Wawasan Open University (WOU) recently collaborated with Yayasan Tuanku Syed Putra Perlis (YTSP) to organise an English workshop for 100 outstanding secondary school students and selected prefects from Perlis at its main campus on 29 August 2026.

The students were in Penang for a student development programme organised by YTSP to build confidence, character, and leadership potential among young people.

Complementing the enrichment programme, WOU specially curated an interactive English workshop for the students, followed by a Royal Hi-Tea at its historic Homestead Mansion graced by DYTM Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, Raja Muda Perlis and Chairman of YTSP, and DYTM Tuanku Dr. Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, Raja Puan Muda Perlis.

Building confidence through practical English

Conducted by WOU’s Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS), the Improve Your English workshop focused on strengthening students’ practical communication skills and encouraging them to use English with greater confidence.

Students were divided into groups representing different states in Malaysia and tasked with developing a short presentation highlighting the distinctive features of each state.

Drawing on topics such as local culture, food, traditions, places of interest, and traditional attire, each group worked together to organise its ideas into a visual presentation before presenting in English to their peers.

The activity gave students the opportunity to exchange ideas, expand their vocabulary, practise spoken English, and develop their presentation skills in a lively and collaborative setting.

The workshop was facilitated by CFS Senior Lecturers Nazirah Binti Md Yusof and Rabikha Hasni Binti Suparman, with support from academics: Mr. Brian John Dorai, Senior Lecturer; Dr. Siti Fairos Binti Saffardin, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education; and Dr. Arathai Din Eak, Senior Lecturer, from the School of Education, Humanities, and Social Science; Dr. Lalitha Ramasamy, Senior Lecturer from the School of Business and Administration; and QPr. Dr. Nurul ‘Ulyani Mohd Najib, Senior Lecturer from the School of Technology and Engineering Science.

A Royal Reception at the Homestead

The programme culminated in a Hi-Tea in honour of DYTM Tuanku Raja Muda Perlis and DYTM Tuanku Raja Puan Muda Perlis.

Their Royal Highnesses were warmly welcomed by Chairman of Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF) Tan Sri Andrew Sheng; Chairman of the WOU Board of Governors Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon; Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr. Yap Eng Hwa; members of the WEF Board of Directors and WOU Board of Governors; and members of WOU’s Executive Management Team.

DYTM Raja Muda Perlis and DYTM Raja Puan Muda Perlis with, from left: Dato’ Syed Mohamad Bin Syed Murtaza; Honorary Secretary of YTSP, Dato’ Johari Bin Mohd Darus; Tan Sri Sheng; Tan Sri Koh; member of WEF Board of Directors Ms Norziana Mohd Inon; Prof. Yap; member of WOU Board of Governors Mr. Chia Loong Thye; and WEF Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tan Leng Hock.
Tan Sri Koh presents a memento to DYTM Raja Muda Perlis.

The visit concluded on a memorable note as Their Royal Highnesses joined the students and university leaders for group photographs against the backdrop of the heritage Homestead Mansion, bringing together education, youth development, and community engagement in a fitting close to the afternoon’s programme.