On 5 April 2025, the Great Hall at Queen Mary University of London was transformed into a vibrant stage of tradition, music and youthful passion as the Queen Mary Malaysian Society (QMMS), City University of London Malaysian Society (CULMSOC) and SOAS Malaysian Society (SOAS) came together to present the QCS Malaysian Night 2025: Sejarah Kita. Drawing an audience of over 300—including students, alumni and five VIPs—this sold-out event was more than just a performance; it was a heartfelt tribute to Malaysian identity and the shared journey of its youth abroad.
A Shared Vision Across Institutions
The collaboration between QMMS, CULMSOC and SOAS wasn’t just a logistical partnership — it was a testament to the power of community. Over seven months of preparation, students from all three institutions worked hand in hand to script, design, rehearse and deliver a night that truly reflected what it means to be Malaysian.
More than just a cultural event, Malaysian Night (M’Night) has become an annual touchstone for many students, offering them the chance to reconnect with their heritage and build lasting friendships that extend well beyond the final curtain call.
Building More Than a Show
Behind the scenes, the journey to M’Night was as enriching as the event itself. Students took on roles that challenged and developed them—directing scenes, leading teams, managing logistics and even handling partnerships. From leadership and project management to creativity and adaptability, M’Night became a space of learning just as much as performance.
Everything was handled internally by the student committees. There was no external production crew—only the dedication of young Malaysians passionate about sharing their story. In doing so, M’Night didn’t just showcase Malaysian culture; it nurtured future leaders ready to take on the world, both academically and professionally.
A Story Close to Home: The Play
Set against the backdrop of Malaysian high school life and the reflective quiet of London years later, this year’s drama took the audience on an emotional journey. The story followed Sofia, a bright student from a modest background, navigating the social pressures of secondary school. Her best friend, Jasmine—charming and troubled—struggled in silence with illiteracy. Their friendship, once unbreakable, began to fray under the weight of secrets and unspoken feelings.
Supporting characters like Farhan, Jasmine’s nerdy twin, and Julian, the effortlessly popular golden boy, added depth to a narrative rich with relatable tension and hope. Fast forward several years, the characters find themselves reunited in London as university students. Old emotions resurface during a Malaysian student networking event—forcing the group to confront who they were, and who they’ve become.
From laughter-inducing moments of teenage mischief to tear-jerking scenes of reconciliation and growth, the play seamlessly wove humour, drama and heartfelt dialogue into a powerful coming-of-age narrative.
Unity in Diversity
Beyond the storyline, Sejarah Kita succeeded in bringing Malaysians from across the UK together. Audience members travelled from as far as Manchester and Nottingham to witness the performance, a testament to the event’s significance and reach. For one night, the Great Hall wasn’t just a venue — it became a meeting ground for shared memories and future aspirations.
The event also opened its doors to non-Malaysians, inviting them into the richness of our culture. With a programme featuring traditional and contemporary dance, soulful music and scenes that reflect the Malaysian spirit, the night served as a bridge between communities — celebrating not just where we come from, but how far we’ve come.
Support That Made It Possible
The success of Sejarah Kita would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors and partners. We are deeply grateful to those who believed in our mission and contributed both financially and through in-kind support.
From the outset, MyHeart’s support through the Young Global Leader Programme (YGL) was instrumental in bringing our vision to life. They provided essential resource support—ranging from merchandise to logistical assistance—that contributed directly to the smooth execution of our event. By featuring our event on MyHeart, it helped amplify our visibility and elevate our reach to a wider audience. Throughout the journey, their role extended beyond providing resources—they remained an engaged and collaborative partner, offering regular check-ins and scheduled support meetings that strengthened our planning and delivery process.
Impact and Feedback
The long months of dedication paid off—not just in the final show, but in the friendships and confidence gained along the way. One crew member reflected on the experience, saying,
“The process was hectic, but definitely rewarding in making friends.”
For many in the audience, the event left a lasting emotional impact. One attendee shared,
“The play was incredible. I saw the passion in the crews, and it really felt like home.”
These responses highlight the true essence of M’Night—not just an artistic showcase, but a deeply human experience that connects people through shared history and emotion.
A Night to Remember
As the curtains closed and the applause echoed through the hall, it was clear that Sejarah Kita was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of culture, connection and the stories that shape us. For Malaysian students far from home, M’Night is more than a yearly tradition; it’s a reminder of who we are and the community we belong to.
We carry our sejarah not just in the stories we tell, but in the friendships we forge, the challenges we overcome and the future we build together.
Here’s to the memories made, the lessons learned and the journeys yet to come.
Story submitted by Jo Yi Lee, Corporate Relations Director of Queen Mary Malaysian Society (QMMS).
Are you part of a student association abroad looking to get support for an event? Check out the MyHeart Young Global Leader Programme (YGL) to explore how MyHeart supports student-driven events.
