GROUP PHOTO: (from left) Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff and Dato’ Peter Ng offering first counsellor of the State of Palestine to Malaysia, Mr Sofian M. T. Al Khaldi a token of appreciation.

JOYOUS: It was a wonderful occasion as UCSI Middle Eastern students demonstrate their local traditional dances.

PATRIOTIC: Middle Eastern students eager to demonstrate traditional dances from their home country.

GLORIOUS: Students standing proud in front of their booth showcasing the unique qualities of their country.

KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI University (UCSI) recently hosted a night of extravagant cultural performances as Middle Eastern and Malaysian students gathered in appreciation for the Arabic culture. 

Organised by UCSI’s Jordanian Palestinian Student Association, the Arabian Night was the club’s inaugural cultural event. It was also the first time a private higher education institution hosted such an event. 

UCSI Vice-Chancellor and President Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff applauded the organising committee for their efforts. 

“Our students have made a name for themselves by organising events that are meaningful and impactful to the community. I am pleased to note that today’s event provides a platform to encourage unity among our community and our international students,” he said. 

Arabian Night aimed to spread cognizance on the diversity of cultures in the Middle Eastern region among the multinational environment in UCSI. The event is also a platform to bring together Middle Eastern students from different programmes in the university. 

“This is the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between Middle Eastern and local students while giving insights on Arabian cultures in a global perspective,” says president of the association, Saleem Y.S. Jarad. 

Currently, there are about 400 Middle Eastern students enrolled in UCSI. 

The event witnessed a great number of illustrious guests such as Mr Maher Ahmad Lukasha, ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Professor Dr Basim Al-Tumma, ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, Mr Sofian M. T. Al Khaldi, first counsellor of the State of Palestine to Malaysia as well as Mr Ahmad Rashad, second secretary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Malaysia. Dato’ Peter Ng, Founder and Chairman of UCSI Group was also present at the event. 

The event featured a mini exhibition of pictures, sculptures, food and brochures on each of the Arabian countries. Among the performances of the night includes traditional dances and plays from the provinces of Yemen, Syria, Egypt, Sudan, Palestine, Jordan and Iraq, a poem recitation and a display of the local Malay traditional dance.