USM PENANG, 7 November 2024 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Languages, Literacies and Translation (SoLLaT) recently celebrated International Translation Day (ITD) from 4 to 8 November 2024.

While ITD is globally observed on 30 September, SoLLaT chose to mark the occasion later to allow greater participation from students returning to the university campus.

ITD serves as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of language professionals in promoting global dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

This celebration provided a platform for language experts, researchers, and students to engage with the latest trends and developments in the translation industry.

With the theme “Translation: An Art Worth Protecting”, the activities discussed the importance of promoting and practicing translation in both the global and Malaysian contexts.

The week-long hybrid event began with a seminar entitled: “Exploring Translation: Insights into Research and Practice”, featuring academic staff who shared their expertise in both research and practice.

Another highlight was MentorDash: Swift Sessions for Success, an engaging session organised by Clarivate Malaysia. During this session, students undergoing the MA Translation for Professionals studies had the opportunity to meet industry mentors and discuss the future of the translation profession and industry.

The event also featured a forum in Bahasa Melayu with panellists from the Malaysian Institute of Translation & Books (ITBM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), who discussed the evolving role of translators in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

A major highlight of the celebration was the launch of the 100,000 Fakta – a collection of science book series translated from Chinese Language to Bahasa Melayu.

The launching ceremony was officiated by the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, and Madam Ding Qiao, Vice Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang.

In his opening speech, Azlan emphasised the importance of translation in fostering international collaboration, especially as the university's global reach continues to grow.

The translation project coordinator, Ummu Salmah Rahamatullah, shared insights into the year-long effort behind translating six books in various scientific fields including astronomy, earth science, life sciences, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. She also expressed gratitude to KB Asia Sdn. Bhd. for their continued trust and support towards SoLLaT in such significant projects.

The event was also attended by several dignitaries including the Honorary Consuls of Chile, France, Denmark, and Norway as well as representatives from the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang, Alliance Française, the Malaysian German Society, ITBM, UKM and MARA.

SoLLaT remains committed to being the leading provider of translation and interpreting services for years to come and shall continue to organise ITD as an annual event. 

Text: Ummu Salmah Rahamatullah, Programme Chairperson, MA Translation for Professionals, SoLLaT/Editing: Aizat Hisham Ahmad, SoLLaT/Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim