KUALA LUMPUR: Marking its 30th anniversary, the National Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage (ASWARA) remains steadfast in its mission to uphold and promote Malaysia’s arts, culture, and heritage. Established in 1994 as the National Arts Academy (ASK) under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), ASWARA has evolved into a premier institution producing talented artistes and creatives while serving as a ‘guardian’ of the nation’s cultural legacy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, ASWARA Rector Dr Tan Awang Besar stated that the academy’s 30-year journey has “matured” the institution, transforming it from a small establishment into a renowned guardian of tradition and culture. The 30th-anniversary celebration, themed ‘Stepping Forward Together, Advancing with Tradition,’ symbolises ASWARA’s journey since its founding. The academy’s original motto continues to serve as the ‘soul’ that breathes life into ASWARA’s mission, with a focus on Malaysia’s cultural and artistic needs.
Tan highlighted ASWA
RA’s unique position as the sole arts and cultural education institution under MOTAC, allowing it to focus comprehensively on preserving and advancing Malaysia’s arts, culture, and heritage. The academy offers diverse programmes, ranging from foundational studies to PhD levels, providing lifelong learning opportunities for those interested in arts, culture, and heritage. ASWARA has seven faculties, including theatre, writing, animation, multimedia, fine arts, and filmmaking, which provide students with a comprehensive learning experience.
On the global stage, ASWARA has formed collaborations with several arts institutions abroad, including those in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Recent initiatives include signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) with cultural arts institutions across the ASEAN region. These efforts aim to enhance teaching standards and the competency of academic staff, ensuring they provide the highest quality education to students.
As part of its
Pearl Jubilee celebration, ASWARA is set to revive a grand legendary epic through a special musical theatre production, ‘Sakti Merong Mahawangsa’. This production, expected to make history in the Malaysian theatre arts scene, brings together ASWARA alumni, lecturers, and students in a collaborative effort. The musical highlights the tale of Merong Mahawangsa, a figure celebrated for his bravery, resilience, and loyalty. It will be staged at the KL Performing Arts Centre (klpac) from Nov 22 to 24.
ASWARA alumna and actress Najua P. Ramlee shared her challenges during rehearsals for the musical, while another alumnus, Hairi Safwan, expressed his pride in contributing his skills alongside fellow alumni. Both hope ASWARA continues to grow and foster high-quality, outstanding new talents. Tan concluded by emphasising the importance of ensuring the sustainability of Malaysia’s artistic and cultural heritage, a responsibility shared by every member of ASWARA.