USM PENANG, 19 March 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Cultural Hall (Dewan Budaya) is gaining recognition as a key player in Malaysia’s arts and cultural scene through active participation in several external programmes like “Gemersik Syawal.”

Findings from on-site observations and interviews with Cultural Hall’s management reveal that these engagements go beyond simply accepting performance invitations.

Instead, they are part of a deliberate strategy to raise the visibility of USM’s artistic talents and strengthen their presence on public platforms.

Head of the Cultural Unit at USM Cultural Hall, Andy Siti Nurhidayah Rahim said that Cultural Hall’s involvement in “Gemersik Syawal” is the result of an ongoing collaboration with Queensbay Mall, now entering its fourth consecutive year.

“For this year, our involvement was through providing performance teams for a dedicated slot on 3 March. Among the groups featured were Persatuan Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia and Kumpulan Kesenian Adikarma,” she explained.

She added that, unlike previous events which saw more frequent performances throughout the month of Ramadan, this year’s participation was more astute due to programme structuring by the organisers, which also included participation from other institutions such as Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Permai.

Despite the reduced frequency, the engagement did not diminish USM’s impact.

Instead, it reflects Cultural Hall’s openness in supporting multi-tiered artistic platforms, including the involvement of younger talents at the school level, thereby strengthening inter-institutional cultural networks.

Consistently, Cultural Hall’s role extends beyond sourcing performance talent.

The unit also contributes to programme hosting and content delivery, demonstrating a comprehensive capability in artistic production and cultural programming.

In a related development, Cultural Hall is intensifying preparations for several major programmes expected to serve as key highlights of the university’s arts calendar this year.

Among them is the revival of “Malam Bintang USM,” a singing competition last held in 2018.

The programme will introduce a refreshed format, featuring student participants representing their respective residential colleges (Desasiswa), while the staff category will be open to all university staff.

Organisers are targeting 12 finalists, with semi-finals scheduled for 3 and 4 April at Balai Pasiban Agung, School of the Arts, USM, followed by the grand finale on 18 April at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra (DTSP).

The finale is set to feature a special guest, Hazama Azmi, winner of Akademi Fantasia Season 9, as part of efforts to enhance audience engagement.

Additionally, Cultural Hall will organise the 5th Festival Filem Anak Muda (FFAM-5), a national-level youth film competition scheduled from 12 to 14 June 2026, with registration open until 22 March 2026.

From a broader institutional perspective, the Director of Cultural Hall, Norhelmi Othaman emphasised that Cultural Hall’s role extends beyond functioning as a performance venue.

It operates as a centre for talent development, a catalyst for collaboration, and a platform for cultivating cultural identity within the university community.

He noted that Cultural Hall provides an inclusive platform that brings together students, academics, administrative staff, and alumni through a wide range of artistic activities, including music, theatre, and cultural performances.

This approach contributes to the development of a sustainable arts ecosystem while supporting the university’s aspiration to produce well-rounded graduates.

“Each programme is systematically planned, beginning with clearly defined objectives, followed by concept development, formation of production and technical teams, and promotional strategies that actively involve students,” he said.

In terms of achievements, he identified the continuous nurturing and showcasing of artistic talent among students and staff as Cultural Hall’s most significant accomplishment.

The USM Jazz Band, active for more than 20 years, shows how sustained artistic growth can reach beyond the university and enrich the wider community.

Building stronger ties with external arts practitioners also remains a priority, giving the university community more exposure and opportunities in the creative industry.

Overall, insights from the interviews position USM Cultural Hall not merely as an organiser of arts programmes, but as a strategic entity linking the university with industry, community, and national platforms.

By joining programmes like “Gemersik Syawal” and hosting large-scale events, USM’s artistic community has earned strong recognition and credibility across diverse cultural platforms.

This strengthens USM’s image as not only academically excellent, but also deeply committed to promoting arts and culture as a vital part of human and societal growth.

Text: Privinkumar Jayavanan/Photo: Cultural Hall, USM