JOHOR BAHRU, Apr 23 – The halls of Perpustakaan Sultanah Zanariah (PSZ) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Johor Bahru resonated with poetic verses and cultural enthusiasm as the university hosted the Program Cakna Pusat Sumber Seni Budaya 2026 on 23 April 2026. Organized in collaboration with Johor State Office of the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN Johor), the event brought together students, faculty, and cultural advocates for an immersive celebration of Malaysian arts and literary heritage.

The visit featured a series of engaging and interactive activities carefully designed to introduce participants to Malaysia’s vibrant traditional arts and cultural practices, reflecting the university’s continuous commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting experiential learning among its diverse global student community. The program commenced with participant registration, followed by the opening ceremony featuring the National Poets’ Declaration Poetry Competition. One highlight was the Cultural Arts Quiz, which tested participants’ knowledge of Malaysia’s cultural traditions. This was followed by “Jom Cuba Permainan Tradisional” (Let’s Try Traditional Games), where participants enjoyed classic Malaysian games including congkak and dam – traditional board games that have been part of Malaysian heritage for generations.

A remarkable aspect of the National Poets’ Declaration Poetry Competition was the participation of eight international students who presented their poetry recitations entirely in Bahasa Melayu. This impressive display demonstrated UTM’s success in fostering cross-cultural understanding and integration among its diverse student population. The competition was evaluated by a distinguished panel comprising an Officer from the  Department of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) (JTNCHEPA), Mohd Fauzi Abdul Rais, and a senior lecturer from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Dr. Zaidah Zainal. The event was honored by the presence of an Officer from JKKN Johor, Rahmat Hj. Damiri, and Deputy Chief Librarian of PSZ, Md Razib Karno.

The competition showcased the students’ dedication to embracing Malaysian literary traditions, with each participant delivering passionate and eloquent recitations of works by renowned national poets.

After careful deliberation by the esteemed panel of judges, Jamal Mohammad Abdurrahman emerged as the first prize winner, followed by Yaser Khalil Abdullah Musaed in second place, and Abdelrahman Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelgawad in third place.

The remaining five participants were presented with consolation prizes in recognition of their commendable efforts and cultural enthusiasm. The high caliber of all performances demonstrated the remarkable linguistic achievements of UTM’s international student community.

PSZ participated in the nationwide “Jom Baca 10 Minit Bersama” (Let’s Read Together for 10 Minutes) campaign, a simultaneous reading initiative that took place across Malaysia. Twenty students joined this national movement, coordinated by JKKN branches and libraries, which emphasized the transformative power of reading. The campaign’s message resonated clearly: just 10 minutes of reading can open minds, spark ideas, and build a knowledgeable society. The UTM students participated in this collective moment of literacy promotion, demonstrating the university’s commitment to cultivating a reading culture among its diverse student community. The event featured participation from various UTM departments and external organizations.

Key stakeholders addressed attendees, including representatives from the UTM Language Centre, UTM International, Student Activities and Development Division (BAPP), PSZ Chief Librarian, and Director of JKKN Johor.

Director of JKKN Johor conducted a tour of the PSZ facilities, showcasing the institution’s resources in supporting cultural and educational initiatives. The program concluded at noon with a closing ceremony, group photography session, and prize presentation recognizing the achievements of competition winners and acknowledging all participants and organizers.

The Program Cakna Pusat Sumber Seni Budaya 2026 exemplified UTM’s dedication to preserving Malaysian cultural heritage while creating an inclusive environment where international students can engage meaningfully with local traditions. The event’s success in attracting diverse participation, from traditional games to poetry competitions, demonstrates the enduring relevance of cultural activities in modern academic settings. Through initiatives like this, PSZ continues to serve not merely as a repository of knowledge but as an active cultural hub that bridges traditional arts with contemporary educational missions. The collaboration between UTM and JKKN Johor sets a precedent for future cultural programming that enriches the university experience while strengthening connections to Malaysia’s artistic heritage.

As UTM moves forward, events such as Program Cakna Pusat Sumber Seni Budaya serve as vital reminders of preserving cultural identity while embracing diversity. The enthusiastic participation of international students highlights UTM’s role as a cultural melting pot, where respect for tradition creates meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.