Showing off beauty of songket

Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin (standing front second from right), Prof Mohd Shukri (right) and Prof Junainah (standing behind the Tengku Permaisuri) meeting participants from the Bikeisable group. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

THE beauty of Malaysia’s traditional textile was highlighted during the International Songket Run 3.0.

It was organised by Manage-ment and Science University (MSU) and held as part of its United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative, in particular SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) as well as SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin graced the event and flagged off the 5,000 participants, some of whom were dressed in their traditional best, at the MSU campus in Shah Alam, Selangor.

The 5km route took participants around Section 13 of the city and the run ended at the MSU campus.

Hasliza, her husband and children walking away with the ‘Most Creative Family Group’ category.

In his speech, MSU president Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid said the run exposed the community to the importance of their culture and heritage.

“We are glad to hold it once again following a three-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Also present was MSU vice-chancellor Prof Puan Sri Junainah Abd Hamid, senior management as well as industry partners.

The first and second editions of the run, which took place in 2018 and 2019, created two records.

In 2019, the run entered the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for “The Largest Participation In A Songket Running Event” while in 2018, it was recognised in MBR for “The Largest Number of People Wearing or Having Songket Elements as Part of Their Dressing”.

Participants comprised the public, MSU staff and students representing 20 countries as well as staff from MSU’s partner university, Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia.

Fifteen families, each with a participant in a wheelchair from the Bikeisable group, also joined in.

Azhan Dziaruddin taking part in the run and carrying his cat that is wearing a songket element.

The run had two categories for men and women and the top three in each category received a pair of Ortuseight shoes.

Cash prizes of RM500 (winner), RM300 (first runner-up) and RM200 (second runner-up) were also given.

Malaysian marathon runner and MSU Foundation scholar Mohd Syahidan Alias, also known as Edan Syah, came out tops in the men’s category.

“Wearing songket while running for the first time was a little challenging but I enjoyed it.

“Participating in the run also helped me prepare for the TCS London Marathon 2023 which will be taking place in April this year,” said Edan who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Education (physical education and health).

The winners of the “Most Creative Family Group” category were Hasliza Abdul Hamid, her husband and two children aged four and six.

“I made this songket attire for the International Songket Run 2.0 but unfortunately we couldn’t make it then.

“We are glad to be given the opportunity to wear it after so many years.

“It took me around one month to put together the outfits for my husband, children and myself.

“It is hard to run with traditional attire on but wearing this outfit gave me strength and motivation.

“I also feel this is a good way of portraying our culture to the community.

“I am glad the effort we put in paid off,” she said.