Merdeka Go As One Fiesta portrays a harmonious community

Merdeka Go As One Fiesta was held on 2 August 2019 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The fiesta was held in conjunction with Merdeka Day 2019 celebration. It was organised by the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) of Sungai Long Campus in collaboration with Asia Pacific University (APU) of Technology and Innovation, UTAR academic faculties, clubs and societies. It was supported by the Ministry of Education (MoE) Malaysia. The fiesta was open to UTAR students, staff and the public. 

Merdeka decoration 

The celebration of national day holds great significance for people of all races and backgrounds, including students on campus and the local community. The Merdeka celebration aimed to gather all races into one community and raise the nationwide spirit. 

The arrival of guests

Invited to launch the opening ceremony were Principal Assistant Director of Patriotism and Culture Unit of Higher Education Department Noorarizawaty binti Aris, UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Head of School of General Studies and Representative of (APU) Ragu, distinguished guests, staff and students. 

Prof Chuah delivering his welcome speech 

In his welcome speech, Prof Chuah thanked the MoE for their generous contribution of RM15,000 in support of the Merdeka celebration. He also thanked APU for the collaborative opportunity in organising the event. “The three parties, namely MoE, APU and UTAR coming together for a unified purpose and joining hands to spread the Merdeka spirit is truly in line with this year’s national day theme Sayangi Malaysiaku, Malaysiaku Bersih,” he said.

He also added, “We live in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religion country but we are all Malaysians respecting each other’s differences and we come together as one for various purposes in different situations on a daily basis. As Malaysians, we embrace diversity and the unique difference that each culture brings and we have lived together as neighbours and community members with much peace and understanding. So, let us celebrate this togetherness along with the national spirit. That is the true meaning of being a Malaysian.” 

 Captivating cultural performances 

The carnival kick-started with 24 Festive Drums performance. It was followed by several cultural dance performance and singing performance. A Kolam competition was also held for the visitors.

The Kolam competition required three participants in a group. The theme of the competition was ‘Merdeka’. Besides UTAR staff, the competition also saw the participation of SMK Tamil Ampang students.

“We decided to take part in this event with the school children after receiving an invitation letter from UTAR. I believe this event will be beneficial for them and it will provide them with the knowledge they need to understand about our country better,” said K.Gobinathan Krishnan, a teacher from SJK Tamil Ampang.  

The champion of the Kolam competition was UTAR Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) Manager Loke Chaw Liang and group. Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff Komathi Rethinam and her group members were chosen as the first runner-up for the Kolam competition. The second runner-up was SJK Tamil Ampang students. 

SJK Tamil Ampang students choosing the colours of their choice 

UTAR staff filling the heart of Malaysia

SJK Tamil Ampang students and UTAR staff during the Kolam competition

Kolam artworks by participants 

Judges of Merdeka Cultural Fashion Contest 

The participants are dressed in vivid outfits

Besides Kolam competition, a Merdeka Cultural Fashion contest was held for the participants to display their best outfits and style. The champion of the Merdeka Cultural Fashion contest was DPP Assistant Manager Yong Chin Yi followed by DSA Assistant Manager Norazilah binti Adnan as the first runner-up and DPP Deputy Director Irene Wong Hong Lei as the second runner-up.

The Merdeka Cultural Fashion contest and Chinese Calligraphy competition were opened to all UTAR staff and their children, UTAR alumni as well as students. “I joined the Chinese Calligraphy competition earlier. It was fun and memorable. I hope more people would come and try out the activities here. I also hope they would try out the Chinese calligraphy because it is interesting and it can help raise youngsters’ interest. I have previously joined Chinese Calligraphy competitions but not during Merdeka, so this would be my first time attending this competition at UTAR,”said Year Two Actuarial Science student Chan Yan Kong. The first place for Chinese Calligraphy competition was won by Chemical Engineering student Tan Qian Hui. The second place was won by Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences student Yiap Xun Ke and the third place was won by Architecture student Ooi Wan Yi. 

Participants of Chinese calligraphy competition

Beautiful Chinese calligraphy 

Chinese Calligraphy booth 

Apart from that, several other competitions were held such as Henna competition, Quiz Ambang competition and also a Colouring contest for kids to make the fiesta even merrier. The first prize for the Henna competition was given to a student, Yuhashinee Tharumalingam. The second prize was given to another UTAR student, Darshinni Sivan and the third prize was given to Tanusha A. Harigaran, a UTAR student as well. As for the Quiz Ambang Competition, the first prize was won by Ng Sue Xiang who is UTAR student, while the second and third prizes were won by Nea Chee Hoe and Woon Tian Chun respectively. The Colouring contest saw Tan Yi Jie winning the first place followed by Siew Jun Ler and Rayyan Haikal bin Ramli in the second and third places respectively. 

Participants during the Henna competition

Participants taking part in the Henna competition 

Different Henna designs 

Children taking part in the colouring contest

The artworks of Coloring contest winners from pre-schools and primary schools 

The artworks of Henna competition winners 

Another zone in the fiesta was the Health and Wellness Zone. It was jointly organised by the Centre for Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote a healthy lifestyle in the community. The Health and Wellness Zone offered free medical check-up for the visitors. Some of the popular highlights in the zone were Tui-na, acupuncture and internal medicine. Skin analysis and Chinese Medicine Cosmetology were introduced to the community as well. Chinese Medicine Cosmetology is used to improve skin condition, beautify and whiten skin, reduce wrinkles, improve moisture and nutrition to enhance the growth of new cells and strengthen skin firmness. Besides, a Physiotherapy Therapeutic Massage was also introduced to the community to help them relax their muscles and decrease their stress. 

Student testing blood pressure 

The fiesta also saw station games consisting of both modern and traditional games, organised to capture visitors’ childhood memories, bring fun and laughter to the people. The participants had the chance to play traditional games like Congkak, Snake and Ladder, Dam Haji and many more. 

“The activities prepared for the Merdeka Day were interesting and amusing. It is really adventurous and impressive. My son took part in the colouring contest. This event is very beneficial because it helps the young to develop a love for the country,” said Santrakantcha Padathary, a parent. 

Different types of childhood games 

A student playing 5 Stones 

Students playing Pick Up Sticks

Students playing Chinese Chess

Students playing the Eraser Game 

Students playing Congkak 

SJK Tamil Ampang school students playing Congkak 

Participants at the tailor shop

 A group of students playing Millionaire game 

Students playing Snake and Ladder 

UTAR staff playing Happy Family Card 

A child playing Hopscotch

A group of students playing “Jianzi” 

A group of students enjoy playing games 

The participants also had the opportunity to treat themselves to various food such as cakes, fish balls, doughnuts and childhood candies at the Multi-Cultural Food and Beverages Zone. 

Students selling food and beverages during the carnival