PENANG, 28 September 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) always encourages and provides opportunities for students to engage in activities, especially in cultural themed activities and arts in order to raise awareness about the importance of recognising their own culture.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Professor Dato’ Dr. See Ching Mey said in her speech during the opening ceremony of the USM Lantern Festival 2013 celebration here today.

Dato’ See said, in line with the objectives of the organisers, the festival also aims to promote culture, tradition and arts of the Chinese community to the campus, especially those from different cultural backgrounds, thus cementing the goodwill that has existed within the university community.

“In fact, I am so happy because this event received an overwhelming response from the campus community, as well as those from the surrounding neighbourhoods which took this opportunity to visit our beloved university.

“I was impressed by the spirit of volunteerism and commitment as well as a conscious effort shown by the Lantern Festival committee for successfully organising this great event even having to contend with many obstacles and difficulties, especially in terms of sponsorship,” he said.

Lantern Festival is the first activity organised by the Secretariat of Chinese Culture and Arts (SCCA) which was launched on 23 September with the goal of strengthening undergraduates with the knowledge and skills of various aspects of Chinese arts and culture.

According to its president, Tan Joo Wei, SCCA serves as a platform to look for new talents, especially among first-year students so that there is a continuity in the Secretariat to continue its mission and vision in the future.

USM Lantern Festival 2013 also featured various singing performances, dances, an orchestral performance and exciting Chinese cultural performances, as well as drawing and lantern making competition that are open to students of primary and secondary schools in Penang.

Also present was Dato’ See’s husband, Dr. Sam Teng Wah; Division of Student Affairs and Development Principal Assistant Registrar, Mansur Abdullah; and the Director of the USM Lantern Festival 2013, Ooi Chin Teck. - Translation and Photos: Yong Check Yoon