Celebrating unity in diversity at UTAR Merdeka Carnival 2025

The Merdeka Carnival 2025 was held on 31 July 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Organised by the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), the event aimed to foster patriotism among Malaysians while showcasing cultural diversity, creativity, and unity in conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Day celebration.

Present at the event were Pengarah Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional Negeri Selangor (JPNIN) Tuan Burhanuddin bin Haji Daud, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Dr Zuraidah binti Abd Manaf, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Registrar Ms Loh Siaw Yien, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, Faculty of Creative Industries Dean Assoc Prof Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, Faculty of Education Dean Dr Wong Sien Biang, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Ng Kar Yee, Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus) Director Ms Melissa Stefanie Netto, and Department of Student Affairs (Sungai Long Campus) Head Ms Loh Nyuk Leung along with UTAR staff and students.

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

Tuan Burhanuddin, in his speech, underscored the importance of appreciating, understanding, and practising the Rukun Negara in daily life as the foundation of unity and harmony. He encouraged Malaysians to proudly raise the national flag and to pass down the patriotic spirit to the younger generation. Furthermore, he urged everyone to work together to safeguard the unity and peace enjoyed today so that they may continue to flourish for the nation’s future.

Prof Choong, on the other hand, highlighted the profound significance of national togetherness, stating, “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.” He emphasised that the shared experiences and mutual respect cultivated at such gatherings are vital for building a stronger society, adding that the theme perfectly captured the objective of bringing people from various backgrounds together to celebrate Merdeka.

The launch of the carnival was marked with a symbolic gimmick and a commemorative video presentation that celebrated Malaysia’s multicultural identity. This was followed by a vibrant ensemble performance and a series of competitions that displayed creativity and talent under the theme of nation-building.

Among the highlights were:
• Rukun Negara Essay Writing Competition: “Menelusuri Rukun Negara”, encouraging students to reflect on Malaysia’s national principles.
• State Vibes: Office Decoration Competition, featuring state-inspired creativity through workplace designs.
• 3D Merdeka Craft Competition: “Crafting Our Nation”, where participants expressed patriotism through innovative artworks.

The prize-giving ceremony recognised the outstanding efforts of participants, with winners receiving trophies and certificates from Tuan Burhanuddin. The celebrations continued with lively cultural and musical performances, which filled the hall with patriotic enthusiasm.

The Merdeka Carnival 2025 successfully embodied this year’s spirit of togetherness and national pride. Beyond a commemoration of independence, it served as a reminder of the shared responsibility to preserve harmony, celebrate cultural richness, and carry forward Malaysia’s legacy of unity into the future.