UTP Establishes Gamelan Melayu Centre To Preserve Cultural Heritage

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has strengthened its efforts to preserve and promote Malaysia’s cultural heritage through the establishment of the UTP Gamelan Melayu Centre, a dedicated initiative focused on the education, research, preservation and talent development of Malay gamelan.

In a statement today, UTP said the centre was officially launched during the Ensemble of Gamelan (EOG) 2026 festival, its flagship traditional music event, which brought together 11 ensembles from universities, schools, cultural organisations and heritage groups across the country under the theme ‘The Evolution of Gamelan’.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Terengganu State Financial Officer Datuk Tun Ahmad Faizal Tun Abd Razak and witnessed by Sahabat Gamelan Terengganu co-founder To' Puan Ariza Ibrahim, Perak National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) deputy director Muhammad Syazwan Shazan Abdul Halim, UTP Provost Academic Professor Dr Benjamin Colin Cosh and UTP Senior Vice President Business and Chief Operating Officer Ir Zaimizi Hamdani.

“Known for its strengths in engineering, technology and energy-related disciplines, UTP also places importance on nurturing well-rounded graduates through cultural appreciation, creativity and experiential learning,” the statement read.

The establishment of the centre builds on more than two decades of work by Sanggar Kirana, UTP's gamelan ensemble established in 2002, which has grown from a co-curricular student group into a respected ensemble with 47 active members from various academic disciplines.

Through performances, recordings, educational initiatives and community outreach, the ensemble has played an important role in promoting and sustaining appreciation for Malay gamelan while helping preserve the traditional art form for future generations.

Beyond developing musical talent, Sanggar Kirana has nurtured generations of students who continue to champion the art form and contribute to preserving Malaysia's cultural heritage.

Now in its 12th edition, EOG has become a platform for the appreciation and development of Malay gamelan. EOG 2026 featured performances by ensembles representing universities, schools and cultural groups from across the country, providing opportunities for artistic collaboration, cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing among practitioners, educators and students.

-- BERNAMA