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Kota Kinabalu: A Basic Mandarin Speaking Course held at SK Rampayan, Darau, attracted enthusiastic participation from individuals aged between six and 50. It is offered by the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning (PPIB), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

Chairperson of the Mandarin Language Unit at PPIB, Ruth Chua Hui Hui, said the intensive course, which focuses on fundamental daily communication skills, received the full support of UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Haji Mansur.

“The course aims to introduce an international language to the local community, in line with the concept of lifelong learning,” she said.

Earlier, Dean of PPIB, Professor Datuk Dr. Ismail Ali visited the SK Rampayan classrooms to ensure the preparedness of the venue.

Dr. Ismail hoped the programme would provide participants with a useful foundation in Mandarin communication, helping to bridge language gaps among Sabah’s multi-ethnic communities.

The two-month course, conducted on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of each month, covers essential topics such as self-introduction and greetings, family, numbers, shopping, time and schedule, as well as food and beverages.

“Interestingly, all participants demonstrated active engagement and confidence in practising daily conversational sentences they had learned,” Ruth added.

To make the learning experience more enjoyable, interactive activities such as singing and role-playing were also incorporated throughout the sessions.