English should never decide how far a child can go, yet for many B40 students, it still does. Mah Sing Foundation believes this can, and must, change. Through its English Lab programme, the Foundation is helping primary school students strengthen language skills, build confidence, and participate fully in their learning journey.

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Starting Early Changes Everything

When a child struggles with language, it doesn’t stop at English class. It affects how they answer questions, how they participate, and how they see themselves. Over time, silence replaces curiosity, and confidence quietly fades. Mah Sing Foundation believes that the earlier we step in, the more we can change that story, aiming to give underprivileged students a strong foundation in English.

By supporting students at a critical stage, the programme helps them speak up, engage more actively in lessons, and rediscover the confidence to try. These early gains don’t just improve grades, but they shape how children show up in class and how they believe in their own potential.

A Fun, Engaging Learning Journey

English Lab reaches a total of 80 primary school students from B40 communities, specifically SK Bandar Tasik Kesuma and SK Rinching Hilir. The programme is designed to strengthen the four core language skills; reading, writing, listening, and speaking through a curriculum carefully aligned with students’ existing school textbooks.

But the programme goes beyond textbooks. Students explore engaging, age-appropriate themes such as dinosaurs and Pause & Protect, a digital safety topic that teaches responsible online behaviour. The 16-week programme, with 2-hour sessions each week, transforms learning into a journey. From Day 1, students receive a passport and boarding pass, symbolising their learning adventure across 16 “countries.” This gamified approach sparks curiosity, imagination, and big dreams beyond the classroom.

Lessons combine structured exercises, email writing, vocabulary development, and comprehension skills. Vocabulary and communication skills are reinforced through role plays, charades, quizzes, and interactive activities. QR boards display real-time answers and scores, creating excitement and healthy competition among students. Every activity is designed to be engaging, memorable, and confidence-building.

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Personal Journeys by English Lab Participants

“Before joining this program, I often felt nervous about speaking English. But after 5 days, I feel more confident communicating and expressing my ideas in English! I learned that English isn’t something to fear, but a tool that can help me learn more, connect with others, and dream bigger for my future,” shares Nurin Zahirah

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“I used to worry about making mistakes, but now I feel confident speaking with people from different countries and cultures. This program made learning fun and gave me practical skills I can use every day. I feel more connected to the world and more prepared for future opportunities,” exclaimed Arshwien Devar.

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“Thanks to this English Lab, I no longer feel scared of speaking English. The program gave me the confidence to express myself, meet new people, and explore the world without hesitation. I want to travel more and make new experiences and adventures.” Aisy Aakif, an avid traveler, shares.

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Impact That Goes Beyond Grades

By the end of the programme, more than 50 students showed measurable improvement and successfully levelled up their Tahap Pencapaian (TP) scores. ​Participation increased, confidence grew, and students began to believe that their voices mattered.

For Mah Sing Foundation, supporting education isn’t about ticking boxes or chasing short-term results. It’s about showing up consistently for students who need it most.

“Every child deserves a fair chance to succeed. This programme is not about quick wins, but about staying committed. When we invest in early learning and provide steady support, we help children build confidence, capability, and hope for the future,” said Dato' Indera Syed Norulzaman bin Syed Kamarulzaman, Chairman of Mah Sing Foundation.

“At Mah Sing Foundation, we believe that strong literacy skills are the foundation for a brighter future. Through programmes like English Lab, our focus goes beyond improving reading and language proficiency — we want learning to be fun, engaging, and confidence-building. When students enjoy the learning process, they develop a genuine love for knowledge, greater self-belief, and the courage to dream bigger. By nurturing these qualities, we hope to inspire not only the students themselves, but also create a far-reaching impact that uplifts families and communities as a whole,” ​added Dato' Indera Syed Norulzaman.

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