UTP Launches 'Gamelan Melayu Centre' To Preserve Nation's Cultural Heritage

By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Malaysia’s cultural heritage with the launch of the UTP Gamelan Melayu Centre in conjunction with the 12th edition of the Ensemble of Gamelan (EOG) Festival 2026, held last Saturday.

In a statement issued today, UTP said the establishment of the centre reflects its ongoing efforts to ensure that Malay gamelan music continues to flourish as a relevant, sustainable and cherished cultural heritage for future generations.

The centre was officially launched by Terengganu State Financial Officer Datuk Tun Ahmad Faizal Tun Abd Razak.

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Regarding EOG 2026, UTP said this year’s festival featured the theme ‘Evolution of Gamelan’, highlighting the art form’s journey from its royal court origins to a more contemporary and globally relevant form of expression, while preserving its traditional values and aesthetic subtlety.

Meanwhile, EOG 2026 project director Muhammad Haikal Man Ghazali described the festival as a space where tradition meets new interpretations.

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“It was not only about performances but also about how we understand and breathe new life into our heritage within a contemporary context,” he said.

Organised by UTP’s Sanggar Kirana Gamelan Group in collaboration with the Talent Empowerment Unit under UTP’s Student Affairs Division, the festival brought together 11 performing groups from universities, schools, and cultural and heritage organisations.

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Among the participants were Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, International Islamic University Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), as well as arts groups Gangsapura and Warisan Sari.

The host ensemble, Sanggar Kirana, also featured prominently in the festival. Established in 2002, the group currently comprises 47 active members from various academic disciplines. Under the guidance of Mohd Nordin Abdolatip and Shazrul Hazwan Roslan, Sanggar Kirana has produced several albums, including ‘Gatra Pertama’, ‘Gatra Kedua’, ‘Gatra Ketiga’ and ‘Tala Perunggu: Jilid Satu’.

-- BERNAMA