On the morning of 29 September 2025, the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, led a group of students to visit the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by En. Azril Ali, Deputy Dean for Academic, Career & International Affairs, who also gave an introduction to USM and its academic programs. His session helped Walailak University students gain a deeper understanding of the institution and establish academic linkages between the two universities before moving into the discussion activities.
The highlight of the program was a discussion and knowledge exchange on language and culture under the theme “Same Same but Different.” Students and the Deputy Dean engaged in lively conversations about English language teaching approaches, strategies for skill development, and classroom activities that foster communication and creative learning.
In addition, En. Azril Ali shared his insights on the challenges of English language teaching in multicultural classrooms—where diversity in culture, ethnicity, and religion means that students bring different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. He emphasized the importance of designing teaching activities that align with such contexts while creating an inclusive learning atmosphere for everyone.
The discussion was vibrant and interactive. Students had the opportunity to practice English communication, share ideas, ask questions, compare differences, and identify common ground that could inspire future teaching and learning practices. To further strengthen the friendship and collaboration, USM hosted a welcome luncheon, deepening ties between the two institutions.
Walailak University would like to express its sincere appreciation to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation, especially En. Azril Ali, for the warm welcome and generous support. This event marked a valuable step toward expanding academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two universities in the years to come.