malaysiangTUMPAT, Jan 19 — Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) has received a RM200,000 grants under the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) to conduct research as well as record and document the Rebana Kercing Kampung Laut cultural dance.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad said the research would encompass in-depth interviews, field work and digitisation process of the traditional training sessions and cultural performances.
He said UMK was given a year, beginning last November, to conduct the research.
“The Preservation of the Rebana Kercing of Kampung Laut, Kelantan research project has received global acknowledgement when the Education and Cultural Affairs Bureau of the US State Department provided the research grant to UMK.
“This is part of the agenda to help other countries maintain their cultural heritage and shows how the US respects different cultures across the world,” he told reporters after the AFCP ceremony officiated by US Ambassador to Malaysia Brian D Mcfeeters at Dewan Rebana Kercing Kampung Laut here today.
Tengku Laksamana Kelantan Tengku Abdul Halim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob and Kelantan Community Unity, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Md Anizam Ab Rahman were also present.
Nik Maheran added that the university was also conducting discussions between other public universities and the Kelantan state education department to create a Rebana Kercing heritage and culture curriculum this year.
He said the move was aimed to strengthen the Rebana Kercing heritage and culture among youth.
“We want to include Rebana Kercing heritage and culture into the curriculum in universities and cultural clubs in schools involving musicians, dancers and singers who will be appointed.
“We know that most Rebana Kercing activities are over 70, so if they leave us, we don’t want to lose the heritage that we should inherit, that’s why I hope this project will obtain grants and won’t be wasted,” he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
