KUALA LUMPUR, 28 OCTOBER 2022 –  De Institute of Creative Arts and Design (ICAD) of UCSI University has collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia (MOTAC) to launch the inaugural 2023 “We Share the Same Moon” Calendar and Art Exhibition, yesterday.

365 local artists from various associations in every state have collaborated with UCSI University’s ICAD lecturers and students to create a unique calendar depicting daily moon phases during the Covid-19 pandemic period.

Among the industry partners making this initiative a success include  Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts ( Malaysia) Alumni Association, Representative of Perak Art Society, Persatuan Seni Rupa Malaysia (PERUPA), Sarawak Artist Dayak Society (SADAS), Malaysia Watercolour Society (MWS), 180 Virtual Introverted Sketchers, Persatuan Pelukis Terengganu (PETER), Asia Artists Association, Klang Artists Association and Persatuan Pelukis Negeri Sembilan.

"We are delighted with the nation's "We Share the Same Moon" inaugural launch for the Year 2023 Calendar and are proud to acknowledge the success of this rare calendar is a direct result of the collective efforts of 365 artists from every part of the country,” said UCSI Group CEO and UCSI University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Ir Ts Dr Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir, FASc at the launching ceremony of the Year 2023 "We Share the Same Moon" Calendar and the Art Exhibition, held at UCSI University Kuala Lumpur Campus.

Officating the event was Yang berbahagia Tuan Haji Mesran Bin Mohd Yusop, Director General of the National Department for Culture and Arts, MOTAC.

Siti Hamisah said the Covid-19 pandemic had disabled many of us from getting in touch with one another. However, at one-point art was a form of expression as “Art connects the Soul”. To illustrate this, she said each piece of art is intertwined with different phases of the moon and placed on each day of the calendar to remind all of us that with art, we can still connect with each other every day despite being apart.

She also explained that the university continues its aspiration to become the best private university in art and design. ICAD is actively pursuing art-related initiatives and involving its students across multiple community projects to help grow Malaysian art.

In future, UCSI University intends to see more industry partners come forward to join the institution to create opportunities for aspiring artists.

UCSI University has been ranked Top 230 for Art and Design at the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022. For the past 15 years, ICAD's creative curricula in art, design, fashion, and digital media have consistently ensured that its graduates have received the best opportunities in each of their respective fields within the creative industries. Furthermore, ICAD received a 100% employability rating from Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education in 2021.

As one of the Top 3 Art and Design Private Universities in Malaysia, ICAD is an exceptional place to learn and explore the visual arts, art history, and art education.

“The event is also part of the National Culture Policy 2021 initiative, a guide, and reference in planning the development of the country’s arts, culture, and heritage sector. The main objective is to strengthen the unity of the nation and the country through culture; fostering and preserving the national personality that grows from the national culture; as well as enriching and improving the quality of life as well as spirituality that is balanced with socioeconomic development,” said Tuan Haji Mesran.