The Ukraine-Malaysia Friendship Night 2024, held on September 13th and 14th at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTIC) in Kuala Lumpur, marked an important milestone in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. Organised by the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), the event coincided with both Ukraine’s Independence Day and Malaysia Day, adding extra significance to the celebration.

City University Malaysia played a pivotal role in the recent Ukraine-Malaysia Friendship Night 2024, showcasing the immense talent of its Fashion Design programme students. The Batik and Vyshyvanka Fashion Show was particularly significant as it demonstrated how the Fashion Design programme at CityU equips students with the skills to merge traditional artistry with contemporary design. By featuring these collections at such a prestigious international event, the programme further cemented its reputation for producing innovative and culturally attuned designers. The blend of these iconic cultural garments illustrated the harmony and respect shared between Malaysia and Ukraine.

A key highlight of the evening was the diverse range of cultural performances that bridged the two countries. Traditional Malaysian dance was brought to life by ARISTANA Istana Budaya, while the audience was mesmerised by the melodic sounds of the Bandura, a traditional Ukrainian instrument, played beautifully by Ms. Larissa Kovalchuk. Adding to the cultural experience, there was also a touching recital of Ukrainian poetry, a soulful performance by Oksana and a soothingly satisfying live music performance by Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia (OTM), uniting the musical traditions of Malaysia.

VIPs who graced the event included Mr Denys Mykhailiuk, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Ukrainian Embassy in Malaysia, and Datin Rohaidah Shaari, Managing Director and Founder of City University Malaysia, both of whom expressed admiration for the student’s work and the power of fashion to bridge cultures. In her speech, Datin Rohaidah Shaari expressed the importance of the partnership between City University Malaysia and the Ukrainian Embassy. “City University Malaysia and the Faculty of Creative Industries are excited about our ongoing partnership with the Ukrainian Embassy. From hosting engaging workshops on Ukrainian art to offering scholarships that provided a safe and nurturing environment for Ukrainian students, our collaboration was something we cherished deeply. This night wasn’t just about our partnership, it was also about showcasing our cultural heritage,” she said.

The event was a resounding success, marking a night of cultural unity, artistic exchange, and mutual appreciation, paving the way for even deeper ties between the two countries.

For more information about City University Malaysia and its programs, please visit our website, City University Malaysia.