Malaysia's National Day, known as Merdeka, is a time to celebrate the nation's rich cultural diversity. At the Asia Pacific Language Centre (APLC), this celebration took on special meaning for the nearly 400 international and local students who participated in the APLC Cultural and Merdeka Celebration 2024.

Held a week before the official National Day, the event on August 23, 2024, at Auditorium One, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), offered students a vibrant introduction to Malaysia's cultural heritage.

The festival aimed to deepen international students' understanding and appreciation of Malaysian culture by engaging them in traditional dances and martial arts. Through these performances, students from countries such as Japan, Mauritania, South Korea, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and others gained a greater insight into the significance of Merdeka and the unity it represents.

Under the guidance of APLC's dedicated English teachers, who worked alongside choreographers from APU, students learned and performed a variety of cultural dances, including Malay Zapin, Inang, Bollywood, Indian Classical Dance, Silat Gayong, Rampaian Borneo, and Wau Bulan. The event was a testament to the power of cultural exchange, with performances that captivated the audience and brought the essence of Malaysia’s multicultural society to life.

Among the highlighted performances included –

Bollywood Dance: This performance showcased India's vibrant cultural expressions, with both international and local FELDA students participating. The energy and enthusiasm of the performers were so infectious that the audience requested an encore, underscoring the event's success in connecting with the crowd.

Silat Gayong: This traditional martial art left international students in awe, offering them a thrilling glimpse into Malaysia’s rich heritage and the deep cultural significance of Silat.

Inang Dance: Known for its graceful and rhythmic movements, this traditional Malay dance was performed by international students who dedicated themselves to mastering its elegance, further enriching their cultural experience in Malaysia.

Reflecting on their participation at the national day event, APLC students shared how the festival enriched their understanding of Malaysian culture:

Akhmetova Amina from Kazakhstan said, "Participating in the APLC Cultural and Merdeka Festival was an enriching experience. Singing a Malay song in the choir among students from different backgrounds promoted unity among us and showed me how music can bridge cultural gaps."

Yohei Matsumoto from Japan expressed, "The festival was unforgettable! Unlike the more regulated school festivals in Japan, the Merdeka Festival was full of excitement and joy. I learned the thrill of working with classmates toward a shared goal."

Salah Alajmani from Yemen shared, "Through this event, I met students from all over the world and made great friends. I embraced national pride and multiculturalism, even though I'm not Malaysian."

Liu Yupei from China reflected, "It was amazing how our voices from different cultures came together in one powerful anthem. This joyful, unifying experience will stay with me forever."

Kokorina Vasilisa from Russia added, "I’m so happy to have been part of the Merdeka Festival! It was amazing to pick up new dance skills, and now I can dance Indian dance."

Ms Nur Nazrin Hadia, the APLC Event Coordinator, remarked that the event embodied the spirit of community and shared growth. Senior Manager Ms Sharen Kaur, who led the event, found the most meaningful aspect was witnessing the students' enthusiasm and growth in cultural appreciation. She shared, "Each year, the event serves as a reminder of the power of cultural exchange and unity. I envision the event growing with increased participation and a broader range of cultural elements."

She further added, "At APLC, learning transforms into a vibrant experience. Through the Cultural and Merdeka Celebration, students not only refine their English skills by collaborating on captivating performances but also immerse themselves in Malaysia’s rich heritage. This dynamic blend of teamwork and cultural exploration creates a powerful, engaging learning journey, making their time at APLC truly unforgettable and impactful."

With a robust 16-year history in English language education, APLC offers Intensive English Programmes (IEP) for students preparing for professional studies, as well as English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programmes for working adults. Recently recognised as Malaysia’s Best Language Centre (English Language) at the Malaysia Education and TVET Awards 2024, APLC continues to lead in language education.

The APLC Cultural and Merdeka Festival 2024 was truly a transformative experience, leaving a lasting impact on the students and deepening their connection to Malaysia’s cultural diversity.