| Universiti Putra Malaysia

Fifth College promotes Islamic Culture through FESTMA-V

By Khairul Ziana Kinainah
Photos by Noor Azreen Awang



Serdang, March 8 (UPM) - Fifth College, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), organised the UPM 1Malaysia Harmony V Open Marhaban Festival Competition 2015 (FESTMA-V) - an intervarsity event showcasing the marhaban (hymns praising the prophet) tradition to students, community as well as people of other faiths and races at the Experimental Theatre here.

Fifth College Principal, Dr Amini Amir Abdullah, said this competition was also aimed at promoting students involvement in Islamic activities which were highlighted in the form of Islamic culture.

"This marhaban festival is an effective approach to promote and foster the marhaban practices among all communities in Malaysia, besides being the best platform to showcase students’ talents and creativity.



"At the same time the festival could hone positive and proactive social interactions among participants in addtion to establishing the identity of progressive youth," he said after the programme that was launched by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affair and Alumni), Prof Dato' Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran.

The marhaban festival featured five universities in the finals; UPM, UNISZA, USIM, IIUM and UTP.



USIM emerged to be the champion in the final round, UTP won second, while third place was nabbed by IIUM. The competition was juried by professionals, chaired by Ustaz Wan Mohd Noh from Sekolah Menengah Agama Tinggi, Kajang.

"This competition has been well received by the community and its organisation was also highly praised by the jury.

"The college will continue organising FESTMA-V in the future in order to produce competitive students who are able to develop Islamic arts," said Dr Amini. - UPM


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