CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY THROUGH CULTURAL EXCHANGE EXPO 2025

NIBONG TEBAL, 30 April 2025 – The Mentor-Mentee Secretariat, in collaboration with the Counselling Unit of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Engineering Campus, successfully organised the Cultural Exchange Expo #SilangBudaya 2025 to strengthen unity and promote cultural understanding among the campus communities.

The event highlighted the diversity of traditional foods from different Malaysian states as the main medium for showcasing and celebrating the nation's cultural heritage.

Each student-run food stall represented a different state and offered visitors the opportunity not only to enjoy iconic local dishes, but also to learn about the origins, history, and cultural values behind each offering.

Programme Advisor, Norzita Nanyan said the expo was in line with USM's mission to produce graduates who are not only academically excellent, but also active, creative, and competent in various fields, including entrepreneurship and intercultural engagement.

"It is our hope that this programme will continue in the future and become an annual event that is eagerly anticipated not only by the campus community but also by the surrounding community as a bridge between knowledge, culture and people," she said.

She added that the programme also serves as an interactive platform that educates, unites, and fosters stronger connections among students from diverse backgrounds through a cultural approach centred on food.

"In addition to enhancing cultural understanding among students, this initiative also aims to encourage international visitors to appreciate the richness of Malaysia's cultural diversity in an accessible and enjoyable way," she added.

Norzita also expressed her hope that the programme would have a positive impact on the students by exposing them to entrepreneurship and event management, while strengthening the spirit of togetherness on campus.

In addition to the traditional food stalls as the main attraction, the event was enlivened with various side activities such as Kejut Got Talent, a haunted house and a wayang pancak performance, adding elements of entertainment and active engagement for visitors.

Text: Nor Hasya Nazifa Yusop