ISS Night 2016: Unity in Diversity

“A night of unity without uniformity and diversity without fragmentation” as

eloquently put by the Director of International Students Society Night 2016, Mr.
Katwali Nambala. The ISS Night that happened on the 22nd at Ramada hotel, with
the theme Unity in Diversity, was one that was filled withe reminders that we are at
our best when we stand together. The event attracted an array of students from
different nationalities and backgrounds to gather and celebrate their diversities
under one roof.

The attendees were taken on a global trip portraying the rich and colourful culture
that we had in the room. With the irresistible beats from the Indian dance by the
JDC crew to the elegant and gentle sways of the traditional Malay dance, namely the
‘Joget Payung Ketipur’, followed by the vibrant motions of the Chinese Peacock
dance, you could say that the audience had a full fletched Malaysian experience just
by the first half of the night.
Mr. & Ms. ISS Night 2016

Sitting in the room it was almost like we were in Cairo with the sound of the bells
ringing as the belly dancers entertained us and then jet set immediately to Seoul as
the energetic K-pop dancers brought the audience to their feet. One of the numbers
that particularly stood out were the singers that attempted and perfectly executed
singing in multiple languages. From English to Hindi, Arabian and finally Tamil these
students boldly took up the challenge and I must say I’m glad they did. Seeing all
these students learning and embracing these different cultures, it emitted a deeper
appreciation towards the general idea that we are truly beautiful when we’re
diverse.
Emcee’s for the night ; Sonia and Edmund

As the night went on, recognition was given towards the individuals that have stood
out and performed exceptionally in the past academic year. Clenching the awards for
Best Academic Achievement male and female respectively were Imran Artwel Junior
as well as Kavita Gurung. Not forgetting the recipient of the Best Leadership Award
went to Kakomo Juma and the Best Athlete was named Ousman Mahamat Moussa
Adam.

I guess having explored the music and tradition of these cultures and being treated
to an amazing spread of food it was with a heart full of excitement and content we
proceeded to the dance floor accompanied by the gut wrenching dhol and tabla
performances. It can be safely said that the ISS Night was one that resonated with
many. “I was amazed by the talent and diversity!” said Hana a 2nd Year Engineering
student here in MMU Malacca.

As we were all dancing to the beat of the tabla it crossed my mind that this was
exactly what the director Mr. Katwali had talked about. We were all here decked out
in different ways speaking different languages yet united in the face of peace and
love and fun! The 2016 ISS Night truly did set an exemplary precedence for all
future interactions and let’s hope it lives on.
By Prisya Radha Nair