SOSCA’25: Discovering Malay Culture in Siam and Champa

intanserina@graduate.utm.my

BANGKOK, June 8 – The Soul of Siam and Champa 2025 (SOSCA’25) is an international initiative organised by the Student Committee of Kolej Tun Dr. Ismail (JKP KTDI) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This program took place from June 2 to June 8, 2025, in Thailand and Cambodia.

The initiative aims to explore and understand the heritage, culture, and way of life of the Malay-Siamese and Malay-Champa communities. Through this program, the goal is to ensure that these two unique branches of Malay civilisation, which have preserved centuries of cultural legacy, are recognised and appreciated rather than overlooked and forgotten.

The journey began in Bang Pho Village, located in Pathum Thani, Bangkok, where participants immersed themselves in the lives of the Malay-Siamese community. Activities included traditional games, aerobic exercises with children, and lively nasheed performances, allowing students to experience the warmth and close-knit spirit that defines the village. Participants also contributed to the community by organising cleaning activities at Masjid Nurul Islam and preparing nasi lemak to share as a gesture of cultural exchange between Malaysia and Thailand.

UTM students enjoying traditional games with children in Bang Pho Village.

Participants learned that Bang Pho is a predominantly Muslim village with a history spanning nearly 150 years. The residents have successfully preserved their Malay and Islamic identity, despite living in a predominantly Buddhist society. Informal conversations and daily interactions revealed that the community places a high value on humanity, mutual respect, and proper traditional etiquette in all aspects of daily life.

UTM delegation listening to the village head sharing the history of Bang Pho Village

The second phase of SOSCA’25 took the delegation to Chroy Metrey Village in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, home to the Malay-Champa community. Here, participants experienced life in the community first-hand by engaging with the villagers, walking through neighborhoods lined with food stalls, and enjoying home-cooked meals prepared with care and love. On the eve of Aidiladha, the students participated in a hands-on session to learn how to weave ketupat casings, an intimate activity that preserves a cherished festive tradition. These simple encounters highlighted that genuine relationships and friendships built on respect and understanding are far more valuable than formal events.

One of the most memorable moments occurred during the Aidiladha celebration on June 7. That morning, the UTM delegation joined the villagers for the sunnah prayer and were warmly welcomed into their homes, where they were generously served food and drinks. The korban ritual, organised with the Persatuan Pegawai Tadbir dan Ikhtisas (PERTISAS) UTM, involved the sacrifice of three cows. Part of the meat was distributed raw, while the remainder was cooked into rendang and shared with the community.

Korban ritual carried out with the Malay-Champa community in Chroy Metrey.

Packed korban meat is ready to be distributed to the community.

SOSCA’25 was more than just a program; it was a heartfelt journey that taught participants the importance of respect, tolerance, and cultural appreciation. It reaffirmed that the Malay-Siamese and Malay-Champa communities are vibrant groups that remain connected to their roots while embracing change. This experience also highlighted the values of respect and politeness that are deeply ingrained in these two communities.