MMU Press Explores the Art of Writing with Dr Umi Kalthum

A workshop titled “Awakening the Creative Writer in You” was held in two sessions at the Cyberjaya and Melaka campuses on 13 and 15 May 2025, respectively. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Umi Kalthum Ngah, who shared her extensive experience in writing and publishing a wide range of works from factual and informative texts to fiction for both adults and young adults.

After dedicating 34 years to teaching at the Engineering Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Dr. Umi ventured into a new chapter in her life: writing. Her passion lies in picture books, and she has also learned the art of illustration, enabling her to bring her creative ideas to life.

The workshop attracted more than 40 participants, comprising aspiring authors and editors of MMU Press, all eager to unlock their creative writing potential. Dr. Umi shared valuable tips on overcoming writer’s block, using writing tools to generate ideas quickly, and developing strong writing habits. She also emphasised the importance of curiosity and the practice of asking questions.

A key highlight of her coaching was the guidance on how to get started with writing a book, which is often the most challenging step for new writers. Overall, participants left the session with a refreshed perspective on creative writing, book publishing, and the importance of making scholarly content accessible to the general public.