PENANG, Jun 2014 - A truly unique country, Malaysia is truly a melting pot of great ethnic diversity possessing multicultural practices. Despite the spectrum of diversities, Malaysians were able to share and respect each other’s culture which ensured the existence of a harmonious country since the early years of the country’s history.

At joint events various ethnic groups got together to celebrate, cutting across all ethnic and cultural barriers. That is a process which forges a culture of tolerance and understanding among different races.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Chinese Arts and Cultural Secretariat [Sekretariat Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Tionghua (SKKT)] President Ooi Chin Teik wants the role of the Secretariat to be extended not only to the Chinese community but to the other communities as well on campus.

When he was asked about the direction of the Secretariat during an interview, he admitted that the advocacy on issues pertaining to arts and culture is generally not well received by the younger generation as they are overtaken by modernisation.

“For that reason we are working to promote and increase the number of participants to the Secretariat so that the students are always exposed to the traditional Chinese culture.

“Until now, since the establishment of USM SKKT in 2013, we have a total of 63 active members and this number is expected to increase in time to come,” he said.

Ooi who is currently into his second year accounting course then added that since the successful Chinese New Year Night organised by the Secretariat held recently at the Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra, the Secretariat has received more than 700 applications from students to join the Secretariat.

“Much to our delight, there were also Malays and Indians who wanted to join the Secretariat,” he happily pointed out.

In order to be in the Secretariat, Ooi said that the applicant has to undergo an interview to assess their terms of understanding and how committed they are before being accepted.

According to Andy Loh Kean Kwan, SKKT Deputy President II, the secretariat is transparent and welcomes other students of other ethnic groups to join it.

He said that with the diversity of students of other races in the Secretariat, it is able to share and exchange knowledge on arts and culture with students of other races and it is quite fun.

“We have also issued letters of invitation not only to students, but to the lecturers and staff to join us in other activities and events that are held,” he added.

Andy Loh remarked that since its inception, the Secretariat had participated in many exhibitions and events in USM, and other universities have also invited the Secretariat to their events as well.

“Among the universities that have invited SKKT were UPM, UKM, UUM, MMU and several private colleges” said Andy Loh who is a second year Housing, Building and Planning student.

Asked about community programmes that have been held in line with the University's aims, SKKT treasurer, Yeoh Yun Jing said that the Secretariat has now collaborated with a number of external organisations to carry out community programmes.

“We’ve got a partnership with the Chinese Orchestra Secretariat, Penang Undergraduate Community Service and Buddhist Student Association to jointly organise a number of programmes involving the community.

“Through the funds raised from some of the events organised since 2013, SKKT was able to donate to the Penang Dialysis Centre to help those who cannot afford dialysis treatment there,” said Yeoh.

Moreover, Yeoh said that SKKT also co-organised the Lantern Competition in conjunction with the Lantern Festival which is held annually at USM.

“We went to schools around Penang to get students to participate in the lantern competition, and it was open to all,” he elaborated.

Yeoh added that the Division of Industry and Community Network (BJIM) USM has helped the Secretariat in many ways including securing sponsorship and funding to ensure the success of the events.

“The Secretariat is looking forward to elevate SKKT to the highest level it can attain,” Ooi said. “We want to provide the best platform to raise Chinese cultural traditions and history so that it is always valued and appreciated by all.”

“A clear understanding about Chinese traditions, history, art, culture and ethics are the basic things that one needs to explore and if it can be done, then it is easy for all to work together towards achieving the Secretariat’s goal," said Ooi.

- Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Mohd Azrul Mohd Azhar/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa & Courtesy of SKKT