QIU’s partnership with China’s Nanjing Normal University of Special Education moved from strength to strength recently, as postgraduate students from the NNUSE participated in an engaging and impactful language workshop led by the head of the Quest English Language Centre (QELC), Mr Tom Lowrie.
The session was designed not just to improve language proficiency, but to inspire students to view English as a gateway to broader academic and professional opportunities. Through interactive discussions and practical guidance, participants were encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to language learning—one that emphasises continuous growth and self-improvement.
A key highlight of the workshop was its focus on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Students were introduced to the structure of the exam and equipped with targeted strategies to maximise their performance, helping them approach the test with greater confidence and clarity.
This latest engagement builds on a growing academic partnership between QIU and NNUSE. Only last year, both institutions formalised a cross-border collaboration aimed at advancing postgraduate education in special needs education. The initiative brings together expertise from Malaysia and China to develop specialised programmes tailored to the evolving demands of inclusive education.
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared mission: to strengthen the global pool of qualified special education professionals. By nurturing postgraduate-level educators, the partnership is set to produce more highly trained teachers equipped to support children with diverse learning needs—both in the classroom and beyond.
As an institution with a longstanding commitment to inclusive education, QIU has consistently worked to empower both educators and students in the special needs space. Through its programmes and international collaborations, the university continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive future—one where educators are better equipped, and children with special needs are given the support they need to thrive.
The English language workshop is a reflection of this broader vision. By strengthening students’ communication skills and preparing them for global academic pathways, QIU and NNUSE are not only enhancing individual potential, but also laying the groundwork for a new generation of special education teachers—professionals who will go on to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with special needs around the region.
