perspectives, and connect with a global audience through storytelling.
Nurturing a Culture of Lifelong Learning
Ms Sharen Kaur (Senior Manager, APLC at APU) emphasised the importance of reviving the reading culture as a catalyst for lifelong learning and personal growth.
“Many people these days lose touch with reading due to busy routines and digital distractions.
“Through the festival, we set out to reignite the excitement of reading and demonstrate how language can empower, connect, and inspire people at every stage of life.
“Reading keeps us informed and relevant in today’s interconnected world, reminding us that knowledge remains the foundation for continuous growth and meaningful progress,” she said.
APLC continues to champion literacy, communication, and cross-cultural understanding beyond its involvement in the festival, carrying its mission forward through diverse language programmes and community-driven initiatives.
Through its contribution at at the Mega WoW KL Festival, APLC helped rekindle the public’s interest in reading, while promoting the value of language as a bridge between people and cultures, reinforcing its commitment to fostering learning and connection through the power of words.