As we enter 2025, what better time to reflect on the skills that help us thrive in today’s fast-paced world? Emotional intelligence (EI) has never been more crucial, playing a pivotal role in communication, leadership, and even in how we manage our emotions. These vital skills enable us to stay grounded and connected, both personally and professionally.
In an effort to explore emotional intelligence, 160 Foundation in Arts (FIART) students from the University of Cyberjaya’s Centre for Foundation, Language, and General Studies (CFLGS) showcased their emotional journeys through The Unmasked: Emotional Intelligence Exhibition & Short Film Screening. This event marked the culmination of their EI course, bringing their reflections, emotions, and creativity to life through both art and film.
On 8th January 2025, the FIART students presented 100 striking masks and 11 thought-provoking short films. These projects powerfully conveyed the students' emotional growth and a deepened understanding of EI, encouraging the audience to reflect on their own emotional intelligence. Under the guidance of Ms Nur Atiqah Mohd Jani, a passionate lecturer and registered counsellor from CFLGS, the Unmasked event provided the students with a platform to share their personal emotional experiences. The masks, each a unique creation, represented their diverse inner worlds and offered a visual journey through their emotional landscapes.
Alongside the mask exhibition, the event also featured 11 short films written and produced by the students. These films explored powerful themes such as empathy, resilience, and personal growth, providing an insightful look at how emotional intelligence shapes our relationships and experiences. Titles such as You’ll Never Walk Alone, The Broken Bridge, Threads of Connection, and Violette resonated deeply with the audience, bringing both emotional and creative expressions to the forefront.
The screening of these films marked a highlight of the event, with students proudly watching their work come to life on the big screen. For many, it was a profoundly moving experience to see their creativity and emotional awareness captured in such a powerful way.
Ms Atiqah Jani shared her thoughts on the course’s impact, noting that the students gained essential skills through topics like Knowing Your Emotions and Recognising Emotions in Others. “Emotional intelligence is a foundation for success, both personally and professionally,” she said, adding that the skills learned in the Emotional Intelligence course, such as self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication, will serve the students well throughout their lives.
Meanwhile, Shoban Kumar a/l Siva Kumar, a Foundation in Arts programme student, reflected on how the event helped him grow. “Watching our films on screen was emotional, as they captured everything we learned in class. I’ve learned how to understand my emotions better and how to support my friends when they’re struggling,” he said, adding that the event was truly memorable for him.
The Unmasked event not only celebrated creativity but also powerfully reminded us of the importance of emotional intelligence in our lives. As the students carry these lessons forward, they will be better equipped to tackle future challenges with enhanced emotional resilience and insight. The event was a testament to their artistic talents and the profound journey of self-discovery and emotional intelligence they embarked on throughout the semester.
As you reflect on the lessons learned from the Unmasked event, we encourage you to consider how emotional intelligence can play a role in your own life. To explore more about emotional intelligence and other courses offered by the University of Cyberjaya, visit our website or contact the Centre for Foundation, Language, and General Studies (CFLGS) for more information.
This contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: