By Yasmin Yahya
GOMBAK, 10 May 2016: It was a great success for Malam Gema Budaya: Latar Suara Suluhan Jiwa held at the Main Auditorium to expose Malay language among the international and local students in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
Organised by Bahasa Melayu Division, Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD), it showed that it was possible for the international students to speak in Bahasa Melayu fluently. The concept of this event is more likely as cultural night but the difference in this event is that the performances were done by international and local students.
The event started at 8 p.m and the hall already filled with crowd including students and staff of IIUM. At 8.45 p.m saw the arrival of invited VIPs including the Rector of IIUM, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Zaleha Kamarudin, Deputy Rector (Academic and Planning), Prof. Torla Hassan, and Deputy Rector (Students Affairs), Datuk Dr. Mizan Hitam, among others.
The purpose of Malam Gema Budaya was to provide a platform for students to appreciate and embrace the beauty of Malay language as well to expose students to the usage of correct Malay language in performances like drama, singing and poem recitals. It also provided an opportunity for international students to show their interest in Malay language and their talents in an appropriate environment.
In an opening remarks, Asst. Prof. Datin Dr. Engku Haliza Engku Ibrahim from English Language Division Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development, mentioned that the mission of CELPAD is to develop the feeling of love towards languages among the students.
“Each year, learning process does not rely only on lectures during the class or Kuliyyah but also include other activities from outside classrooms, so that it will become more effective and interesting. This event is designed to develop the interest of students towards Malay language and culture as well as by giving them the platform in acting, singing and reading poems,” said Asst. Prof. Datin Dr. Engku Haliza Engku Ibrahim.
Among performances was silat, drama sketches called Bari Balai Sari by Purawangsa, singing performance called Yaladan, melodrama Puteri Gunung Ledang and Si Biring, Dikir Barat by Saujana Timur and also dancing performance called Joget Pahang by Nafas Tari.
At the end of the event, there was a prize giving ceremony for the winners and a closing remarks by Rector of IIUM, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Zaleha Kamarudin.
“I’m very impressed with the effort and determination shown by students and lecturers in expressing the arts through Malay language. I recommended that this event should be conducted annually,” the Rector added.***