PASIR MAS: It was a new experience for the students of SMK Tendong, Pasir Mas, who were introduced to the world of ham radio or amateur radio and its potential of helping them to improve their spoken English.
They were given the opportunity to listen to a live conversation between astronauts from the International Space Satellite and the base centre.
And they had their English teacher Yong Guan Chiong, who is a ham radio member, to thank for finding a novel way to help his students learn the English language.
The students also had the opportunity to communicate with a ham radio user in Kota Kinabalu.
“I am trying a different approach to get my students to be interested in ham radio, which is actually a good hobby.
Cool tech: Students of SMK Tendong in Pasir Mas trying out the ham radio equipment a guided by Yong (left). “To communicate with those around the world you must master English.
“The mechanics of the ham radio is also related to Science and Mathematics,” said Yong.
Student Suriani Yusuf, 15, said she was amazed to hear the astronauts talking to each other.
“I never thought such a small radio could catch the live conversation between the astronauts in space and the base centre on Earth.
“I will certainly join the amateur radio community to learn more about this hobby,” she said while listening intently to the ham radio belonging to Yong.
Kamarul Zaman Abdullah, 17, who is a member of the Red Crescent, said he knew a lot about ham radio.
He added that he was also aware that ham radio was the only communication available during the Aceh tsunami tragedy.
Many thanks to Kuda Kayu de 9w2aam
