PENANG, May 2015 - Creativity and ideas are important elements that can ensure the sustainability of arts and culture in the face of modern-day challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman stressed that martial arts was an example of a universal art form symbolising its founding ethnic group’s sovereignty besides being an example of local wisdom that ought to be highlighted, strengthened and continuously adapted to face future developments and challenges in the effort to mould holistic graduates as aspired to in the Malaysian Higher Education Development Plan.

“It is high time that university students’ associations fully explore their respective capabilities and levels of resilience by taking on greater challenges in line with current developments and future needs,” said Omar.

Speaking at the Malam Pendekar celebrations held at the Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra (DTSP) in conjunction with the society’s 40th jubilee celebrations, he stressed that continuous efforts should be taken to enhance the sustainability of such local cultural artifacts by infusing new creative ideas, media and technology to breathe new life into an ancient art form which holds universal appeal in order to ensure its continued existence and relevance.

“USM is very appreciative of ideas and creativity and we have set up our own BankIDEA@USM which will enable everyone to deposit their ideas which can then be refined and applied if they are found to be realistic and applicable. All members of the USM community including USM alumni are welcome to contribute ideas. In fact, we are working towards launching a mobile application which can be shared with all parties,” added Omar.

Omar also expressed his hope that silat would continue to be accepted by all and would be developed to a global level on par with other forms of martial arts.

Malam Pendekar which is held once every three years highlights the rich heritage of Malay martial arts through demonstrations of Malay silat forms such as those practised by the National Malaysian Silat Federation (PESAKA). Martial arts demonstrations of other ethnicities were also presented by the IP Man Wing Cun Pulau Pinang group representing the Chinese martial arts and the Silambam Association of Penang which represented Indian martial arts.

During this event, the Vice-Chancellor received a special award, the Academic Administrator Award of Excellence, from the Head Guru and President of the Persatuan Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia Datuk Haji Kadir Maideen Bin Shah.

The President of PESAKA, Senator Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam meanwhile in his opening address urged university students and youths to take full advantage of available opportunities and efforts presented by such societies to embrace positive values in order to achieve future success.

“I have observed how the Persatuan Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia has succeeded in instilling leadership qualities as well as values like co-operation and commitment among its members, all of which will stand them in good stead in preparation for life after varsity,” he stated to the 3,000-strong audience who had arrived at DTSP USM for the event from as early as 7.00 p.m that evening.

Malam Pendekar 2015 Project Director, Mohd Zamri Bin Zazril Ikhmal also expressed hope that the program will continue to be held because local Malay wisdom would be able to enhance Malay national identity in the eyes of the world by highlighting the identity of the students and their ability to foster a spirit of cooperation and brotherhood in organising such an event.

The evening which was resplendent with Malay culture and traditional customs witnessed martial arts demonstrations such as Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia, Seni Gayung Patani Malaysia, IP Man Wing Chun, Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia, Nillaikalakki Silambam Malaysia, and Seni Pusaka Gayung Malaysia. There was also a stage performance by the PSSCMUSM from the USM Engineering Campus.

To commemorate the 50^th Golden Jubilee celebration of the Persatuan Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia (PSSCM), a Colloquium on Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia (KoSSCeM) was held where academic papers arising from research into the academic and scientific aspects of seni silat cekak were presented by each Malaysian institution of higher learning that possessed a PSSCM society.

The event was organised by the PSSCMUSM in collaboration with the USM Division of Student Affairs and Alumni. - Translation: Dr Nurul Farhana Low Abdullah/Text: Siti Naquiah Binti Abdillah/Edited: Mohamad Abdullah/Photos: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa