“DON’T forget the importance of education.”
That is the message internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Aina Abdul had for aspiring musicians and singers.
Aina said it was at UCSI University – her alma mater – that she learnt how to write songs.
Recently back at the varsity for a performance at the Sounds of Malaysia 2025 concert, she belted out two of her signature hits, Jangan Mati Rasa Itu and Shadow – a song she wrote at UCSI.
“Five years ago, I graduated with a degree in music, so it feels so good to be back.
“I’m proud to say that I am from UCSI, and I must thank my lecturers and friends who helped me find out who I really am, and who I wanted to become.
“Back then, I was simply known as Nurul Aina. But at UCSI, I discovered Aina Abdul,” she said in a Sept 9 press release.
During the concert, organised by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Istana Budaya and UCSI, Aina also collaborated with traditional music performer Haziq Rosebi on three popular songs before closing the show with a traditional joget.
Also performing with her was the Malaysian Traditional Orchestra, which blended heritage instruments with her vocal range.
UCSI University vice-chancellor and president Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir expressed pride in Aina’s performance.
“Having Aina perform is a full-circle moment. All of us at UCSI could not be prouder of her and her many accomplishments.
“Performing at such a scale with Istana Budaya is not only a testament to her talent, but also an inspiration for every young Malaysian musician who wants to pursue a music career,” she said.
Conducted by Mohd Yazid Zakaria, the concert celebrated Malaysia’s rich musical heritage through a 19-song odyssey that blended traditional, classical Malay, modern pop and international melodies.
It featured 23 Malaysian Traditional Orchestra musicians, seven National Symphony Orchestra musicians, Istana Budaya Artistana resident dancers, and performers from UCSI’s Institute of Music.
In addition, heritage instruments like the serunai, rebana, caklempong, sape, sitar and guzheng featured prominently throughout the concert.
Adding vibrancy to the event was a fashion, singing and dance showcase presented by students from UCSI’s Institute of Creative Arts and Design, in collaboration with Istana Budaya’s creative team.
Istana Budaya director-general Zubaidah Mukhtar said the collaboration reflects the national perfoming arts theatre’s commitment to ensuring Malaysia’s musical heritage remains alive, relevant and celebrated by the younger generation.
“Seeing talents like Aina thrive and give back through performances like this assures us that our cultural arts will endure,” she said.
Also present at the event were UCSI University chancellor Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general of culture Datuk Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff, UCSI University council chairman and founder Datuk Peter Ng, and UCSI Healthcare Group chairman Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
