PENANG, 21 September 2017 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has the privilege to engage with the prominent multi-lingual academician cum distinguished creative mind, Professor Dato' Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Yousof during the Malaysian Literature in English Invited Talk and Book Launching Ceremony held here at USM today.

Ghulam is a widely-known writer, translator, academician, cultural activist and expert of traditional Malay and South-East Asian Theatre - particularly on the ‘Mak Yong’ and ‘Wayang Kulit’ performances. This prolific writer has USM deep in his heart as he had started his academic career at the USM School of Humanities in 1970.

Among his most prominent contribution to the country is his involvement in the preparation of official nomination papers, on behalf of the Malaysian Ministry of Culture, for submission to UNESCO to gain recognition for the ‘Mak Yong’ dance theatre of Malaysia as an item of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.

He also pioneered the first performing arts programme in the country at USM, of which the syllabus he first developed here later served as models for subsequent programmes in performing arts in other local institutions.

The Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail graces the special talk, which was held in conjunction with the English Language and Literature Studies (ELLS) 25th Anniversary Celebration.

Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias