JOHOR BAHRU, May 14 – The Raja Zarith Sofiah Library (PZRS) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) was transformed into a vibrant hub of colours, cultural expressions, and joyous celebration as the Festival of Languages and Cultures (FLC) 2025 was officially launched. The grand opening ceremony was graced by Her Highness Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, Pro-Chancellor of UTM, who officiated the event with a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving Malaysia’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage. Her presence underscored the university’s commitment to fostering cultural awareness and unity among diverse communities.
Organised by the Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), the festival aimed to showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry while encouraging everyone to appreciate and celebrate its diversity. The two-day event, held from 14 to 15 May, drew a diverse group of participants, including university leaders, students, educators, and international visitors. They came together to experience and celebrate the unity found in linguistic, cultural, and artistic diversity. The festival served as a dynamic platform where education, cultural expression, and advocacy merged to strengthen community ties and promote meaningful intercultural exchange.
Her Highness arrived to a warm reception, receiving a bouquet from young students and being greeted with a traditional Zapin and Inang dance performance by students from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Boh, a partner school fostered by the Language Academy. These traditional dances served as a lively and meaningful introduction to Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscape, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement. Following her arrival, Her Highness took part in a brief photo session at the photobooth, capturing and preserving the meaningful moments of the occasion.
A touching highlight was the poetry performance by three talented students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Mutiara Rini, each representing Malaysia’s major communities: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Their expressive verses beautifully depicted Malaysia’s multicultural harmony and the shared aspirations for unity and peace. The performance was a poignant reminder of how language and art serve as powerful tools in expressing identity and fostering understanding.
Among the esteemed guests in attendance included Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, Vice-Chancellor of UTM; Prof. Dr. Arieiff Salleh Rosman, Dean of FSSH; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hadina Habil, Chair of the Language Academy; and Dr. Phan Thanh Định, Vice President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University from Vietnam. Their presence underscored the event’s significance in promoting international collaboration and scholarly exchange.
Her Highness was then invited to explore the community project exhibitions organized by the Language Academy, featuring 12 community projects that showcased impactful educational and social outreach programs. These displays reflected the university’s dedication to community service and lifelong learning. The official launch of the festival was marked by Her Highness pressing a button to activate the “launching pad,” unveiling the FLC 2025 logo amidst a montage video that encapsulated the festival’s theme of unity through diversity.
To add more vibrancy, students from SK Tiram Duku delivered a spirited Choral Speaking performance, capturing the audience’s attention with rhythmic coordination and powerful messages of unity, pride, and cultural appreciation. The event seamlessly transitioned into a royal luncheon, providing an opportunity for attendees to network and reflect on the meaningful celebrations.
This opening ceremony not only marked the commencement of the Festival of Languages and Cultures 2025 but also reaffirmed UTM’s dedication to nurturing cross-cultural understanding, academic excellence, and community engagement. It was a celebration of diversity, emphasizing that through unity in diversity, a more harmonious and inclusive society can be built. The festival promises to be an inspiring journey of learning, sharing, and embracing Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage for years to come.