By Nasrullah Uul (UKM Intern)
Pix Ikhwan Hashim

BANGI, 7 March 2015 – The National University of Malaysia (UKM) presented awards to 14 students in conjunction with the 2015 Performing Arts Awards Night as a tribute for excellence in the performing arts here last night.

Prizes in the form of trophies, certificates and cash for the main prizes were presented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry and Community Partnership) Prof Dr Imran Ho Abdullah at the function. The awards were presented for 17 categories that were contested.

Performing arts activities and their recognition is one way UKM develops its students who are creative, resourceful and dynamic by exposing them to a variety of artistic activities held outside and inside the campus.

UKM Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali listed ‘Resources and Institutional Excellence’ as a ‘Key Results Area’ or KRA 4 for such activities.

The top female student Award was won by Ainur Syakirah Binti Muhd ​​of the Kris Mas Residential College poetry club while Safwan Bin Mohamad Abd Wahab, from the Ungku Umar Residential College dance troupe clinched the best male performer trophy.

The audience at the presentation ceremony were entertained to dance performances, singing and theater presentation by students from the UKM Artisukma group.

The Awards Night organised by the Cultural Centre, Student Services Department is an annual event to show appreciation for the students’ contributions in the arts apart from providing them the opportunity to hone their talents while raising UKM’s profile.

It also gives impetus and encouragement to the campus community to be active in the arts programmes in and outside the campus while also fostering unity among students.

The male award winner, Mohamad Safwan has been involved in Malay and contemporary dances since his first year.

Safwan said he had always focused on his studies and had been active in the arts to fill his leisure time by dividing his time wisely between the two activities.

“Art is part of life, without the arts life will be empty and colourless. I hope more students will take part in the arts in the future so as to maintain our culture and UKM’s image,” he said.

Female student arts award winner, Ainur Syakirah said her involvement in the performimg arts had motivated her to be more focussed in her studies.

She said the Arts are a way of life and her involvement had benefitted her tremendously being exposed to many new things linked to such activities like improving her social networking inside and outside the campus.

Although she may not be able to pursue a career in the arts the skills and experience gained will prove useful when she graduates.

Following is the full list of recipients of the UKM Performing Arts Awards Night 2015:

Arts Production Awards – Mohd Shahrl Fizree – Poetry Cultural Integration Carnival at Ibu Zain Residential College.
Video Arts Award – Farhili Ismail – 15th Asean University Network + 3 Educational & Young Speakers contest.
Martial Arts Awards – Nur Zuleikha Binti Baha – The Silat Gayong Martial Arts Association.
Arts Management Award – Nur Syuhada Binti Mohd Nor Azam – Arts Management Group, Artisukma.
Technical Management Award – Muhammad Khairul Nizam Bin Sjahruddin – Technical Management Group, Artisukma
Oral Tradition Award – Ainur Syakirah Bintu Ahmad Tarmizi –  Sanggar Mestika Group
Dance Award – Mohamad Bin Safwan Ab.Wahab – Aadyamatraa Troupe
Theatre Arts Award – Mohd Azman Bin Kholid – Kumpulan Theater Rimba, Artisukma
Musical Instruments – Nur Fitrianti Misheila – Contemporary Music Group, Artisukma
Vocal Arts Awards – Fadhi Hariz Bin Fayahet – Kumpulan Nasyid Firasat Insar, Artisukma
Most Active College – Keris Mas College
Most Active Group/Club  – Kumpulan Theater Rimba, Artisukma
Arts Activist in Campus Award – Mazlan Bin Harun
Art Creativity Award – Ibu Zain College – Cultural Intergration Poetry Carnival

Vice Chancellor’s Award –

Female Student – Ainur Syakirah Binti Muhd ​​Hissam
Male Student – Safwan Bin Mohamad Abd Wahab