11.2 – Support of arts and heritage

11.2.5 – Arts and Heritage Contribution

UKM contributes to local arts, in terms of the number of annual public performances of university choirs or theatre groups or orchestras and etcetera. UKM’s engagement with the arts is demonstrated through its vibrant cultural scene. In 2024, the university hosted more than 30 cultural performances, ranging from theatre productions to musical concerts and traditional dance showcases. These events highlight UKM’s ongoing dedication to promoting local arts and creating opportunities for the public to experience Malaysia’s rich cultural traditions.

No.	Local Arts Programme
1.	UKM Citra Arts Concert
2.	Borneo Cultural Festival
3.	7th UKM ASEAN Arts Festival
4.	UKM Melody Voice Arts Festival 2024 (FESTSAM)
5.	National Dance Festival 2024
6.	Nusantara Gamelan Festival UKM 202
7.	Sarawak Heritage Festival
8.	Cultural Visit to Surakarta, Indonesia
9.	18th Concert of the Traditional Orchestra Club Artisukma
10.	Heroes of the Nation Night
11.	Celebrate Glorious National Heritage Night
12.	Knowledge Exploration Program of the Samurai Students
13.	Inter College Art Festival 2024 – Traditional Dance Medley : Tarian Rampaian
14.	Inter College Art Festival 2024 – Choral and Solo Performances
15.	Inter College Art Festival 2024 – Sketsa
16.	Inter College Art Festival 2024 – Creative Make Up
17.	Inter College Art Festival 2024 – Cultural Art Work
18.	Inter College Art Festival 2024 – Battle of the Band
19.	UKM Merdeka Eve Celebration  2024
20.	UKM 52 Convocation Festival
21.	Sabah Heritage Festival 2024
22.	UKM Tionghua Culture Festival
23.	Dunhua Cultural Night : The Great Tang Phantom Night
24.	2024 Theatre Festival (Fester-Prosenium Mental)
25.	UKM Choir Competition
26.	2024 Inter- Foundation Pantun Festival (FANTASI 2024)
27.	Sumazau and Magunatip Dance Performances
28.	Festival Kesenian Islam (FEKSIS) 2024
29.	25th KTSN Ang Pow Festival
30..	Pesta Warisan Sukma (PEWARIS) 2024
31.	LOKA Berkarya
32.	Rang De Rangoli 2024

1. UKM Citra Arts Concert

The UKM Citra Arts Concert was held on 5 and 6 January 2024 at the Tun Abdul Razak Chancellor Hall (DECTAR), UKM, with free admission and collaboration from the School of Liberal Studies (Pusat Pengajian Citra Universiti). The program involved 1,500 participants and served as the final performance platform for students enrolled in the Cultural Studies Course, allowing them to showcase what they had learned through structured classes and training. With funding of RM2,584, the event not only evaluated students’ artistic skills but also strengthened their identity as custodians of national heritage, fostering leadership, creativity, and organizational competence. This initiative had a significant impact on students by enhancing their cultural knowledge, improving soft skills, and promoting appreciation of Malaysia’s arts and culture, while reinforcing UKM’s role in preserving and advancing the nation’s cultural heritage. 

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2. Borneo Cultural Festival

The Borneo Cultural Festival was held on 8–9 June 2024 at Panggung Seni UKM, organized in collaboration with the Sarawak Student Association (PEMASRA) and the Sabah Student Association (PERMIS). The program was funded with RM2,520 and was open to participants, involving around 200 people. This festival celebrated the cultural richness of Borneo by showcasing traditional music, dance, arts, crafts, and cuisine in conjunction with the Kaamatan and Gawai festivals. It created a meaningful platform for students and the community to preserve and promote Borneo’s diverse cultural heritage, while fostering unity, cultural exchange, and appreciation among participants. Importantly, the program contributed to sustainable cultural preservation and supported local communities by ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their cultural roots. 
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3. 7th UKM ASEAN Arts Festival

The 7th UKM ASEAN Arts Festival was held from 6 to 11 November 2024 at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Razak, UKM, with free participation and collaboration from Institut Warisan Melaka (INSWA) and Bulan Bintang Company. The program involved 250 participants from eight countries, supported by 100 student secretariats and 40 staff members, with a total expenditure of RM66,655.00. The festival provided a meaningful platform for cultural exchange and understanding among ASEAN nations through performances, a cultural exchange program in Melaka, and the Grand Show which attracted over 2,000 spectators. Sponsorship of traditional attire by Bulan Bintang enriched the participants’ cultural experience, while UKM’s AadyaMaatra team won the Gold Award, showcasing Malaysian talent internationally. The program had a significant impact by strengthening regional ties, promoting Malaysian culture globally, nurturing leadership and cultural sensitivity among students, and building a more connected and culturally aware community.

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4. UKM Melody Voice Arts Festival 2024 (FESTSAM)

The UKM Citra Arts Concert was held on 5 and 6 January 2024 at the Tun Abdul Razak Chancellor Hall (DECTAR), UKM, with free admission and collaboration from the School of Liberal Studies (Pusat Pengajian Citra Universiti). The program involved 1,500 participants and served as the final performance platform for students enrolled in the Cultural Studies Course, allowing them to showcase what they had learned through structured classes and training. With funding of RM2,584, the event not only evaluated students’ artistic skills but also strengthened their identity as custodians of national heritage, fostering leadership, creativity, and organizational competence. This initiative had a significant impact on students by enhancing their cultural knowledge, improving soft skills, and promoting appreciation of Malaysia’s arts and culture, while reinforcing UKM’s role in preserving and advancing the nation’s cultural heritage.

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5. National Dance Festival 2024 (FESTA’24)

The National Dance Festival 2024 (FESTA’24) was held on 25–26 October 2024 at the Tun Abdul Razak Chancellor Hall (DECTAR), UKM, with free admission and collaboration from the Aadyamaatra dance group and Artisukma UKM. The festival brought together 250 participants and 48 secretariats with a budget of RM33,048.60, featuring traditional, contemporary, and modern dance performances, along with workshops that fostered cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. Entering its third edition, FESTA’24 provided a vibrant platform for students, schools, and cultural groups, with highlights including the Astari group from Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah securing third place in the school category and Aadyamaatra Artisukma UKM receiving the Special Jury Award. The program had a strong impact by preserving Malaysia’s dance heritage, nurturing emerging talents, strengthening unity through cultural expression, and developing leadership and creativity among students, while also raising public awareness of the value of arts and culture in a globalized era.

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6. Nusantara Gamelan Festival UKM 2024

The Nusantara Gamelan Festival UKM 2024 was held on 18 May 2024 at the Tun Abdul Razak Chancellor Hall (DECTAR), UKM, with free admission and participation from 636 students, staff, and external cultural groups. The event featured local gamelan ensembles from universities across Malaysia, including Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), alongside the renowned Omah Gamelan group from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, highlighting the diversity of gamelan arts in the region. With funding of RM19,000, the festival not only celebrated UKM’s 54th Anniversary but also revived the legacy of the Nusantara Gamelan Festival, promoting appreciation of gamelan among younger generations. This program had a strong impact by strengthening UKM’s collaboration with external cultural institutions, enhancing students’ and the community’s understanding of traditional arts, and preserving gamelan as an important cultural heritage for future generations.

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7. Sarawak Heritage Festival

The Sarawak Heritage Festival was held on 7 December 2024 at Dataran Panggung Seni, UKM, with free admission and collaboration from the Ministry of National Unity Malaysia. The festival gathered 300 participants and featured cultural performances, exhibitions, food stalls, and craft workshops, with an estimated 5,000 visitors including 3,200 community members and youth. With funding of RM20,165, the program played a significant role in preserving and promoting Sarawak’s indigenous heritage by showcasing traditional music, dance, crafts, and environmental conservation practices. It created a meaningful impact by fostering cultural appreciation, educating students and the wider public about the value of indigenous traditions, and strengthening community ties. The event also inspired younger generations to embrace and uphold Sarawak’s cultural legacy while encouraging sustainable practices for the future.

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8. Cultural Visit To Surakarta, Indonesia

The Cultural Visit to Surakarta, Indonesia was held from 29 July to 1 August 2024 at Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, with collaboration between the UKM Cultural Centre and Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia. The program, which involved 26 participants and was funded with RM50,000, was part of a student learning visit under ARTISUKMA and included cultural discussions, performances, and a visit to a gamelan workshop. A key highlight was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI), which established opportunities for long-term cooperation in arts and cultural programs, including seminars, student exchanges, and joint research. This program had a significant impact by providing students with valuable exposure and hands-on experiences that enhanced their identity in arts and culture, while also strengthening international academic and cultural ties and fostering sustainable development of the arts industry through cross-border collaboration.

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9. 18th Concert of The Traditional Orchestra Club Artisukma

The 18th Concert of the Traditional Orchestra Club Artisukma was held on 11 June 2024 at Panggung Seni UKM with free admission, involving 150 participants. This annual concert served as a platform for students specializing in traditional music to showcase their talents through performances that combined traditional instrumental pieces with contemporary cultural works. The program had a significant impact by raising awareness of Malaysia’s rich musical heritage, fostering creativity, and deepening appreciation for the diversity and complexity of traditional music. It also nurtured future performers and cultural ambassadors, ensuring the continuity of traditional arts while strengthening cultural ties and unity within the university community.

10. Heroes of The Nation Night

The Heroes of the Nation Night in conjunction with the UKM Nationalism Appreciation Week (Minggu Apresiasi Watan) was held on 30 September 2025 at the Tun Abdul Razak Chancellor Hall (DECTAR), UKM, with free admission and participation from 4,500 students. The event highlighted the excellence of UKM’s various uniformed bodies and promoted recruitment of cadet officers and trainees, while instilling patriotism and love for the country among new students. This program had a strong impact by raising awareness of the roles and contributions of uniformed bodies, encouraging active student participation, and fostering unity and national pride. It also provided students with opportunities to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, which contribute to their personal growth and future professional success, while strengthening UKM’s commitment to nurturing responsible and patriotic individuals.

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11. Celebrate Glorious National Heritage Night

The Celebrate Glorious National Heritage Night was held on 2 October 2025 at the Tun Abdul Razak Chancellor Hall (DECTAR), UKM, with free admission and the participation of 4,500 students and staff. As the grand finale of the UKM Patriotism Appreciation Week 2024/2025, the event showcased diverse cultural performances including skits, dances, traditional music, dikir barat, and boria, while also featuring special performances by the Vice-Chancellor and university leaders. The program created a strong impact by boosting students’ confidence, encouraging artistic expression, and fostering unity and patriotism within the campus community. It also strengthened the bond between students and university leadership, promoted appreciation of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, and left lasting memories that deepened cultural pride and national identity among the UKM community.

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12. Knowledge Exploration Program Of The Samurai Students

The Knowledge Exploration Program of the Samurai Students from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Takushoku University was held from 8 to 13 March 2024 at the School of Liberal Studies (CITRA-UKM). Among the activities was a visit to the UKM Cultural Centre, where participants learned about Malaysian traditional dances. UKM students also showcased Malaysia’s cultural heritage through traditional dances, musical instruments, attire, and other cultural elements. This program created a meaningful impact by strengthening cultural exchange between Japan and Malaysia, enhancing students’ appreciation of cross-cultural understanding, and promoting Malaysia’s rich heritage on an international platform while fostering friendship and global connectivity among youth.

13. Inter College Art Festival 2024 (ICAF) 2024 – Traditional Dance Medley: Tarian Rampaian

The Inter-College Arts Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Traditional Dance Medley (Tarian Rampaian) showcased a vibrant array of traditional dance performances on 27 May 2024. Tarian Rampaian was one of the highlight events held,  bringing together talented students from various UKM residential colleges to compete in a vibrant showcase of traditional dance. Tarian Rampaian, known as the medley of cultural dances, featured a combination of diverse traditional styles from different Malaysian ethnic groups, beautifully choreographed to reflect the nation’s multicultural identity. The performance not only demonstrated students’ artistic creativity and teamwork but also served as a platform to preserve and celebrate Malaysia’s cultural heritage. The event had a strong impact by enhancing students’ appreciation of cultural diversity, fostering unity among participants, and promoting the importance of safeguarding traditional arts for future generations, while enriching the cultural spirit of the campus community.

14. Inter College Art Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Choral and Solo Performances

The Inter-College Arts Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Choral and Solo Performances showcased the vocal talents of UKM students through powerful solo renditions and harmonious choral presentations. Held on 31 May 2024, the event highlighted a diverse repertoire, including traditional Malaysian songs, contemporary pieces, and creative musical expressions that reflected both cultural pride and artistic versatility. These performances not only provided a platform for students to develop confidence and stage presence but also encouraged teamwork, discipline, and creativity in delivering high-quality musical presentations. The program made a significant impact by nurturing young talent, strengthening appreciation for vocal arts, and fostering unity among students, while promoting Malaysia’s rich musical heritage within the university community.

15. UKM’S Inter College Art Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Sketsa

The Inter-College Arts Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Sketsa was held on 6 June 2024 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, bringing together creative student groups from various residential colleges to showcase short theatrical performances. Each sketsa carried strong cultural, social, and moral messages delivered through humor, drama, and creative storytelling, reflecting the students’ ability to blend entertainment with meaningful content. The competition provided a platform for students to enhance their acting, scriptwriting, and stage production skills, while also encouraging teamwork and critical thinking. This program made a notable impact by nurturing young talents in the performing arts, fostering creativity and confidence among students, and strengthening the role of theater as a medium to educate and inspire the university community. 

16. UKM’S Inter College Art Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Creative Make Up

The UKM Inter-College Arts Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Creative Make-Up Competition was held on 28 May 2024, showcasing the artistic skills and imagination of students through innovative make-up designs. Participants from various residential colleges demonstrated their creativity by transforming models into living artworks, blending traditional cultural elements with modern artistic expressions. The competition not only highlighted students’ talent in aesthetics and design but also encouraged originality, precision, and confidence in presenting their creations on stage. This program had a strong impact by fostering artistic innovation, providing a platform for students to express cultural identity in contemporary ways, and inspiring greater appreciation for the creative arts within the university community. 

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17. UKM’S Inter College Art Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Cultural Artwork

The Inter-College Arts Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Cultural Artwork was held on 29 May 2024, bringing together talented students from UKM’s residential colleges to showcase their creativity through paintings and visual art inspired by Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. Participants expressed themes of tradition, identity, and unity, producing works that combined both classical and contemporary styles to reflect the nation’s diversity. The event not only provided a platform for students to develop their artistic skills and cultural appreciation but also created opportunities for them to share their perspectives with the campus community. This program had a meaningful impact by nurturing creativity, preserving cultural values through visual expression, and fostering pride in Malaysia’s heritage among the younger generation.

18. UKM’S Inter College Art Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Battle Of The Band

The UKM Inter-College Arts Festival (ICAF) 2024 – Battle of the Bands was held on 1 June 2024, featuring energetic performances by student bands from various residential colleges. The competition served as a platform for young musicians to showcase their talent in vocals, instrumentals, and stage performance, with genres ranging from rock and pop to traditional fusion. Each band brought their own unique style, creating a lively atmosphere that captivated the audience and celebrated the spirit of youth and creativity. This event had a strong impact by enhancing students’ confidence, teamwork, and musical expression, while also fostering appreciation for contemporary and traditional music among the campus community. It further strengthened the role of music as a unifying force, inspiring students to pursue their passion in the performing arts.

19. UKM Merdeka Eve Celebration 2024

The UKM Merdeka Eve Celebration 2024 was held on 30 August 2024, bringing together students and staff in a vibrant showcase of cultural performances to mark the nation’s independence. The evening featured traditional dances, musical presentations, and theatrical acts that reflected Malaysia’s rich multicultural heritage, with each performance highlighting unity and patriotism through the arts. Students from diverse backgrounds collaborated to present a colorful array of cultural expressions, blending tradition with contemporary creativity. The program had a significant impact by strengthening national pride, fostering appreciation for Malaysia’s cultural diversity, and uniting the campus community in a shared spirit of celebration and love for the country.

20. UKM 52 Convocation Festival

The Convocation Ceremony (Cultural Performance) 2025 was held on 24 November 2024, enlivening the graduation celebration with vibrant cultural showcases by UKM students. The performances highlighted Malaysia’s multicultural heritage through traditional dances, music, and costumes that reflected the nation’s diverse identity. Graduates and guests were treated to a colorful display of cultural artistry, symbolizing unity, harmony, and pride in national heritage. This cultural segment had a strong impact by instilling a sense of patriotism, fostering appreciation for Malaysia’s rich traditions, and creating memorable experiences that celebrated not only academic success but also the values of cultural pride and togetherness within the UKM community. 

21. Sabah Heritage Festival 2024

The Sabah Heritage Festival 2024, held on 21–22 December 2024, became a dynamic celebration of Borneo’s cultural richness, where the UKM Artisukma Club was given the opportunity to present captivating performances that brought Sabah’s traditions to life. Through mesmerizing dances, music, and cultural showcases, the group highlighted the beauty and uniqueness of Borneo’s heritage, allowing the audience to experience its authenticity and vibrancy. This participation not only enhanced the festival’s atmosphere but also provided UKM students with a meaningful platform to promote cultural appreciation, preserve indigenous traditions, and strengthen pride in Malaysia’s diverse heritage at the national level.

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22. UKM Tionghua Culture Festival

The UKM Tionghua Culture Festival organized by Kolej Ungku Omar was held on 17 May 2024, celebrating the richness of Chinese culture and traditions within the campus community. The event featured a variety of cultural performances, including traditional dances, music, and exhibitions that highlighted the heritage and values of the Tionghua community. Students and guests had the opportunity to immerse themselves in cultural showcases such as traditional attire, arts, and food, which created a lively and engaging atmosphere. This festival had a strong impact by fostering cross-cultural understanding, strengthening unity among students of diverse backgrounds, and preserving cultural traditions while enriching the multicultural spirit of UKM.

23. Dunhua Cultural Night: The Great Tang Phantom Night

The Dunhua Cultural Night: The Great Tang Phantom Night, held on 18 May 2024, was a vibrant event that showcased the elegance and grandeur of Chinese heritage inspired by the Tang Dynasty. Through captivating stage performances, traditional dances, elaborate costumes, and dramatic storytelling, the event recreated the charm of ancient Chinese culture in a modern setting. Students brought history to life by blending cultural artistry with creativity, offering the audience an immersive cultural experience. This program had a strong impact by deepening appreciation of Chinese traditions, promoting cultural diversity on campus, and providing students with a platform to enhance their performance skills while celebrating the richness of global heritage. 

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24. 2024 Theatre Festival (Fester-Prosenium Mental)

The 2024 Theatre Festival (FESTER-PROSENIUM MENTAL) was held from 19 to 26 May 2024 at Panggung Seni UKM with free admission, in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), Malaysian Theatre Association, and the Centre for Clinical Psychology and Human Well-Being (PsiTra), UKM. The festival involved 220 participants and was attended by nearly 2,000 spectators, featuring 11 residential college theatre productions that promoted creativity while raising awareness on mental well-being through performing arts. With a funding of RM9,968, the program provided a vital platform for students to showcase artistic talent, develop soft skills, and produce original scripts and scenography, aligning with the HEPA Strategic Blueprint 2023–2026. The festival had a strong impact on students by nurturing future artistic leaders, strengthening campus theatre culture, and educating the wider community about the importance of mental health through cultural expression.

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25. UKM-Choir Competition

In conjunction with Malaysia’s 67th Independence Day celebration, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) also organized the UKM-level Choir Competition. The competition crowned the UKM Science Cluster as the champion. The announcement of the results took place during the Ambang Merdeka Celebration held on 30 August 2024 at Dataran Panggung Seni, UKM.

26. 2024 Inter-Foundation Pantun Festival (FANTASI 2024)

The Inter-Foundation Pantun Festival (FANTASI) of Public Universities is an annual event organized by the Council of Deans/Directors of Foundations in Malaysia, bringing together foundation students from public universities and Matriculation Colleges across Malaysia.

From 25 to 27 February 2024, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) organized FANTASI at the Permata Pintar UKM Auditorium. This festival served as an excellent platform to nurture well-balanced and harmonious students while enhancing their language and communication skills. In addition, it encouraged students to apply quick, accurate, and critical thinking in crafting pantun (traditional Malay poetry) creatively. The festival also aimed to promote the uniqueness of traditional Malay culture, language, and customs, ensuring that these heritage elements are preserved and appreciated by university students across Malaysia. 

27. Sumazau and Magunatip Dance Performances

The Corporate Communication Department organized a cultural arts activity in conjunction with the 2024 Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day celebration, featuring Sumazau and Magunatip dance performances by the UKM Cultural Centre at the Main Lobby of HCTM on 4 June 2024.

Source : hctm.ukm.my/jkk/news/persembahan-tarian-sumazau-dan-magunatip/

28. Festival Kesenian Islam (FEKSIS) 2024

The Festival Kesenian Islam (FESKI) UKM 2024 was organized in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul SAW Celebration at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The festival aimed to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while fostering appreciation for Islamic arts and culture. The event featured various competitions and performances promoting creativity and spiritual expression among students.

29. 25th KTSN Ang Pow Festival

The KTSN Ang Pow Festival is a cultural program that has been successfully organised for 24 consecutive years at Kolej Tun Syed Nasir  and is one of the most well-received events among KTSN students. The Ang Pow Festival emphasises the promotion of Chinese culture, a unique and fascinating heritage passed down through generations. This festival has also united the entire KTSN community, regardless of race. Through this program, KTSN members from diverse backgrounds are exposed to Chinese culture and can foster mutual understanding through the various activities held in conjunction with the Ang Pow Festival.

In 2024, the festival was held on 12 May 2024 at Tun Syed Nasir Residential College, Kuala Lumpur.

30. Pesta Warisan Sukma (PEWARIS) 2024

The Pesta Warisan Sukma (PEWARIS) 2024 was held on 19 May 2024 Tun Syed Nasir Residential College, UKM. This event served as a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, featuring various performances and activities that showcased traditional values and artistic expressions, fostering unity and appreciation for Malaysia’s diverse cultural identity. 

By introducing students to folklore and classical literature, PEWARIS contributed to cultural preservation, ensuring that valuable moral lessons and traditions continue to be passed down through generations. This initiative not only inspired creativity but also reinforced a sense of identity and belonging.

Furthermore, PEWARIS championed inclusivity by recognizing artistic talent across ethnic backgrounds, breaking down barriers, and fostering mutual respect. The program encouraged collaboration and cultural exchange, leading to innovative artistic expressions that celebrate diversity. Its success in promoting cultural sustainability and social harmony reflects its strong adherence to SDG 11, ensuring that heritage and creativity remain integral to community development.

31. LOKA BERKARYA

The program was organized by Kelab KARYA, Kolej Ibrahim Yaakub, UKM, with the aim of fostering students’ awareness of expressing artistic culture in diverse forms from an early stage. In addition, it serves as a platform to challenge students’ creativity and talents in the field of culture.

Through this program, secondary school students are exposed to various forms of art while relieving academic stress, allowing them to explore creativity beyond classroom learning. It also helps participants develop program management skills that extend beyond the university environment. Moreover, the initiative provides an excellent opportunity for students residing in Kolej Ibrahim Yaakub to cultivate leadership qualities and showcase their organizational and creative abilities.

32. Rang De Rangoli 2024

The Rang De Rangoli 2024 program, held on 17 May 2024 at Kolej Tun Syed Nasir, was an annual cultural event organized by UKM students to promote Indian culture and traditions among the university community and the public. It featured vibrant activities such as rangoli art, music, and dance performances, encouraging participation from students of various ethnic backgrounds. The event also served as a fundraising initiative for orphans, combining cultural celebration with social responsibility. With 118 participants and collaborations involving the Malaysian Indian Dental Association, Ladoo and Pusat Kebajikan Karunai Illam, the program fostered cultural appreciation, inclusivity, and unity, aligning with SDG 11 by promoting sustainable, harmonious, and inclusive community development.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Malaysia’s arts and heritage through its vibrant calendar of cultural activities, festivals, and performances. In 2024 alone, UKM organized over 30 major cultural events, including the ASEAN Arts Festival, National Dance Festival, Nusantara Gamelan Festival, and various inter-college arts competitions that showcased traditional music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. These initiatives foster cultural appreciation, strengthen national identity, and create platforms for artistic expression among students and the wider community. By providing free and inclusive access to cultural performances and heritage celebrations, UKM not only nurtures creative talent but also ensures the continuity of Malaysia’s diverse cultural traditions. Through its sustained engagement with the arts, UKM demonstrates its leadership in cultural preservation, education, and community enrichment, contributing meaningfully to the nation’s creative and heritage landscape.