USM PENANG, 29 January 2025 – The recent ADIKARMA Night of Culture (ANOC) 5.0 was a spectacular event that not only involved Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) local students but also prominently featured cultural performances from international students.

This addition made this year's event distinct from its predecessors, as it highlighted the rich cultural diversity of international students within the university.

Initially known as The Arts of KOMCA and first organised in 2012, ANOC has grown in prominence while steadfastly maintaining its primary objective of providing a platform for newly recruited members and first-year students to showcase three main types of performances: dance, music, and drama.

At the same time, this programme is supported by the management and multimedia teams, thus indirectly fostering a spirit of cooperation and leadership among the students.

At ANOC 5.0 held on 25 January 2025, some 250 ADIKARMA members from the three USM campuses (Main, Engineering and Health), including international students from various countries, came together to showcase their talents across five main units of ADIKARMA: Dance, Music, Drama, Management, and Multimedia.

Themed “The Four Seasons,” which tells an unexpected love story, ANOC 5.0 featured a range of dance performances of various genres from different countries, ethnicities, and states: Japan (Senbunzakura), Indonesia (Persinta Boru), China (Hong Shuang Jue), Malay (Gemalai Asmara), Afro Dancehall (Afrowave), Contemporary dance (Frozen Promises), Sabahan traditional dance (Sazau Kataadan), Sarawakian traditional dance (Tingkang Bulai), and Indian dance (Bangle Love).

Assistant Cultural Officer of the Student Development Centre and ADIKARMA Advisor, Ahmad Assahirin Hamlet remarked, “I am so happy to see students from different countries proudly displaying their unique cultural traditions through the performances, offering a glimpse into their heritage and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of global cultures.”

“These performances also provided participants with the opportunity to learn, interact, and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges,” he added.

BHEPA expressed its gratitude to all participants and audiences, emphasising the importance of such events in promoting cross-cultural understanding and unity on campus ground.

"ANOC 5.0 has truly been a testament to the power of diversity and the incredible talents of our local and international students from ADIKARMA. We are thrilled to see the community coming together to celebrate and embrace different cultures," said a BHEPA representative.

In addition to the diverse dance performances, ANOC 5.0 also showcased singing talents from two music bands from USM's Main and Engineering Campuses, as well as a drama performance titled "The Seasons of Love."

The event was graced by the presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Development Affairs and Alumni, Professor Dr. Shaharum Shamsuddin; along with Chief Operating and Marketing Officer of the Student Development Centre, BHEPA, Zulkifli Che Hussin; ANOC 5.0 Project Director, Ihira Samsudin; BHEPA officers; and the ADIKARMA Secretariat team.

The three-hour ANOC 5.0 concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved and setting the stage for even more vibrant celebrations in the future.

ADIKARMA Night of Culture is an annual cultural event organised by the USM ADIKARMA Performing Arts group under the purview of the USM Student Development Centre, BHEPA, that celebrates the rich diversity and artistic talents of its students.

The event showcases a variety of cultural performances, including traditional dances, music, and theatrical presentations, reflecting the multicultural essence of Malaysia.

The USM ADIKARMA Performing Arts group is a vibrant and talented ensemble that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia through various artistic performances.

The group participates in numerous cultural exchange programmes and performs at countless events, both locally and internationally, to promote cultural understanding and unity.

In doing so, it has significantly enhanced USM's reputation and brought fame to the university through its celebration of arts and culture, with its student members coming from various academic backgrounds and years of study.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photos: BHEPA, USM