On 15 February 2025, L’Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (INALCO), Paris became a vibrant hub filled with Malaysian culture as it hosted the Festival Seni Malaysia (FSM) and Malaysian Night. Organised by the members of the Malaysian Students Association in France (MASAF) consisting of 386 Malaysian students in France, this flagship annual event led by Tashwinii Dhayalan and Syafiqah Aqilah brought together Malaysians and international audiences to celebrate the richness of our heritage, traditions and talents. The event aimed to foster cultural exchange, promote a deeper appreciation for Malaysia’s diverse art and strengthen ties between Malaysia and the global community through music, dance, cuisine and artistic performances.
Celebrating Legends and Folklore
This year’s FSM embraced the theme “Legends and Folklore,” encouraging attendees to dress as iconic characters from Malaysia’s vast collection of folktales. The event aimed to promote Malaysia’s multicultural identity and provide a platform for cultural exchange, uniting students, the Malaysian diaspora and international attendees in an immersive cultural experience.
Engaging Cultural Activities and Exhibitions
FSM featured a variety of interactive cultural booths, each focused on a different Malaysian ethnic group:
- Malay Booth: Attendees explored traditional batik painting and khat calligraphy.
- Chinese Booth: Visitors tried their hand at Chinese calligraphy and indulged in dumpling tasting.
- Indian Booth: Henna art and traditional games offered a hands-on experience.
- Borneo Booth: An insightful presentation shed light on the indigenous cultures of Sabah and Sarawak.
In addition to these booths, numerous vendors set up stalls selling a variety of Malaysian delicacies including nasi lemak, nasi kerabu, teh tarik and more. Both students and professionals alike contributed to the vibrant marketplace, bringing an authentic taste of home to Paris.
A Cinematic and Fashion Extravaganza
A special screening of “Magika”, a local Malaysian film, took place to reinforce the theme of folklore and inspire attendees. Another highlight was the Malaysian Traditional Attire Fashion Show, where participants gracefully showcased elegant traditional wear, from Baju Kurung, Cheongsam, Saree and even Baju Bidayuh, demonstrating the unique cultural fusion that defines Malaysia.
Malaysian Night: A Historic First in France
The second segment of the event, Malaysian Night, was a milestone for Malaysian students in France. Unlike other countries with larger student associations such as in the UK, US, or Australia, this was the first ever Malaysian Night in France, offering an extraordinary opportunity for students to take centre stage and express their creativity.
The night kicked off with MASAF Got Talent, where finalists performed in front of an enthusiastic audience and judges. The lineup of performances included singing, dancing and theatrical acts – each reflecting the depth of Malaysian artistry. The highlight of the evening was the theatrical performance called ‘The Untitled’, presented by students from Lille, France. This gripping story of youth, betrayal and friendship captivated the audience and left a lasting impression.
The grand finale saw everyone taking part in a spirited dance to Poco Poco, wrapping up the night on an electrifying and joyous note.
Impact and Feedback
With an estimated 200 attendees, FSM and Malaysian Night successfully fostered a sense of community and appreciation for Malaysian culture. Participants expressed their delight and nostalgia:
“It felt like being home again. The food, the performances, the atmosphere! It was truly an unforgettable experience!” – A Malaysian student in Paris.
“As someone who isn’t Malaysian, I loved learning about the different cultures and trying the delicious food. The performances were incredible!” – An international attendee.
This event was made possible with the support of MyHeart’s Young Global Leader Programme (YGL), an initiative that champions student empowerment and aims to nurture skilled future leaders. Through this programme, MASAF was able to execute a successful cultural event and debut their very first Malaysian Night performance.
With the success of FSM and Malaysian Night, MASAF has set a new precedent for cultural celebrations in France in the future. This event not only highlighted the beauty of Malaysian heritage but also demonstrated the power of unity within the Malaysian student community abroad.
Until next year, terima kasih and merci!
Written by Syafiqah Aqilah binti Suriadi, MASAF Event Director.
Are you a student leader who is part of a student association abroad? Check out the MyHeart Young Global Leader Programme (YGL) to find out how you can get support for your student driven events.
