中文
BMIn conjunction with Malaysia Day, the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) hosted the “Malam Budaya: Pesona Malaysia” cultural concert on 16 September 2026. The event aimed to use the arts as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding among different communities while promoting cultural heritage and the development of the local arts scene. Through music, dance, calligraphy and painting, the concert showcased Malaysia’s multicultural character and the coexistence of its diverse cultural traditions.
The event was attended by guests and members of the community, including Sia Wan Ting, Press Secretary and representative of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing; Wang Jiarong, Minister Counsellor and Consul General of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia; and representatives of the Indian NGO coalition, ACE. The concert brought together arts groups and performers from diverse backgrounds, including the Catholic High School Cultural and Theatre Club, Sundal Malam Ensemble, Han Feng Dance Ensemble, Gema Tradisi Ensemble and the KLSCAH Choir. Through songs, dance, instrumental performances and live painting, the programme combined classic songs, folk tunes, and traditional and contemporary musical elements to showcase different expressions of local culture.
Gema Tradisi Ensemble, comprising musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, was specially formed for the concert and presented Malaysian themed works through a combination of traditional instruments and different musical elements. The KLSCAH Choir performed Malaysian and Chinese language classics, while the Han Feng Dance Ensemble and Sundal Malam Ensemble showcased their respective approaches to cultural heritage and artistic development. The event also featured Malaysian singer and vocal coach Tan Soo Tze as a special guest. She received professional vocal training in the UK and has experience in musical theatre and live performances.
In his speech, KLSCAH President Ngan Teng Ye said that Malaysia Day is a day of special significance, while multiculturalism forms an important part of Malaysia’s social fabric and spirit. He noted that arts and culture can serve as a bridge connecting different communities and fostering mutual understanding. Through music, dance, calligraphy and painting, the event sought to demonstrate the interaction and fusion of different cultural traditions while encouraging greater public attention to cultural heritage.
Ngan also expressed his appreciation to various parties for their support, including Bukit Bintang Member of Parliament Fong Kui Lun for a RM5,000 allocation and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for approving a RM30,000 special grant under the Visit Malaysia Year initiative. He said the support reflected recognition of KLSCAH’s longstanding efforts in promoting multicultural exchange and contributing to cultural development.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Sia Wan Ting commended KLSCAH for its longstanding contributions to cultural promotion, community participation and nation building. She said the event reflected the role of civil society organisations in cultural development. The Minister noted that tourism and culture are closely interconnected, with Malaysia’s traditions, festivals, cuisine, arts, handicrafts and historical heritage serving as important tourism resources. She said greater attention should therefore also be given to local arts and culture and to creating more opportunities for cultural practitioners.
The Minister also highlighted that the KLSCAH building was completed in 1934 and has stood for more than 90 years. In 2007, marking the 50th anniversary of Independence Day, it was listed as a National Heritage site. The staging of the event at the historic venue therefore added significance in terms of cultural heritage and historical continuity. The Minister noted that cultural heritage should not only be preserved, but also kept actively in use so that different generations can understand and experience the shared history that has shaped the nation.
Through the collaboration of arts groups and performers from diverse cultural backgrounds, “Malam Budaya: Pesona Malaysia” presented a vibrant picture of multicultural artistic exchange in conjunction with Malaysia Day. The event also provided the public with an opportunity to discover and appreciate Malaysia’s rich cultural traditions through the arts. KLSCAH said it would continue to promote interaction among people from different backgrounds through cultural and artistic activities, while creating more opportunities for participation and presentation in support of cultural heritage and the local arts scene.
