Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) buzzed with excitement and vibrant displays of cultural diversity at the annual Multicultural Festival on Sunday.
The festival which drew some 500 participants was hosted by UMS Mandarin Club, UMS 24 Festive Drums Team, Confucius Institute UMS and Sony Malaysia.
It opened with a powerful combination of 24 festive drums and the traditional Sabah musical instrument performed by the UMS 24 Festive Drums Team and E-Sentra.
The festival featured an array of performances, culinary delights, traditional crafts, and educational exhibits, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures represented in our community.
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“It is remarkable to see all of us indulging ourselves in the sea of multiculturalism regardless of our ethnic backgrounds. Seeing people from diverse backgrounds come together to share their cultural heritage and learn from one another was a powerful reminder of the strength in our diversity,” he said.
“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s event and are excited to start planning for next year.
“Our goal is to continue celebrating the diversity of our community and to provide even more opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding,” said Chia.
Highlights of the festival included stunning performances on the main stage, where UMS student clubs dazzled audiences with traditional dances, music, and drum shows.
One standout performance was the UMS Chinese Orchestra Club’s rendition of “Original Sabahan,” a trademark song of Sabah, which captivated the crowd with its vibrant energy and multicultural significance.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their appreciation for the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of the festival.
“I loved how everyone was so open and eager to share their culture. I was touched when I saw everyone enjoying the stage, singing, and dancing together during the closing ceremony,” said Tan Jian Hua.
“It was a beautiful experience to see so many different traditions being celebrated in one place,” Tan added.
Organisers expressed their gratitude for the support from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the Confucius Institute of UMS, Sony Malaysia, Gerid’s Kitchen, and STWA Sdn Bhd, among others.
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