KUBANG KERIAN, 24 March 2018 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Health Campus in Kelantan recently hosted a wonderful, night-time cultural event, that was well attended by more than 1,200 spectators comprised of the campus community as well as the Kelantan folks.

The student-organised “Charity Chinese Cultural Night” was graced by the Dean of the USM School of Medical Sciences, Professor Dr. Shaiful Bahari Ismail, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail.

In his speech, Shaiful said, the Chinese treasures their culture, as they believe it to be a precious gift. The Mandarin language is used to understand not only the national characteristics of the Chinese community, but the cultural aspects as well.

“Apart from educational excellence, students should also give importance to soft skills, cultural aspects and other learning abilities. Cultural and traditional qualities may help the students to foster moral values and ethics in their lives.

"The Chinese has a rich culture and it is practised in many parts of the world.  Due to that, we should be thankful to our ancestors for their unsparing effort to spread the values,” he said.

“I am very proud of today’s cultural integration performances to be presented by our students tonight. The performances would surely bring out the essence of the Chinese culture,” he added.

He also commended the committee members for inviting students from other universities to join in, coming from the UMK Pengkalan Chepa, UMK Bachok, UMK Jeli, Kampus UMT, UNISZA, IUKL, Asia Pacific University, UTHM, UPM, UTAR and USM Main Campus.

The event commenced with an uplifting 24 Festive Drum performance, a Chinese classical drum show presented by the USM Health Campus Wushu Club members, echoing the night’s vision and goal.

This was followed by a captivating Chinese traditional dance from the students. The night was further enlivened by a Diabolo performance as well as a Chinese traditional flag dance. The night also offered an assortment of vocal, dance and instrumental acts which were well-received by the audience.

The night ended with an impressive short film that was dedicated to and produced by the organising committee.

The show was indeed a great success.

Text: Mohamad Iqmal Mathlan/Photos: Wan Mohd Rashidi Wan Mood