Juwita Suwito belting out a song to the delight of the crowd

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Chin Peng Kit officiating the event with three beats of the cymbal

One of the pre-event advertising efforts by the organising committee

Kuala Lumpur, 15 January 2009 - After a four month-long preparation, one of the most significant student events at UCSI University finally took place. The UniFest 09 was organized by UCSI University’s Student Council body and The Hive, a UCSI University student society which aims to promote an appreciation for local and independent music. The event began at 1p.m., and was launched by Deputy Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Chin Peng Kit.

What followed was a 10-hour marathon show by student societies and independent bands representing various music genres. Highlights of the event included a stellar performance by renowned local singer Juwita Suwito, an energetic performance by Liang and unique tunes from Melbourne-based band, Scene at the Movies.UniFest was a student celebration of UCSI University’s recent conferment of University status. On the 6th of October last year, University College Sedaya International became UCSI University. Students of the University immediately put into motion an event to celebrate this new status. Event organisers also wanted their peers to appreciate local music and arts through the UniFest.

The performances began at 1.30 p.m. with a traditional dance by the Malay Cultural Society. This was followed by a performance by former Akademi Fantasia contestants, Zouffi. The crowd started to build up by 6 p.m. as classes came to a close and free drinks were given out by Fly FM Myvi troopers. A dance routine by UCSI University’s Dance Club geared up the crowd before the first band performed for the night. Djezzna’s Stalker came first and was followed by Scene at the Movies and later the all-girl band, Free to Fall.

UCSI University’s Faculty of Music lecturers also performed to a tumultuous applause from the crowd. The unique music from the ensemble, coupled with Latin vocals from lecturer Mr. Juan Pablo was refreshing. The climax of the night was the flawless voice of Juwita Suwito who sang her hit single Walk Away. Male vocalist, Liang followed and kept the crowd going with his dance routines and strong vocals. Independent bands Army of Three and Bus Company continued to rock the crowd.Four months ago, UCSI University’s Mass Communications students took up the task of promotion and advertising for the event. Assoc. Prof. Kit was especially impressed with the advertising efforts from the students, as all posters and teasers for the event were well executed.

"The symbolism of the humble seed and a caterpillar metamorphosising into a great tree and a butterfly respectively is very apt, and encapsulates UCSI University’s journey in the education scene," he said.

The students were also acknowledged for their role in enticing big sponsors such as Sony Handycam, Digi and MYC. A two-week long competition was also organized to count the number of Sony logos hung from a tree and to provide the best slogan prior to the event. It was part of overall advertising efforts by the committee members. The winner took home a Sony HD video camera.

Rohan, bassist and vocalist for Scene at the Movies said that his band did not expect such a great turnout for a student organised event. "The vibe and energy of the crowd was awesome, and I couldn’t ask for a more receptive crowd. You could see that the students here are truly passionate about music," he said. His band members also added that the event was very well organized, and applauded committee members' efforts for a job well done.