Founded in 2014, the Malay Language and Culture Society (MALECS) aims to unite Malaysians living abroad and share Malaysian heritage with international audiences. In a dynamic display of Malaysian culture, MALECS successfully organised Sukaneka MALECS x Wau of Unity 2024, a vibrant cultural event held in Manchester’s Platt Field Park on 12 October.
This year’s event was a significant milestone for MALECS, featuring a variety of beloved cultural games such as Sarong Run and one that marked a monumental moment for us: the first-ever Wau Kucing flying across the skies of Manchester. The event attracted a diverse crowd, gathering both Malaysians and the local residents of Manchester for a day filled with Malaysian traditional games, kite flying and great cultural exchange.
Haziq Ikram, the event coordinator for MALECS, was deeply invested in making this event resonate with both the Malaysian community and those curious to learn about the vibrant Malaysian culture. “Growing up in a rural village, traditional games like congkak, konda-kondi and baling selipar are close to my heart, and it’s disheartening to see that these games are fading away among the younger generation. Through MALECS, I feel obligated to bring back these cultural treasures to life, aiming to raise awareness and rekindle interest in them.”, Haziq shares.
Strategising for Greater Impact
In previous years, MALECS organised the Sarong Run, as a smaller event that garnered interest, but it felt limited in its potential to reach the organisation’s broader goals. In response, Haziq and the MALECS team devised a new strategy to include a wider range of traditional games such as galah panjang and batu seremban. This expanded event aimed to engage everyone—from families to university students—and create an immersive cultural experience. The team’s vision extended beyond the Malaysian community, inviting locals to witness Malaysian culture firsthand, with the majestic Wau Kucing flying high above as a symbol of Malaysian heritage. The ambitious plan highlighted MALECS’ goal to showcase Malaysia’s unique traditions in a grand, memorable way.
Support from MyHeart
Through the platform, MALECS was able to promote the event, reaching Malaysians globally but most importantly, among Malaysians in the UK. Promoting this event on MyHeart gave the event visibility far beyond Manchester, reaching a wider crowd. Additionally, with the financial support of , MALECS was able to enhance the event experience.
Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth
Organising this event in just a month posed significant challenges for Haziq, putting his decision-making skills to the test. The overall event planning required proactive leadership to tackle unforeseen circumstances such as weather uncertainties and crowd turnout. Coordinating sponsors, creating an effective marketing strategy and rallying a dedicated team to execute the event within a tight timeframe was no easy feat. The strong communication and commitment within the MALECS team proved to be instrumental in managing these challenges.
What’s next for MALECS?
Sukaneka MALECS x Wau of Unity 2024 was Manchester’s first event of this nature, and MALECS looks forward to building on its success. With plans to expand the variety of games and introduce fresh concepts based on participants’ feedback, we are excited to present an even better experience in the future. This event has set a new benchmark for MALECS, strengthening our mission of cultural preservation and community engagement in the United Kingdom.
This story was written by the Malay Language and Culture Society (MALECS).
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