On February 15, 2025, the Michigan Malaysian Students Association (MiMSA) successfully hosted our annual Malaysian Cultural Night (MCN) at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. MCN 2025 was a vibrant celebration of Malaysia’s rich and diverse heritage, designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and highlight the Malaysian culture and values. The event featured an original theatrical production and short film titled Dear Wanita, which explored the lives of five Malaysian women navigating themes such as identity, feminism, motherhood, and gender inequality. Through heartfelt storytelling, the play amplified the voices of underrepresented women and illustrated values rooted in Islamic teachings, including kindness, respect for diversity, and peaceful coexistence.
These themes are directly aligned with the Global Islamic Studies Center (GISC)’s mission of promoting a deeper understanding of global Islamic cultures. MCN 2025 also included a performance of Zapin, a traditional Malay dance with Islamic influences, which offered attendees a window into Malaysia’s living traditions. Following the performances, guests were invited to enjoy a complimentary Malaysian dinner featuring signature dishes like Nasi Lemak, Satay, and Kuih Ketayap. This culinary experience created a welcoming space where attendees from diverse backgrounds engaged in meaningful conversations, reflecting on the performance and their experiences with Malaysian culture. The overall atmosphere was lively and warm, with many attendees staying after the event to share their thoughts, ask questions about the play and the food, and learn more about Malaysia’s culture and heritage.
The event drew an estimated 350 attendees, including students, faculty, and members of the broader Ann Arbor community. Several guests reached out after the event to express their appreciation and interest in learning more about Malaysia and the narratives we presented, highlighting the lasting impact of the evening. GISC’s funding played a crucial role in the success of MCN 2025. With the department's generous support, we were able to cover critical production costs, ensure a high-quality audio-visual experience, and provide complimentary food, which helped us maintain the event’s accessibility and welcoming spirit. The funding also allowed us to elevate the quality of the overall experience, ensuring that the event was not only educational but also memorable for all who attended.
The Malaysian Cultural Night 2025 was a heartfelt celebration of storytelling, identity, and community. Through the play, dance, and food, we created an immersive experience that honored both Malaysian culture and Islamic values. We are deeply grateful to GISC for making this possible and for supporting our mission to build bridges of understanding across cultures. We look forward to continuing this important work in the future and hope to collaborate again to further promote global cultural dialogue and engagement.
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GISC is proud to cosponsor and fund events that promote the understanding of global Islamic culture and Muslim societies worldwide. Are you an undergraduate student group looking for funding for a similar event? Apply now: https://myumi.ch/RprGw
