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In an inspiring showcase of diversity and unity, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), Malaysia, hosted the Culture Workshop 2025 on 1 July at its cultural heart—Centre Point.
The event was a vibrant platform where tradition met curiosity, as students from De Montfort University (DMU), United Kingdom, and APU’s own multicultural community came together to immerse themselves in the rich collage of Malaysian heritage.
Organised by APU’s School of General Studies (SoGS) in collaboration with the Malay World Ethnology Museum, the workshop aimed to foster cross-cultural understanding by honouring Malaysia’s unique traditions while creating meaningful connections among students.
A Hands-On Journey Through Malaysian Traditions
The day was carefully curated to offer participants an authentic and engaging cultural experience. Under the guidance of Mr Ragunathan Ayyavoo, Head of SoGS, and led by SoGS lecturer Ms Neeshanti Rhamaroo, the programme delivered an educational yet entertaining approach to cultural appreciation.
From donning vibrant ethnic attire to participating in traditional Malaysian games, DMU students were introduced to a cultural narrative steeped in history and values. Classic games such as congkak, batu seremban, dam haji, capteh, tuju tin, and bowling kelapa sparked laughter and friendly competition, creating a warm atmosphere of camaraderie.
These games not only provided moments of joy but also served as an avenue to understand the social fabric and communal spirit inherent in Malaysian society.
Wayang Kulit: The Art of Shadows
A DMU student tried their hand at a Wayang Kulit performance under the guidance of museum artisans, deepening their appreciation for this centuries-old art form.
A highlight of the workshop was an enchanting live demonstration of Wayang Kulit—the traditional Malay art of shadow puppetry. The intricate leather puppets, illuminated against a softly lit screen, narrated stories that transcended time and space, leaving the audience captivated.
Participants were also given the opportunity to craft their very own Wayang Kulit pieces under the guidance of museum artisans, deepening their appreciation for this centuries-old art form.
Collaborative Effort and Student Leadership
The workshop was a result of extensive collaboration. Eight dedicated staff members from the Museum of Malay World Ethnology lent their expertise, while APU’s co-curricular students played a vital role as the organising committee.
Their meticulous planning and enthusiasm ensured the seamless execution of every activity, reinforcing APU’s ethos of experiential learning.
In recognition of academic synergy, SoGS extended its appreciation to Associate Professor Ts Dr Vinothini Kasinathan from the School of Computing (SoC), who has been championing the preservation of Wayang Kulit through advanced computing technology.
She attended the workshop with her Master’s students from the Artificial Intelligence programme, adding an exciting interdisciplinary dimension to the event.
Voices from the Participants
Reflecting on the collaborative spirit, Event Lead Ms Neeshanti expressed her gratitude: “We are truly grateful to Assoc Prof Ts Dr Vinothini for bringing along her Master’s students, whose energy and enthusiasm amplified the event’s success. Their participation added a global perspective to our cultural celebration, which was exactly what we hoped for.”
Students, too, were effusive in their praise. Fatima Binte Faiz Adreeta, a Master’s student from Bangladesh, shared, “I found Congkak therapeutic and fun, especially when playing with someone who knew the game so well. The museum staff were incredibly passionate in explaining the traditions behind Wayang Kulit, which was mesmerising. I also loved Kelapa bowling and other village games—it was such a memorable bonding experience.”
From DMU, student Javintri Manji reflected on her first cultural encounter in Malaysia, “I really enjoyed trying on the traditional attire and taking part in the local games. It was exciting, fun, and such an immersive way to experience Malaysian culture.”
Fostering Global Understanding
The success of the Culture Workshop 2025 lies not only in its ability to entertain but in its power to educate and unite. By blending tradition with interaction, the event offered a meaningful learning experience for all involved.
For many international participants, it was their first taste of Malaysian heritage—one that left lasting impressions and friendships. As the day concluded, the smiles, laughter, and positive feedback from participants affirmed the workshop’s goals.
The initiative reflects APU’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and global understanding, aligning perfectly with its vision of producing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but culturally competent.
The Future Outlook
Events like these remind us that cultural exchange is a bridge that connects hearts and minds across continents. As APU and DMU continue to strengthen their ties, initiatives such as the Culture Workshop serve as a testament to the transformative power of education, collaboration, and cultural appreciation.