Indonesian Students Selling Indonesian Batik

The Balinese Dance

Students Parading the Vietnamese Ao Dai

Kuala Lumpur, 16 September 2008 - Three nations came together at UCSI University to celebrate their respective Independence Day. The national anthem for Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam echoed in UCSI University’s main lobby area where students always gather as everyone stood to attention. It was the start of the Independence Day Fiesta, and for the next two days, students from Indonesia and Vietnam shared with their Malaysian friends their unique culture and traditions, while local students worked together to show everyone their solidarity and appreciation for one another.

The event aimed at providing an opportunity for students to explore the unique cultures and traditions of countries represented at UCSI. Apart from that, it was also to remind the students that one’s national day can always be celebrated in a fun and memorable way with everyone else. The students did just that, with the setting up of many interesting stalls in the lobby. The traditional games stall gave an opportunity for students to spin the gasing, a hand made, wood spinning top. Other games included Chinese Checkers and marbles. Other stalls served food that was unique to each country. Vietnamese fried meehoon, curry puffs and nasi lemak were quickly snapped up while the Indonesian students sold their batik and other souvenir items at their stall.

The students also worked together to present a unique fashion show which showcased the traditional costumes of the various ethnic groups in Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Balinese costumes, Cheongsam, Baju Melayu and Kebaya, Sari, the VietnameseAo Dai and the Iban costumes were all eye openers, particularly for the international students who make up a quarter of the student population here. They were also treated to a musical showcase, featuring many traditional and modern performances. A Balinese dance performed by an Indonesian student enthralled the crowd.

UCSI Student Council President, Stephanie Liew says, "Just like how a family comes together to celebrate the birthday of a member of the family, we should come together to celebrate Independence Days and other major events of neighbouring countries, as we are one big happy family."