Culture And Talent Take Centre Stage At UTP's FESCO 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- More than 450 participants from various schools, universities and international institutions showcased their talents at the 17th edition of the Festival of Colours of the World (FESCO) 2026, held at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) in Seri Iskandar, Perak, last Saturday.

In a statement today, UTP said the UTP Performing Arts Group (UPAG), with support from the Student Affairs Department’s Talent Empowerment Unit, hosted the festival, transforming the campus into a vibrant cultural performance.

Featuring 40 competing teams, the 17th edition of FESCO presented a diverse showcase of dance traditions, cultural heritage and artistic expression from Malaysia and beyond.

"The participation of international institutions enriched the festival experience, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and the sharing of artistic perspectives," the statement said.

Perak Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) director Hisham Mat Husien officiated the event, which drew attendance from Federation of International Dance Festivals (FIDAF) Asia chairman Dr Mohamed Noor Rosli Baharom, UTP Vice President of the Office of Advancement, Strategic Communication and Alumni Relations, and UTP Vice Provost (Student Affairs) M. Saravanan.

UTP added that FESCO continues to strengthen its growing international profile through its association with FIDAF, underscoring its role as a platform for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration beyond national borders.

The statement noted that beyond the stage, FESCO played an important role in identifying and nurturing young talent in the performing arts by providing participants with opportunities to develop their creativity, build confidence and gain exposure on a larger platform.

"In a world increasingly shaped by technology and rapid change, cultural understanding remained an essential human capability, complementing the technical expertise and global outlook needed to thrive in the future," it said.

At the heart of the festival was UPAG, established in 2002 to promote Malaysia’s cultural richness, which has since represented UTP and the nation at numerous local and international events, strengthening its role as a cultural ambassador.

The statement also highlighted that organising large-scale events such as FESCO provides students with valuable hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, communication, and project management, complementing their academic journey with practical skills.

UTP said while it was widely recognised for its strengths in engineering and technology, it continued to emphasise the importance of arts, culture and heritage as part of a holistic educational experience.

“Through platforms such as FESCO, the university remains committed to nurturing graduates who are innovative, culturally grounded and prepared to contribute meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected world,” it said.

-- BERNAMA