Written by Ms Joan Sim Jo Jo, Dani Yamin Alwi and Dr Rubiah Ajan
General Studies Courses (Mata Pelajaran Umum, MPU) are compulsory courses prescribed by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for students in public and private higher education institutions in Malaysia as part of their graduation requirements. These courses aim to develop students’ identity, foster a sense of nationhood, and strengthen their soft skills, enabling them to become knowledgeable, ethical, and competitive graduates.
The UNIMAS MPU Festival 2026 provided students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained through their MPU courses by participating in various competitions, including poster presentation and creative video categories. Through these activities, students were able to demonstrate their creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, and teamwork while engaging with relevant contemporary issues.
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) recorded an outstanding achievement at the festival, with its first-year students securing top positions in several competition categories involving MPU3182 Philosophy and Current Issues (FIS) and MPU3372 Integrity and Anti-Corruption (KIAR).
Students from the Social Work Programme, under the guidance of Ms Joan Sim Jo Jo, emerged as champions in the MPU3182 Philosophy and Current Issues (FIS) Poster Competition with a poster focusing on the issue of fake news dissemination. The poster captured the attention of the judging panel through its creative presentation and clear messaging while raising awareness of the importance of verifying information before sharing news.
The winning team comprised Azid Fazidey bin Elme Zukra, Nuratirah Najwa binti Hassim, Nurfazira Izati binti Rosmi, Christania Fedra anak Ottise, Dolores Ringi anak Jessie James, Lennon Joel anak Susanna, Lucyana Nancy anak Benjamin, Siti Norasfidah binti Husin, Siti Nurharithsah binti Mohd Yusof, and Priencellya Ammanda Lyaie. Lucyana Nancy anak Benjamin represented the team in presenting the poster to the judging panel.
Meanwhile, students from the Anthropology and Sociology Programme, under the guidance of Dr Rubiah Ajan, secured first runner-up in the FIS Creative Video Competition and third place in the KIAR Creative Video Competition.
The creative video team comprised Carlinna anak Lanong, Chelsea Varelly Dulait, Dani Yamin bin Alwi, Dayang Siti Elyra Waryana binti Wal, Denaila Ellena Dindat anak Sentu, Elvina Edward, Mandalin Ani anak Antau, Mellinda Aloha Marlinny anak Usop, Siti Nur Zulaikha binti Abdullah, and Waheedatul Ameera binti Mohammad Nizam.
These achievements demonstrate the commitment and dedication of FSSH students in translating classroom learning into creative and meaningful work. Beyond academic knowledge, their participation also provided valuable opportunities to develop communication, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills.
In line with the aspirations of UNIMAS and the national higher education agenda, active participation in programmes such as the MPU Festival 2026 contributes to the development of holistic and competitive graduates who are prepared to contribute to human capital and national development while equipping them with the skills needed to navigate future global challenges.
FSSH – A Partner for Social Change