At Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, we recently celebrated World Cultural Diversity Day in a way that truly embodied our commitment to unity, creativity, and innovation. As President of Sustainable Future Fusion (SFF), I, Khoo Lay Yang, was proud to lead a team that transformed our campus into a vibrant celebration of cultures—a reflection of our shared vision for a sustainable and interconnected future.
A Mosaic of Cultures
On 21 May 2024, our campus buzzed with the sounds, colours, and rhythms of traditions from around the globe. The celebration was a true mosaic of cultural expressions, where Malaysian and Indonesian performances set the tone with their captivating displays. A memorable highlight was the traditional dance by the Mupun Tauh group from Sarawak, whose graceful movements and the soulful strains of the live Sape’—a traditional Borneo lute—offered a poignant tribute to the rich heritage of Sarawak.
Global Performances and Local Pride
Our event brought together artists and performers from Egypt, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Each performance not only entertained but also told a story of heritage and shared humanity. The APU Music Club’s rendition of traditional Chinese music, the stirring performance by Seng Zuo Huo, and the delightful bamboo dance by children from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Cambodia added layers of depth and international flair to the day.
Leading with Passion and Vision
Throughout the event, I was continually inspired by the dedication of our SFF team and our esteemed partners. Collaborating closely with colleagues like Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj, Vice President Kaung Thant, Vice Secretary Nor Syazathirah Ardini Shahril Aza, and the creative leadership of Shams Shehryar of the Art Direction Team reaffirmed our belief in the power of diversity. Together, we showcased that cultural diversity is not merely a celebration—it’s a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth.
A Spectacular Finale
The day reached its crescendo with a breathtaking Spanish Flamenco guitar medley by TY Mok, followed by a riveting performance from a 12-piece string orchestra. As the final notes resonated across the campus, it was clear that the spirit of unity had woven a lasting bond among all who attended.
Embracing Our Global Family
Reflecting on this extraordinary celebration, I am filled with hope and gratitude. At APU, every event is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build bridges across cultures. Our celebration of World Cultural Diversity Day was not just an event—it was a reaffirmation of our commitment to nurturing an environment where diverse voices converge to drive sustainable futures. This is the heart of what we do at Sustainable Future Fusion, and it inspires us to continually seek out ways to innovate and connect on a global scale.
Let this day be a reminder that while our traditions may vary, our aspirations unite us as one global family. Together, we move forward—celebrating diversity, embracing change, and building a brighter future for all.
