BAYAN LEPAS, PENANG, 15 April 2023 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Cultural Centre (Dewan Budaya) and the Kumpulan Kesenian Adikarma have been performing during the weekends throughout the month of Ramadan at the Central Atrium, Queensbay Mall in Penang.

This is part of Dewan Budaya’s collaboration with Queensbay Mall Penang, the largest shopping mall in Penang, in showcasing and promoting the evergreen traditional dances and music to the public (shoppers) especially during the festive celebration.

Dewan Budaya Director, Ramnah Ramli said, she was very pleased that the USM Cultural Centre has the privilege to collaborate with Queensbay Mall to feature traditional performances in the mall’s ongoing programme named Senandung Aidilfitri throughout the month of Ramadan here in heading to 1st Syawal.

“Among the performances that will be featured are Zapin, Tarian Mak Yong, Ulek Mayang, Gamelan Wangsa Mutiara, Tarian Joget, Boria Penang and Tarian Ala Canggung.

“We would also like to express our gratitude to Queensbay Mall for inviting USM to be part of the launching of Senandung Aidilfitri on 30 March 2023, where we were honoured to showcase the musical talents of Kumpulan Muzik Asli Alunan Mutiara and Kumpulan Kesenian Adikarma USM,” she said.

Dewan Budaya Senior Cultural Officer (Performance, International Networking and Promotion Unit), Andy Siti Nurhidayah Rahim also shared, “Besides helping to preserve Malaysia’s traditional dance heritage especially among the younger generation, we also hope to promote our very own performing arts troupe, made up of USM staff and students to a wider audience outside campus.”

Shoppers were left mesmerised with the showcase of the colourful Malay dance performances judging from the overwhelming applause received from the floor.

Below is the scheduled performances at the Central Atrium, Queensbay Mall:

• Tarian Mak Yong & Ulek Mayang on Sunday, 2 April 2023 at 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
• Gamelan Wangsa Mutiara & Tarian Joget on Sunday, 9 April 2023 at 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
• Boria Penang & Tarian Ala Canggung on Saturday, 15 April 2023 at 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Dewan Budaya USM