MSU College Sabah holds ethnic festival to foster patriotism, preserve cultural heritage

AS globalisation continues to advance rapidly, the preservation of tradition and culture has become increasingly critical.

Recognising the importance of this, educational institutions are stepping up to ensure that cultural literacy and identity are ingrained in students alongside academic excellence.

In line with this mission, MSU College Sabah successfully held the MSU Sabah Ethnic Festival 2.0, aimed at fostering patriotism and promoting the appreciation of the nation’s cultural heritage among youth.

Held at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hall in Penampang, the event, which coincided with Malaysia’s 67th National Day and Sabah Day celebrations, was a vibrant showcase of the state’s cultural diversity.

Sabah is renowned for its ethnic variety, with multiple communities, belief systems, and cultural traditions coexisting in harmony for generations.

The festival celebrated this unity, underscoring the importance of upholding cultural traditions amidst a changing world.

The event was inaugurated by Prof Tan Sri Datuk Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, president and founder of Management and Science University (MSU), and was also attended by MSU vice-chancellor Prof Puan Sri Datuk Dr Junainah Abd Hamid.

In his speech, Mohd Shukri emphasised the pivotal role of higher education in producing well-rounded graduates who not only excel academically but also possess a strong sense of cultural identity.

“The elements of tradition and culture must always be defended and preserved by all parties so they can be passed onto future generations,” he said, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to fostering cultural awareness.

The festival featured various events, including an Ethnic Creative Dance Competition, Ethnic Explorace, an Ethnic Fashion Show, and Entrepreneurship booths, which added a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere to the celebrations.

The participation extended beyond the college community, with more than 200 school students from districts such as Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, and Tuaran joining the festivities.

Notably, the MSU Sabah Ethnic Festival 2.0 also contributed to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

In addition to the cultural activities, the event witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between MSU College Sabah and Luma Hotel Kota Kinabalu.

The agreement will pave the way for strategic collaborations in areas such as academics, industrial training and community engagement.

Through initiatives like this, MSU College Sabah continues to strengthen its role in nurturing graduates who are not only competitive on the global stage but also deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of their homeland.