World Diversity 2026 brought together students from various countries at South City Plaza, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, to celebrate cultural diversity through traditional performances, a cultural fashion parade, and a Cultural Entrepreneurship Showcase, promoting intercultural understanding, inclusivity, and global citizenship while providing opportunities for students to share their heritage, build cross-cultural friendships, and develop entrepreneurial skills through cultural products and business activities.

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South City Plaza, Seri Kembangan, was transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and international friendship on 21 May 2026 as students from around the world gathered for World Diversity 2026.

The event brought together students from diverse cultural backgrounds in a colourful showcase of traditions, performances, and shared experiences, highlighting the power of diversity in fostering understanding, respect, and unity within a global community.

Representing the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj, Adviser of Sustainable Future Fusion and Ms Nor Azlin Mohamad, both lecturers from the School of Business (SoB), attended the event on behalf of Professor Dr Kashif Hussain, Senior Head of SoB and the School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT).

Ms Cynthia Mala also had the honour of serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the third consecutive year, guiding the celebration with enthusiasm and professionalism, while Ms Nor Azlin supported the event by assisting with student catering arrangements, certificate preparation, and coordination of event logistics.

The event featured an exciting line-up of cultural performances, including traditional songs, dances, and a spectacular cultural fashion parade, where students proudly showcased traditional attire from their respective countries in a vibrant display of cultural identity and pride.

Participants from Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, and several African nations came together to celebrate their heritage while embracing the traditions of others. 

The atmosphere was filled with energy and excitement as audiences enjoyed captivating performances, colourful costumes, and inspiring expressions of cultural diversity.

Beyond the performances, the event served as a powerful reminder that diversity is one of society’s greatest strengths, as cultural exchange and shared experiences enabled participants to develop a deeper appreciation of the values, customs, and traditions that make each culture unique while also discovering the common connections that unite people across borders.

Adding prestige to the occasion, the celebration was officiated by Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab Beg, former Director-General of Tourism Malaysia.

Participants were also inspired by a keynote address from Dr Hezri Adnan, Senior Advisor on Sustainable Development for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, who spoke about the importance of cultural diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and international cooperation in shaping a more inclusive future.

The organisers also extended special appreciation to the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Entrepreneurs & Stakeholders Association (KLTESA) for its invaluable support in making the event a success.

The celebration continued with a Cultural Entrepreneurship Showcase held on 23 and 24 May 2026 at South City Plaza, where students were given the opportunity to transform cultural heritage into entrepreneurial ventures by operating booths featuring handmade crafts, traditional food, cultural souvenirs, and products representing their home countries.

The showcase allowed students to apply practical business skills while sharing aspects of their culture with the wider community, demonstrating how combining entrepreneurship with cultural appreciation can inspire creativity, innovation, and economic opportunity.

Reflecting on the event, Foundation in Business student Sachiev Nair described the experience as memorable and rewarding.

“We danced, sang Kumbaya, dressed up, and appreciated each other's traditions. The event allowed us to learn about different cultures while having fun and building friendships with students from around the world,” he said.

His classmate, Zandra Neema Julian Kilonzo, shared similar sentiments.

“It was exciting to see students proudly representing their countries. We look forward to having more events like this that bring everyone together and celebrate diversity,” she said.

Dipika Yadav described performing at World Diversity 2026 as a proud and fulfilling experience.

“It gave me the opportunity to share my culture with others while appreciating the traditions and performances of fellow students from different countries. The event truly showcased the beauty of cultural unity,” she said.

Angela Merici da Conceição added that participating in the cultural performances was both meaningful and inspiring.

“The event allowed us to express our heritage with confidence and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. It was inspiring to see everyone come together in a spirit of respect, inclusion, and friendship,” she said.

As students celebrated their differences, they also discovered the shared values that connect communities worldwide, proving that diversity remains one of the strongest foundations for a more inclusive and harmonious future.