The Impact of English Communication Skills on Engineering Activity Performance among Mechanical Engineering Students in UiTM Bukit Besi, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

English communication skills have become increasingly important in engineering education due to globalization, industrial collaboration, and technological advancement. Mechanical engineering students are required not only to master technical competencies but also to communicate effectively in academic and industrial settings. This study investigates the impact of English communication skills on engineering activity performance among Mechanical Engineering students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Bukit Besi, Terengganu, Malaysia. A quantitative research approach was employed using questionnaire surveys distributed among diploma students in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The study examines the relationship between English speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills with students’ performance in engineering-related activities such as presentations, laboratory work, technical report writing, teamwork, and project development. Findings indicate that English communication proficiency significantly influences students’ confidence, teamwork efficiency, technical understanding, and academic performance. Students with higher English proficiency demonstrated better engagement in engineering activities and greater readiness for industrial training and employment. The study concludes that strengthening English communication skills among engineering students is essential to improve engineering education quality and graduate employability.