Cultural Corner 28.0 was hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) International Global Buddies on the 17 & 18 May 2024 at Dewan Sri Resak, Kolej Tun Dr Ismail (KTDI) UTM. This year, it comprises a two-days activity of which the first day of the event covered the Digital Poster Competition, Creative Art Calligraphy, Quiz War Competition and Global Culture Got Talent whilst the announcement of the winners was made the next day. The highlight of the event started with participants arriving at the venue, brimming with excitement and anticipation. The attendees consisted of both international and local students, amounting to 433 students from 30 countries. Upon registration, they received some light refreshments and a welcoming sticker.
The event began with an opening speech by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan, the Director of UTM International, who emphasized on the importance of cultural diversity and the role it plays in fostering a vibrant and inclusive university community. He expressed his gratitude to UTM International Global Buddies for their efforts in organizing the Culture Corner 28.0 and encouraged attendees to actively engage with this evening’s activities, fostering intercultural dialogue and appreciation. The event also was attended by Associate Director Global Education & Experience, Assoc. Prof. Dr Norahim bin Ibrahim; representative of Student Affairs & Alumni, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Abd Rahman bin Tamuri, President of Student Representative Council; and UTM International staff.
The event continued with a local performance from Gasabayu group who presented Sabah traditional dance. It was followed by the International Student Society Booth (ISS) presentations. All the VIPs, UTM International officers, accompanied by Culture Corner 28.0 High Committee, reviewed the booths. During the visitation of the six booths, all six countries which included Bangladesh, India, Yemen, Palestine, Egypt & Sudan enthusiastically promote their mouth-watering cuisines, explaining their traditional items and costume to the guests. All guests were also treated to a delightful culinary journey around the world.
After finishing the booth visitations, the event continued with performance by Diabolo team. They displayed a very unique performance which involved playing two sticks with an adjoining string, and a diabolo shaped in hourglass. The performance required performers to balance the diabolo on the string, while spinning using the force generated by pulling the string.
Next, a fashion show was brought to light which involved the participation from Palestine, Bangladesh, Korea, Japan, Sudan, Pakistan, Eqypt & Kyrgyzstan in showcasing their countries’ traditional costumes, leaving attendees enchanted and enlightened by the rich tapestry of global cultures. From there, some of the countries, flowed seamlessly into the wedding runaway, where the bride and groom from each country walked in one by one, displaying their stunning traditional wedding attire. The countries showcased their vibrant customs, providing invaluable insights into the rich heritage and symbolism behind wedding and traditional costume.
After the fashion show, the audiences were entertained by the performance from Aksara Resak Group which comprises of all local girls members. They play their own musical instrument.
Finally, the event was ended by announcing the winners for all competitions being held on the 17 May, 2024. The winner for Global Culture Got Talent was also requested to perform at the end of the event.
In conclusion, the Culture Corner 2024 was really fruitful and achieved its objectives. The organizing committee of Culture Corner 2024 believes that similar kinds of events can be conducted in the future to continue enhancing cross-cultural understanding between UTM students from different religious backgrounds and nationalities.
Prepared by:Norfaeza binti Ali
Senior Assistant Registrar
Student Experience Unit
