FOR English trainee teacher Izyan Syafiqah, the 12th Asia TEFL and 23rd Melta conference was a not-to-be-missed opportunity of gaining new knowledge and exposure from seasoned professionals in the field.

“As a trainee teacher, it really helps to attend the conference.

“We are exposed to many different ideas and people from other countries," the final-year student said.

In addition, Izyan and fellow trainees from the Teacher Education Institute Tun Abdul Razak Campus in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, were able to demonstrate their innovative use of hand and finger puppets to improve pupils' oral proficiency at the conference.

"We came across low-proficiency pupils during our teaching practice in rural areas in Sarawak.

“We used the puppets to help enhance their proficiency by stimulating their interest and imagination.