MALAYSIA’S growing global connections have created a greater need for graduates with advanced foreign language skills and cross-cultural understanding.
In response to this, Universiti Malaya (UM) is set to launch Malaysia’s first bachelor’s degree programme in Korean language.
UM deputy vice-chancellor (academic & international) Prof Dr Hasniza Zaman Huri said the university will offer a Bachelor in Korean Language for Communication programme starting next year.
“We believe that language education is a powerful catalyst for global citizenship. As Malaysia’s oldest university, we are committed to producing graduates who are academically excellent, culturally competent, and globally connected,” she said when officiating the 21st Korean Speech Contest 2026 at the varsity’s Faculty of Law on July 18.
The event, organised through the long-standing collaboration between UM and the Korean Education Centre in Malaysia (KEC), brought together junior and adult speakers from across Malaysia to showcase their linguistic abilities while strengthening cultural, academic and people-to-people ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea.
Outstanding participants received prizes, including opportunities to participate in a Korean language programme in the Republic of Korea.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia Yeo Seung-bae, who also officiated at the event, welcomed the return of the contest to the varsity.
“After a seven-year interval, it is wonderful to see this competition being held once again at UM, which is preparing to launch Malaysia’s first full-fledged Korean language programme,” he said.
He described the introduction of the programme as a significant milestone that would provide Malaysian students with greater opportunities to pursue advanced and systematic Korean language studies.
“Students who have studied Korean for five years at secondary school will now be able to continue their learning at the university.
“As Korea-Malaysia relations continue to advance towards a new level of comprehensive partnership, including the conclusion of the Korea-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement, many talented Malaysians with Korean language expertise will be required.
“I hope, and I am confident, that students graduating in four years will play important roles in diplomacy, business, academia and cultural exchanges between our two countries,” he said.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 What languages do you speak? Why are these languages worth learning? Role-play a conversation with a foreign friend and convince them to learn one of these languages.
2 What are some effective strategies for learning a language? Create a list and exchange ideas with your partner. Compare your suggestions and identify the strategies you can adopt to improve your own language learning.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
