SE-BUDI Hasanah Language and Resilience Bootcamp Empowers Students to Master English Language
TUBA ISLAND, 9 August 2026 – The SE-Budi Hasanah Language and Resilience Bootcamp 2026 has successfully helped students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Langkawi, Pulau Tuba, Kedah, enhance their English language proficiency.
Speaking at the programme, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, said the Community-Based Language Learning (CBLL) programme, which began in May 2025, focuses on the holistic development of students based on the JERI framework, encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development.
“Through this initiative, English Language is not merely viewed as an examination subject but as a practical tool that enables students to convey ideas, communicate effectively, understand local needs, develop projects, engage with entrepreneurs and present solutions.
“This project is supported by grant funding from Yayasan Hasanah and stakeholders who are committed to community development,” he said in his speech.
He added that the success of the initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including Yayasan Hasanah, BESTUBA, schools, educational agencies, community members and industry partners, as well as the strong support of the Pulau Tuba community.
“The implementation of the SE-Budi Hasanah Language and Resilience Bootcamp 2026 reflects the spirit of UUM’s Ilmu, Budi, Bakti slogan, translated into action, leadership and service to ensure that the 250 participants benefit from English language skills relevant to Pulau Tuba’s position as a tourist destination,” he said.
The SE-Budi Hasanah initiative is founded on the belief that talent development should not be limited by geographical boundaries. Accordingly, participants were exposed to language development, resilience building, mentoring, leadership, community engagement and social entrepreneurship to equip them with practical skills relevant to their everyday lives and future aspirations.
The Vice-Chancellor also congratulated the SE-Budi Hasanah team, Yayasan Hasanah, teachers, mentors, strategic partners and the residents of Pulau Tuba for their contributions to the successful implementation of the programme and its positive impact on the participating students.
Meanwhile, students from SMK Langkawi who participated in the programme expressed their appreciation to the organisers for bringing the SE-Budi Hasanah Language and Resilience Bootcamp to Pulau Tuba.
One of the participants, Form Three student Danial Haziq Md Hapizi, said he found the JERI-based programme beneficial, particularly in enhancing his English language skills.
For Form Five student Muhammad Iqbal Danish Khairulnizam, the programme helped build his confidence in using English in everyday communication.
“Pulau Tuba is one of the destinations visited by foreign tourists, and improving my English will help me introduce Pulau Tuba more effectively through social media,” he said.
Another participant, 16-year-old Nurul Nazifa Mohd Hafiz, praised the commitment demonstrated by the instructors and mentors, saying their dedication encouraged participants to remain engaged and enthusiastic throughout the programme.
She also expressed hope that the initiative would continue in the future to further develop the potential of students in Pulau Tuba, noting that CBLL provides a strategic approach to connecting language learning with students’ real-life experiences within the community.
The CBLL framework extends beyond English language proficiency by emphasising students’ understanding of their community and its unique context. The learning modules incorporate elements of the environment, culture, social entrepreneurship and identity building, providing participants with opportunities to use English authentically in real-life situations rather than solely within the classroom.
