INSTEAD of the usual scene of students grouped together, busy studying or moving between classes, the foyer at Sunway University became the stage for professional lion dancers leaping from pole to pole as loud drumbeats synced with their rhythm.
Earlier, a group of diabolo acrobats had tossed and spun their brightly lit “Chinese yo-yo” – and even each other – to pump up the atmosphere.
These performances, along with many others celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year, captured the imagination of international students at Sunway University and Sunway College, many of whom had never seen such acts before.
For these students, setting foot on campus became a gateway to experiencing the joy and fun of local celebrations – something they would not get back home.
Senuthi Mahadevan, 21, said being part of the campus community has exposed her to a wide variety of Malaysian cultures and festivals.
“Ever since I first experienced Chinese New Year here on campus last year, I have been waiting for it to come again,” she shared.
The Sri Lankan student added that she also looks forward to other major holidays celebrated locally.
In fact, she said, students get together regularly to celebrate these occasions with one another.
Another Sri Lankan student, Nithuli Thulanya Waidyatilleke, 23, said watching the performances was like no other.
The American Degree Transfer Programme student could not stop gushing about the lion dances.
“It is exhilarating to witness cultures different from those I see back home,” she said.
“A lot of the exposure I’ve had to the different festivals here in Malaysia has been through university,” she added.
The Chinese New Year celebration, organised by the Sunway University Chinese Independent School Alumni (CISA) Club on Feb 11, featured games, cultural booths and performances.
The event also included performances by Chinese independent school students, who presented the dragon dance and fan dance.
This year’s theme “The Golden Gallop: New Spring Arising” marks 12 years of CISA-hosted celebrations and reflects the club’s growth, likened to a steadfast steed galloping through time – courageous, resilient, and ever in motion
CISA Club president Ng Yu Yan, 21, said they have been organising the celebrations to bring a taste of Chinese New Year to the campus community.
“We want everybody to celebrate Chinese New Year with us, including the international students, so that they can also learn new cultures,” she added.
Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee said that unlike the other main festivals in Malaysia that are religion-based, Chinese New Year is a cultural celebration.
“Even though it’s called Chinese New Year, it’s very much a Malaysian celebration,” she said, adding that other celebrations held locally are equally Malaysian.
