UTP holds cultural fest to promote unity

UNIVERSITI Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) once again collaborated with the Department of Higher Education to organise the Festival of Colours of the World 2019 (FESCO 2019).

It was officiated by the department’s Holistic Student Division director Dr Zaid Omar.

The event showcased students’ talent and capability in performing arts. It encouraged them and the public to appreciate Malaysian and foreign arts culture. It served as a platform to promote unity through the country’s unique and diverse arts and culture.

A total of 34 teams from primary and secondary schools, as well as local and international higher institutions, showcased the best of Malaysian, Indonesian and Thai culture to the audience. Among the

participating teams were Universitas Islam Riau, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Multimedia University, Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak, Kolej Tunku Kurshiah and SK Seri Gelugor Kerteh,

The participating teams competed in five categories namely International Higher Education Institution Category, Private Higher Educational Institution Category, Public Higher Educational Institution Higher Category, Secondary School Category and Primary School Category.

In the International Higher Education Institution Category, Universitas Islam Riau from Indonesia emerged as champion, followed by Songkla Rajabhat University from Thailand (first runner up). Universitas Islam Riau also won for Best Choreography and Best Costume.

UniKL came out tops in the Private Higher Educational Institution Category, followed by UNITEN and the International Medical University. UniKL also won for Best Choreography and HELP University won Best Costume.

In the Public Higher Educational Institution Higher Category, Universiti Malaya (UM) was crowned champion followed by Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. UM also won for Best Choreography and Best Costume.

Sekolah Seni Malaysia Perak won the Secondary School Category, while Sekolah Seni Malaysia Johor was the first runner up, followed by SMK(P) Seri Aman. Sekolah Seni Malaysia also bagged the Best Choregraphy for the category while Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak won Best Costume.

In the Primary School Category, SK Bukit Damansara came out tops followed by SK Seksyen 9 Shah Alam and SK Taman Medan.

Each category winner walked away with cash prizes, trophy and certificates.

This year marked the event’s 12th edition of FESCO. With the organisation of this event, it shows UTP’s commitment in producing wellrounded graduates who are not only academically excellent, but are also creative and agile to face real-world challenges.

In relation to this, the university supports students’ participation in arts and culture as it will enrich their learning experience, create a harmonious atmosphere and strengthen the spirit of togetherness in campus.

One example is the UTP Performing Arts Group (UPAG). Established in 2002, it was established to promote and showcase unique dances of different cultures in Malaysia.

UPAG has actively showcased and promoted arts and culture through various performances and competitions ranging from university to international levels.

Its members consist of talented students who are future engineers, scientists and technologists.

Through their hard work and passion, UPAG has established a group of dancers that are talented and reputable.