The international program “Mapping Sarawak to the World: International Arts Exchange and Exhibition” was officiated on 29 May 2024 at Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, by Rector Representative, Dr. Ir. Muhammad Burhannudinnur.
The program was organised by the Center of Studies Art & Design, Architecture, Planning and Surveying (SSSPU) from Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Sarawak in collaboration with the Sarawak Artist Society (SAS) and Universitas Trisakti Jakarta runngin from 28 to 31 May 2024. This program received a sponsorship grant of RM50,000 from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries & Performing Arts Sarawak. The programme aims to expose Sarawak youth to cross-cultural appreciation between countries and support the Sarawak state government by mapping and promoting Sarawak’s tourism industry globally through international arts and culture initiatives. These initiatives also promote local talent in creative arts, building design, and local arts that focus on Sarawak culture while strengthening relationships with external institutions through collaboration and joint research. This programme attracted both local and international participation.
Among activities are public lecture sessions by Dr. Wan Juliana Wan Emeih, Mr. Clement Jimel, and Sr Dr. Asmah Alia bin Mohamad Bohari from UiTM Cawangan Sarawak, Dr. Cama Juli Rianingrum representing Universitas Trisakti, an art talk by Mr. Sebastian Jong Chu Yun from Sarawak Artist Society, as well as art demonstration by SAS. Forty local and young talents from Sarawak participated in the Art Exchange and Exhibition that was held at Denah Gedung R, Lantai 2, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta. The exhibition will be held from 27 May 2024 until 6 June 2024.
The program’s advisor, Sr Dr Asmah Alia bin Mohamad Bohari, who heads the Center of Studies Art & Design, Architecture, Planning and Surveying (SSSPU) and represents the Rector of UiTM Cawangan Sarawak, expressed immense gratitude to the sponsor and collaborators for their crucial role in making this event a reality and ensuring its success. She highlighted that this event catalyses students and lecturers to exhibit their talents and promote cultural exchange internationally.
The lecturers overseeing this programme include Ruth Lua Ejau, as well as lecturers from the head of Center of Studies Art & Design, Architecture, Planning and Surveying (SSSPU), namely Dr. Wan Juliana Emeih, Clement Anak Jimel, Muhamad Hafiz Hassan, Mohd Asraf Ayob, Janet Victoria Anak Stia, Dr. Valerie Anak Michael, Syamimi Liyana Amat Rais, Nur Atiqah Husaini, and Nur Illiana Husin. The chosen students come from various programmes including the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture (AP243), Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Hons) (AP224), Diploma in Building Technology (AP126), Diploma in Quantity Surveying (AP114), Diploma in Art & Design (Graphic et al.) (CAD111), and Diploma in Fine Art (CAAD118), selected for their outstanding academic performance and active participation in the programme.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mr Farzamie Sarkawi, Deputy Chief of Mission Embassy Malaysia Jakarta, Dr Hasnul Faizal Hushin Amri, Minister Counsellor (Education) Embassy Malaysia, Mr Zulfadhli bin Hamzah, Education Attache Embassy Malaysia Jakarta, Miss Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj Marzuki, Executive Director, International Pepper Community, faculty deans from Universitas Trisakti, local artists, lecturers, and students in Jakarta, Indonesia. In total, more than 200 visitors have visited the exhibition. This event promises to benefit all parties involved, both directly and indirectly.
Prepared by: Dr. Valerie Michael