From Shadows to Spotlight: Uplifting Faculty of Business and Management (FBM) and UiTM Visibility Through Innovation and Collaboration in The Sustainable Mythical Malaysia Exhibition

On 12 January 2024, The Sustainable Mythical Malaysia Exhibition: The Legend of Langkawi, was organized by Associate Professor Dr Nor Lelawati Jamaludin, as the project leader/advisor, and Madam Nur Zania Azurin Abdullah Sani, as the advisor in collaboration with the International Business Society (IBEAST). This exhibition has successfully brought Malaysian mythology to the forefront. This exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Faculty of Business and Management Puncak Alam, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), School of Creative Arts UiTM, Jabatan Warisan Negara, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

The purpose of this exhibition was to promote sustainable innovation while showcasing Malaysia’s rich mythological heritage, with a particular focus on Langkawi. The exhibition highlighted legendary tales such as “Lagenda Mahsuri” and “Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa,” among many others, to the world.

 

Thirty groups from BBA (Hons) International Business part 5, enthusiastically participated in the exhibition, showcasing their innovative ideas to preserve and promote Malaysian myths. Each group brought their unique perspective and contributed to the overall success of the exhibition.

The Sustainable Mythical Malaysia Exhibition received commendations from 2 panellist, Dr Siti Salwa Isa and Encik Abu Ali and industry experts for its impactful portrayal of Malaysian mythology. Due to its immense success, the exhibition will be showcased in an upcoming international exhibition in Bogor, Indonesia providing an opportunity for a global audience to experience the magic and charm of Malaysian myths.

One of the notable aspects of this exhibition was the collaboration between students from the Faculty of Business and Management lead by Hazriq and Sarah and the School of Creative Arts, including international students from Germany. They came together for peer review sessions and knowledge sharing, creating an environment of collaboration and shared learning. This collaboration exemplifies the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

As a testament to the outstanding efforts of the participating groups, three groups with the most innovative ideas were chosen and awarded a special token of appreciation. The recognition served as motivation to continue their excellent work in the field of promoting sustainable and culturally significant innovations.

The Sustainable Mythical Malaysia Exhibition provided a platform for individuals to come together, share knowledge, collaborate, and preserve mythical heritage. Through this exhibition, Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage shone brightly, captivating audiences, and promoting sustainable practices in the process.

With the upcoming international exhibition in Bogor, the opportunity to showcase Malaysian myths to a global audience presents an exciting prospect. This exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can cherish the legends and mythical stories of Malaysia.

This effort has not only showcased Malaysian mythology but has also played a crucial role in bringing Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to the world stage. This collaborative effort between UiTM’s Faculty of Business and Management Puncak Alam and various international partners has acted as a catalyst for expanding UiTM’s global presence, demonstrating its commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable innovation.

In addition, the collaboration between the Faculty of Business and Management and the School of Creative Arts at UiTM also demonstrates the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and innovation. This integration of business and creative arts not only enhances the exhibition but also highlights UiTM’s ability to provide comprehensive and well-rounded education across various disciplines. By showcasing this synergy, UiTM solidifies its position as a dynamic institution that nurtures holistic development and produces graduates capable of addressing complex challenges through creative and analytical thinking.

Overall, the Sustainable Mythical Malaysia Exhibition: The Legend of Langkawi serves as a powerful platform for UiTM to project its brand globally, strengthening its international partnerships, showcasing its academic excellence, and demonstrating its commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable innovation. This effort helps to put UiTM on the map, making it recognized and respected on an international scale, and attracting attention and recognition from scholars, professionals, and students from around the world.

By:
Associate Professor Dr Nor Lelawati Jamaludin
Dr Siti Salwa Isa
Encik Abu Ali
Madam Nur Zania Azurin Abdullah Sani