SERDANG, 15–16 April 2026 – The 12th International Seminar on Linguistics and Malay Language Development (SALPBM XII) was successfully held over two days under the theme “Language and Civilisation of the Nation”, bringing together academics, policymakers, students, and researchers to strengthen the discourse on the Malay language at both national and regional levels.

The programme began with a welcoming speech by Professor Dr. Shamsul Bahri Hj. Md Tamrin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations), and was officiated by YB Datuk Dr. Maijol Mahap, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, Sabah. The ceremony also featured a montage presentation, souvenir presentation, and a group photo session with distinguished guests.

Day one featured the Keynote Address I delivered by YB Datuk Dr. Maijol Mahap, followed by parallel paper presentation sessions held in the afternoon.

On the second day, the programme commenced with Keynote Address II by YBhg. Prof. Datuk TS. Ramzah Dambul, Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Development Studies Institute, followed by the highlight of the programme, the SALPBM XII Dialogue Session. The session featured YDP Nuqman Naufal Nor Azhari, President of the UPM Student Representative Council, as the panelist, while YBrs. Associate Professor Dr. Norazlina Mohd Kiram served as the moderator.

The closing ceremony included the presentation of the seminar resolution by Dr. Norazlina Mohd Kiram, followed by a welcoming speech by Associate Professor Dr. Hazlina Abdul Halim, Dean of the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, UPM, and the closing remarks by Tuan Haji Mohd Salahuddin Datuk Paduka Mohamed, Deputy Director-General (Policy) of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

SALPBM XII served as an important platform in strengthening academic networks and empowering discourse on the Malay language in line with modern civilisation, while reinforcing the role of language as a core element of national identity.

Date of Input: 17/04/2026 | Updated: 24/04/2026 | adibfikri