APU celebrates Merdeka with cultural festival for students

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently hosted a vibrant Cultural and Merdeka Celebration 2024, offering nearly 400 international and local students a deep dive into Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.

Held on August 23, a week before Malaysia’s National Day, the event showcased traditional dances and martial arts, promoting unity and understanding of Merdeka.

Students from diverse countries, including Japan, South Korea, Yemen, Kazakhstan, and others, participated in the celebration at APU’s Auditorium One, guided by the dedicated teachers from the Asia Pacific Language Centre (APLC).

The event highlighted APU’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange through engaging, hands-on experiences.

APU’s cultural performances foster unity

The APLC Cultural and Merdeka Celebration 2024 was a powerful reflection of APU’s dedication to inclusivity and cultural appreciation.

Under the guidance of APLC’s English teachers and choreographers from APU, students performed a variety of traditional Malaysian dances such as Malay Zapin, Inang, and the energetic Bollywood dance.

The inclusion of Indian Classical Dance, Silat Gayong, and other performances enriched the audience’s understanding of Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscape.

One of the standout moments was the Bollywood dance, where the energy and enthusiasm from both local and international students ignited the audience, prompting an encore.

Similarly, Silat Gayong, Malaysia’s traditional martial art, captivated international students, offering them a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural history.

Nur Nazrin Hadia, APLC Event Coordinator, emphasised the significance of such events in bringing students together.

“This festival truly embodies the spirit of community and shared growth,” she said.

APU students reflect on cultural experiences

The festival left a lasting impression on the international students, many of whom shared their thoughts on the experience.

Akhmetova Amina from Kazakhstan reflected, “Participating in the APLC Cultural and Merdeka Festival was an enriching experience.

Singing a Malay song with students from different backgrounds promoted unity and showed how music bridges cultural gaps.”

Similarly, Yohei Matsumoto from Japan expressed, “The festival was unforgettable! Unlike Japan’s more regulated school festivals, the Merdeka Festival was full of excitement and joy.

I learned the thrill of working with classmates towards a shared goal.”

The celebration also provided opportunities for students to form new friendships.

Salah Alajmani from Yemen shared, “Through this event, I met students from all over the world and embraced national pride and multiculturalism, even though I’m not Malaysian.”

Sharen Kaur, Senior Manager of APLC, expressed her pride in seeing students grow through cultural appreciation.

“Each year, this event serves as a reminder of the power of cultural exchange and unity. I envision the event growing in size and diversity, with increased participation and more cultural elements being showcased.”

With over 16 years of experience in English language education, APLC offers programmes like the Intensive English Programme (IEP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) to students preparing for higher education and working adults, respectively.

Recently recognised as Malaysia’s Best Language Centre at the Malaysia Education and TVET Awards 2024, APLC remains a leader in the field, blending language learning with immersive cultural experiences.

Sharen Kaur added, “At APLC, learning transforms into a vibrant experience.

Through the Cultural and Merdeka Celebration, students not only refine their English skills but also immerse themselves in Malaysia’s rich heritage.

This dynamic blend of teamwork and cultural exploration creates a powerful, engaging learning journey, making their time at APU unforgettable.”

The APU Cultural and Merdeka Celebration 2024 demonstrated the university’s commitment to providing students with a transformative, cross-cultural education, fostering unity, and a deeper connection to Malaysia’s cultural diversity.