Jom! Festival Brings Vibrant Malaysian Culture To Canberra

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Jom! Festival at the Australian National University (ANU) brought the taste of Malaysia to the heart of Canberra, attracting over 2,000 visitors eager to experience its rich cultural heritage.

The one-day bazaar-style festival showcased a diverse array of cultural experiences, with vendors from the Malaysian permanent residency community and student stalls presenting traditional food, art, and performances that celebrated Malaysia's vibrant traditions.

Organised by the Malaysian Students' Organisation (MSO) in collaboration with the High Commission of Malaysia in Canberra, ANU's School of Culture, History, and Language (CHL), and Immersia 2024, the Jom! Festival showcased the diversity and multiculturalism for which Malaysia is renowned.

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Held on September 23, the festival featured live performances, interactive cultural experiences, and opportunities to sample authentic Malaysian cuisine. Key highlights included workshops and presentations on batik painting, traditional games, and other activities designed to foster inclusivity and community among Malaysian students and the broader ANU population.

The High Commission of Malaysia in Canberra also contributed 200 packs of roti canai with chicken curry to the festival, promoting the Malaysian breakfast menu as part of cultural diplomacy.

Named after the Malay word "Jom!" meaning "let's go" or "come along," the festival embraced inclusivity, inviting attendees to engage with various aspects of Malaysian culture.

In a statement, the High Commission of Malaysia in Canberra said the event served as a platform for cross-cultural exchange, allowing both Malaysians and non-Malaysians to explore the multifaceted culture of Malaysia.

It said the collaboration between the MSO, the High Commission, and ANU's academic departments was instrumental in the festival's success, creating a unique and immersive experience for the attendees.

“The Jom! Festival successfully promoted unity within the Malaysian community in Canberra and strengthened Malaysia's cultural diplomacy efforts in Australia, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the country's traditions and heritage.

“The High Commission of Malaysia’s involvement in the event underscores its commitment to fostering closer ties with the Malaysian diaspora and the Australian community through cultural engagement,” the statement read.

It added that the involvement of the Mission provided an opportunity to engage and build rapport with academicians and university personnel from ANU, while also supporting Malaysian students in the MSO in promoting cultural diplomacy for this event.

The Jom! Festival is part of the Immersia 2024 annual festival held from September 9 to 23 at the ANU Acton Campus. 

The ANU is one of Australia's leading research institutions, consistently ranked among the top universities globally.

-- BERNAMA