KOTA KINABALU: University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) is celebrating the start of Merdeka month 2023 with a lively and diverse event.
The Malaysian Culture Festival, held at the UCSF campus, not only commemorates the spirit of Merdeka but also pays tribute to the International Day of Indigenous Peoples.
This festival serves as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, education, and fostering unity amidst diversity.
The festivities began weeks ago with a thrilling mini launch of a cycling convoy, setting the stage for the upcoming grand event.
Today, the UCSF campus is buzzing with life and bursting with colors as students, staff, and distinguished guests come together to celebrate the Malaysian heritage.
This event is the result of a remarkable collaboration between Malaysian Culture students, their dedicated lecturers, and the esteemed Institute Borneo Studies.
A central theme of the festival revolves around the commemoration of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples.
This observance holds a significant place in the heart of the celebration, emphasising the importance of recognising and respecting the contributions made by indigenous communities to the rich tapestry of Malaysian culture.
“The event highlights the shared human journey and reinforces our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by these communities, not only in Malaysia but also globally,” stated Prof Junaenah Sulehan, the Director of Institute Borneo Studies UCSF.
The Malaysian Culture Festival serves as an enchanting showcase of heritage and traditions, bringing together 189 students who passionately depict the nation’s multicultural identity.
Through various exhibitions and performances, attendees are granted a glimpse into the intricate threads that weave of Malaysia’s cultural fabric, shedding light on the beauty and significance of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sabahan, and Sarawakian ethnicities.
“Our students are currently enrolled in a range of courses such as Business, Tourism, Hospitality, Creative Media, and Multicultural Studies. Through these courses, we hope to equip them with the skills to better represent themselves and excel in their respective fields. “
“The goal is for them to gain a deeper appreciation for the harmony that arises from the fusion of our diverse cultures,” shared Noorashiqin Ahmad, the lecturer of Malaysian Culture.”
Hazzelinda Thien, the student director of the festival who is studying Media Studies at the Faculty of Development and Multicultural Studies, expressed her gratitude to the various stakeholders who supported the students in achieving such an extraordinary accomplishment.
She encouraged her fellow students to be continually inspired by the lessons learned about unity, respect, and the tapestry of human heritage as they embark on the new semester in September.
In his address as Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rafiq Idris emphasizes on the significance of empowering indigenous communities not only as historical entities but as vital contributors to shaping the future.
According to him, empowerment is achieved through education, inclusive policies, and meaningful partnerships that ensure equal access to opportunities.
By amplifying the voices of indigenous communities and involving them in decision-making processes, society can pave the way for a future that embraces diversity and draws strength from it.
The significance of the event reaches beyond the confines of the university, extending into the wider community.
The Malaysian Culture Festival acts as a bridge, strengthening connections and expanding the educational outreach to foster a deeper appreciation for the nation’s rich heritage.
It serves as a rallying call for unity, acceptance, and collaboration, resonating with the spirit of Merdeka and the International Day of Indigenous Peoples.
Also present during the event were the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Datuk Dr. Yakoob b Johari, Prof Dato’ Wong Wing Thye from SDSN-Asia, as well as representatives from KEPKAS, LKNS, Galleria Artisan YS, KTYS, and the sponsors from The Bean.
As the festivities unfold, the Malaysian Culture Festival stands as a compelling example of the power of unity within diversity.
It echoes the sentiments shared by Dr. Rafiq, serving as a reminder that by embracing our differences and embracing indigenous cultures, we can collectively build a brighter and more inclusive future for all.-pr/BNN
