NIBONG TEBAL, 7 December 2025 – Festival GEGAQ 2025 drew to a close today at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Engineering Campus after three vibrant days filled with arts, cultural, and community-based activities.

Engineering Campus Director, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, who represented the USM Vice-Chancellor at the closing ceremony, said the success of the festival was the result of strong commitment, collaboration, and dedication from all parties from the planning stage through to its execution.

She said Festival GEGAQ 2025 was not merely an entertainment event, but a platform that brought together talents, cultures and communities from Penang, Perak, and Kedah.

“This festival proves that when students, industries and communities work hand in hand, something meaningful and impactful can be achieved,” she said.

Mariatti added that large-scale events of this nature were rarely hosted at the Engineering Campus, as they are typically held at the Main Campus. However, support from HOTLINK Uni Legend as the main sponsor made it possible to bring the festival to Nibong Tebal.

She also noted that the festival’s organisation coincided perfectly with the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Engineering Campus next year, symbolising the solidarity of students, the community, and industrial partners in strengthening the campus’ identity as a centre of engineering excellence.

Meanwhile, Festival GEGAQ 2025 Programme Director, Shakeer Shaik Abdullah, expressed his appreciation to HOTLINK for the trust and support extended throughout the festival.

He said that apart from serving as a platform for entertainment, the festival also brought significant benefits to students, including improved confidence, leadership, and teamwork – key elements that contributed to the smooth running of the event.

He added that although the programme started as a small initiative at the Engineering Campus, its success proved that branch campuses too are capable of organising large-scale, university-level events.

“This festival not only entertained, but also had a positive impact on students in terms of confidence-building, leadership, and teamwork, especially for those directly involved,” he said.

Festival GEGAQ 2025 at USM Engineering Campus was a large-scale cultural, arts, and community festival held from 5–7 December 2025, showcasing creativity, tradition, and innovation while uniting communities from Penang, Perak, and Kedah.

Key Features:

• Arts & Culture: Traditional performances, workshops, and exhibitions highlighting Malaysia’s diverse heritage.
• Innovation & Creativity: Hands-on sessions such as an Artificial Intelligence workshop, a Canva design workshop, and a Wayang Kulit workshop blending modern and traditional arts.
• Community Engagement: Activities designed to bring together students, staff, and local residents.
• Unity Run 2025: A colorful 5km fun run held on 6 December, with T-shirts, medals, lucky draws, and snack packs for participants.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/ Photos: Courtesy of Festival GEGAQ 2025 Secretariat