The Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology (UniKL MITEC) introduced the traditional Johor dance Zapin to 350 participants as part of its efforts to preserve and sustain Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
In line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the initiative was carried out through a Zapin Negeri Johor workshop in collaboration with Yayasan Warisan Johor and Majlis Kebudayaan Negeri.
The programme also received strong support from government agencies and institutions, including Kelab Kebudayaan Jabatan Kastam, Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor, Hospital Sultan Ismail, Hospital Permai Johor Bahru, Yayasan Warisan Johor, Jabatan Imigresen, Penerus Zapin Daerah Muar, Penerus Zapin Daerah Kota Tinggi, Penerus Zapin Daerah Johor Bahru, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pasir Gudang, Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan Johor, and UniKL MITEC students.
Programme Director and Briged Tingkah Iskandar Club Advisor Muhammad Alif Haqim Zaine said the workshop was inspired by a strong commitment to revitalising Johor’s cultural heritage, particularly the traditional art form of Zapin.
“In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to preserve traditional arts in the face of modernisation, digital influence, and declining interest among the younger generation.
“Zapin, despite its beauty and historical value, risks being forgotten if proactive steps are not taken to engage new learners and practitioners,” he said.
Recognising this, he added, Yayasan Warisan Johor and Majlis Kebudayaan Negeri Johor collaborated to develop an initiative that goes beyond showcasing Zapin.
Instead, they envisioned a hands-on platform to teach, transmit, and celebrate this cultural heritage at the community level.
