By:Wahida Daniela Binti Mohad Zain

Serdang, 6 December 2024 – The 48th Convocation and Agriculture Expo (PESKON) took place with great excitement starting on the 29th of November until 6th of December 2024 at the Main Tent around the building of Canselori UPM. This annual event consisted of activities with the purpose of enhancing arts and culture while fostering unity among the university community. The Arustika Putrasakti Club, under the Secretariat of Culture and Arts of the College Representative Council, Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee College participated in four (4) inter-college competitions organised by UPM clubs in collaboration with Student Representative Council and the Student Affairs Division. The competitions included the 15th Inter-college Nasyid Festival (FESNIK XV), The 2024 Boria Competition, The Creative Ethnic Dance Competition and Putra Got Talent.

On November 29th, 2024, the Arustika Putrasakti club participated in the 15th Inter-college Nasyid Festival (FESNIK XV) organised by the Nahwan Nur Nasyid Club represented by the group Arasy Sakti consisting of 8 participants and supported by 12 committee members. The team was led by the team manager, Ms. Nur Shahadah binti Supardi, who ensured the smooth execution and success of their participation. This festival served as a platform to showcase the beauty of singing and religious expression while enhancing spiritual values and creativity among the participants.

Arasy Sakti performing at the Main Stage of PESKON 2024.

Moving on to the next day, November 30th, 2024, the 2024 Boria Competition, organised by the Majlis Mahasiswa Anak Pulau Pinang, represented by 12 participants supported by 26 committee members behind the scene through the group, Boria Rentak Sakti. The competition aimed to revive the traditional theatrical art form popular in Northern Malaysia, particularly in Penang. With the theme 'Pertanian untuk Rakyat,' the team was led by Ms. Wahida Daniela binti Mohad Zain, who played a significant role in their success, securing the Overall Champion and the Best Narrator Award.

Group photo with the winners, coaches and supporters to keep as a memory.

Congratulations to Ms. Haidah Aina Zahra binti Hamizi for receiving The Best Narrator Award.

Moving on to the Creative Ethnic Dance Competition organized by the Badansa Dance Arts Club on December 1, 2024, the Arustika Putrasakti team, consisting of 8 participants supported by 14 committee members, was led by Mr. Muhammad Norafni bin Alias and showcased an ethnic dance of the Murut community from Sabah. Their performance depicted the joyous atmosphere of the Murut community during harvest season. The group was awarded the First Runner-Up and also received the Best Male Dancer Award, recognising their dedication to promote the ethnic heritage of Sabah.

A group photo of the winners alongside an officer from the Student Affairs Division, director of the program and the director of PESKON 2024.

Congratulations to Mr. Mohamad Shahrul Izham bin Abdul Raset for winning the Best Male Dancer Award.

Last but not least, two talented participants showcased their talents in Putra Got Talent on December 3rd, 2024. Mohammad Hisyam bin Arman from Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee Residency College secured Third Place with a heartfelt rendition of “Sedetik Lebih “ by Anuar Zain, moving the audience with his melodious voices. This achievement was further supported by the meticulous planning and management of the team manager, Ms. Wahida Daniela binti Mohad Zain, who played a vital role in ensuring the participants' involvement ran smoothly and with great enthusiasm.

Congratulations to Mr. Mohammad Hisyam bin Arman on securing the Third Place in Putra Got Talent.

PESKON 2924 marked a significant success for the participating teams. All the awards achieved reflect the extraordinary talents of Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee Residency  College students across various artistic and cultural disciplines. These accomplishments are a testament of all the dedication and hardwork of all teams, supported by the unwavering community of the college community. With that, Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee College brought home First Place for showing The Best Commitment towards The 2024 Convocation and Agriculture Expo and has received an activity grant of RM3,000.00.

A picture of Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee's Secretariat of Culture and Arts Fellow, Ms. Maisarah binti Mohamed Zakaria, receiving the activity grant worth RM3,000.00.

The participation of Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee College not only demonstrated a strong sense of artistic and cultural passion but also contributed to fostering unity and celebrating the nation's cultural heritage. Overall, the success of these teams was not only the result of the unwavering commitment and hard work of the participants and team managers but also the unwavering support and guidance from Cik Maisarah binti Mohamed Mohamed Zakaria, the college fellow.

The 48th Convocation and Agriculture Expo left a meaningful impression on all who were involved. It is hoped that such competitions will continue in the future to ensure that the Malaysian art and culture thrive and are appreciated by the younger and upcoming generations. May the achievements and experiences gained from these competitions inspire other Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee College students to excel further in promoting local arts and culture on the global stage.

Date of Input: 10/12/2024 | Updated: 12/12/2024 | adib