Merdeka Carnival Fusion of Unity

The Merdeka Carnival themed ‘Fusion of Unity’ was held on 14 August 2024 at the Multipurpose Hall of UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The event, organised by the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), aimed to celebrate Malaysia’s Independence Day by highlighting the spirit of unity and diversity. Puan Hajjah Rohaida binti Abdul Kadir, Deputy Director of Unity for the Selangor State from the Ministry of National Unity (KPN) Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), represented Tuan Burhanuddin bin Haji Daud, the Director of Unity for the Selangor State, at the carnival.

Front row, third from left: Prof Goi, Puan Hajjah Rohaida and Prof Dato’ Ewe with UTAR staff and students

Also present at the event were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Registrar Ms Loh Siaw Yien, DSA Head (Sungai Long Campus) Ms Loh Nyuk Leung, Deans, Directors, Chairpersons, Heads of department, staff and students.

The event commenced with the singing of the national anthem, Negaraku, and the recital of the Rukun Negara pledge. These formalities set a patriotic tone for the day, emphasising the significance of the celebration.

Puan Hajjah Rohaida delivering the opening speech

Puan Hajjah Rohaida delivered the opening speech on behalf of YBrs Tuan Burhanuddin. She said, “Malaysia has gone through 67 years as an independent country. Every 31^st August, we will commemorate the struggle and sacrifice of the freedom fighters who gave their lives and blood to free our homeland from the colonialists.”

She added, “Merdeka is not an annual celebration of just waving the flag; Merdeka is a great responsibility of all Malaysians. It is also a heritage that we should cherish and preserve as best as we can.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering the welcome speech

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed, “We are reminded of the importance of coming together as one, regardless of our differences. Our strength lies in our diversity, and events like these serve as a reminder that unity is not just a concept but a practice, we must all embrace. The shared experiences and mutual respect we cultivate here today are vital in building a stronger, more cohesive society. Let us use this opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate our unique cultures, and work towards a common future where everyone feels valued and included.”

Puan Hajjah Rohaida and Prof Dato’ Ewe

The opening was further commemorated with a symbolic launch, which included the presentation of souvenirs to the guests of honour. The ceremony continued with a video presentation that showcased the university’s commitment to unity and the cultural richness of Malaysia.

Cultural performances

The cultural performances that followed were the highlights of the carnival. The performances featured a captivating Wushu display, traditional Kompang, and a Bharatanatyam dance, all of which were met with enthusiastic applause. These performances exemplified the theme— Fusion of Unity by blending different cultural elements into a cohesive celebration.

The carnival also included a prize-giving ceremony, acknowledging the efforts and achievements of participants in various competitions held as part of the event.

The list of winners is as follows:

Rukun Negara Essay Competition

	Secondary school category	Higher education institution category
Champion	Goe Ruo Xuan from SMK Padang Serai, Kedah	Mathiventhan Naidu Raviselvan from Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia Kampus Tuanku Bainun
1st runner-up	Hendrick Voon Qing Fatt from SMK Marudi, Sarawak	Nur Allysha binti Sanat from Universiti Utara Malaysia
2nd runner-up	Iwana Irdina binti Mohamad Shahrir from SMK Pandan Jaya, Selangor	Rabiatul Adawiyah binti Harun Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
Consolation prize	Hannah Toh Hong Na from SMK Tung Hua, Sarawak   Zulaika Fitriyana binti Sanat from Sekolah Berasrama Penuh, Batu Pahat, Johor	Chin Khai Xian from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris   Nur Nabila Syuhada binti Mazeli from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kampus Puncak Alam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merdeka Digital Poster Competition

Champion: Ng Pooi Ching from UTAR Centre for Foundation Studies (Kampar Campus)

1st runner-up: Nurul Izwazi binti Mohd Nor from UTAR Office of VP (Student Development and Alumni Relations)

2nd runner-up: Wan Lok Yi from UTAR Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus)

From left: Posters of Ng, Nurul Izwazi and Wan

UTAR Merdeka Glimmer (Departmental Decoration Competition)

Champion: Office of VP (Internationalisation and Academic Development) and Centre for Curriculum Development and Innovation

1st runner-up: Mary KUOK Pick Hoo Library

2nd runner-up: Centre for Foundation Studies

Consolation prize: Division of Human Resource, Centre for Corporate and Community Development, Division of Quality Assurance and Audit, Faculty of Creative Industries and Registrar’s Office

Winners and participants of UTAR Merdeka Glimmer

Merdeka Photography Contest

Champion: Chan Jun Wei

1st runner-up: Lim Sien Wei

2nd runner-up: Lim Zi Jun

Consolation prize: Pang Zhong Zheng and Wong Jia Jun

Prof Dato’ Ewe presenting prizes to Merdeka Photography Contest winners

Carrom Tournament

Champion: Nik Mohd Ridzuan & Ivan

1st runner-up: Homer Ignatius Jeremiah II & Linggesh Ravichandran

2nd runner-up: Mohd Asraf bin Ishak & Alex

Prof Dato’ Ewe presenting prizes to Carrom Tournament winners

Merdeka Fashion Show: Unity Runway Fusion

Champion: Nur Qisya Qaisara binti Nur Muhammad Ahmar

1st runner-up: Ifra Mikayla binti Nor Mohamad Zulhairi

2nd runner-up: Ummu Waraqah binti Nor Mohamad Zulhairi

From left: Nur Qisya, Ifra and Ummu

Merdeka Singing Competition: Unity Melodic Showcase

Champion: Nor Ikmal bin Kutubujin with the song “Kau Pergi Demi Pertiwi”

1st runner-up: Ho Chan Cheong with the song “草原之夜 (Prairie Night)”

2nd runner-up: Mohd Asraf bin Ishak with the song “Berdiri Seorang Perindu”

From left: Nor Ikmal, Ho and Mohd Asraf

The day included with photo session and carnival booths, where guests had the opportunity to experience the diverse cultural exhibits and activities on display.

Overall, the Merdeka Carnival was a resounding success, embodying the spirit of unity that is central to Malaysia’s national identity. The event not only provided entertainment and cultural education but also reinforced the values of harmony and togetherness among the UTAR community.

Participants enjoying themselves at the event

The organising committee of the Merdeka Carnival