PENANG, April 2014 - The Cultural Exchange Performance jointly organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and College of Dramatic Arts Phattalung, Thailand (CDAP) held here recently is the first of its kind for USM.

The two-day workshop culminated with performances held at Dewan Budaya and the workshop was the result of what CDAP decided to work with USM on this project after watching the performance by USM participants at Karnival Varsiti IMT-GT 2013.

A total of eight performances, four each by USM and CDAP respectively, were offered and the last was a combination of dances called Joget and Rambung Lambak by both.

In his welcoming speech, USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, praised the fruitful collaboration between USM and CDAP as the participants were able to learn more about each other’s local culture.

“We also have the opportunity to exchange educational experiences with international students through this process,” he said, adding that such exchanges enable the students to understand and appreciate the intricacies of various dances.

Omar formally welcomed CDAP Deputy Director, Ms. Penchan Denyuk who led the CDAP delegation.

Penchan, in her speech, urged the students to take full advantage of this opportunity of working with USM, stating that such workshop serves as a good platform to exchange and learn more about cultures other than theirs.

Penchan said CDAP was grateful for the warm welcome by USM and was keen to strengthen bilateral ties of two countries and hold cultural exchanges.

“During the two-day workshop, we have managed to teach the Thais how to play the Gamelan and Wayang Kulit while CDAP taught us their Rambong” said Zulkifli Che Hussin, a Cultural Officer attached to USM Students Affairs and Development Division.

The workshop was aimed for students to experience the colourful cultures of this region through traditional dances and music of Malaysia and Thailand.

“I was amazed to learn that traditional Thai dances are usually accompanied by live music instruments and that is how they get to appreciate their music and arts; they never perform using music played from a CD,” said Mohd Aidid Waliyuddin Remli, Project Director of USM-CDAP Cultural Exchange 2014.

The audience was entertained with Tarian Ceracap Inai, Tarian Lang Kitot, Sewang and Tarian Portugis by Adikarma USM and performances called Rebam Kinari, Phra Ram and Thotsakan in Combat, Nora- Rebam Phlam and Fon-Lakhon Poothai by CDAP students.

The 30-member CDAP delegation included 4 officers, 8 staff and the dancers. Besides conducting the workshop, USM also arranged a city tour for them on their second day.

“I must say this is a good approach in enriching our culture, knowledge, and strengthen our bond,” Penchan commented.

Also at the event were Datin Noraizan Jamaludin, wife of the Vice-Chancellor; Professor Dr. Adnan Hussein, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students Affairs and Development); Associate Professor Mohamad Omar Bidin, School of the Arts Dean; and Professor Amporn Sornprasit from CDAP. - Text: Sharifah Darweena Syed Ahmad Amir Feisal/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa