UMPSA, DBP make history with 8-hour nonstop patriotic poetry recital

GAMBANG, 28 August 2025 – The 8-Hour Poetry Recital Programme organised by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Central Region successfully showcased the art of poetry and elevated it as a medium of literary appreciation, arts, culture, and patriotic spirit.

The concept of ‘8 Hours’ symbolises infinity, portraying the continuity of arts and culture as a medium for community unity, while at the same time igniting a love for local heritage.

Throughout the programme, which began as early as 9:00 am at the UMPSA Library, Gambang Campus, a total of 100 participants comprising school students, UMPSA students, art enthusiasts, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the local community, and UMPSA staff presented various genres such as syair, rejang, qasidah, poems, poetry songs, dekon (poetry drama), and others.

The performances were also accompanied by gamelan music, Pahang drums, and tetuang to enliven the atmosphere further.

The closing ceremony held at Dewan Astaka, UMPSA Gambang Campus, witnessed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr Aida Mustafa, who was present on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Yatimah Alias, recited a poem titled Pasak Pertiwi Merdeka Keramat Gemilang Bendera.

According to her, the university expressed its gratitude to DBP for selecting UMPSA as the strategic partner in organising this 8-Hour Poetry Recital.

“This collaboration proves UMPSA’s commitment to upholding the language, literature, and cultural heritage of the nation, while bringing the arts closer to the younger generation through a fresh, community-friendly, and inclusive approach,” she said.

The closing ceremony was also enlivened by the presence of national art figures and enthusiasts, including Kopratasa, AK Hidayat, Anak Kayan, Ajiq Bakaruddin, Dekon, Aidil Firdaus, Usman Gumanti, Dhani, Amirul, and Haji Nordin.

Kopratasa also captivated the audience with soulful renditions, breathing life into poetry through their timeless songs such as Masihkah Kau Ingat, Permata Untuk Isteri, and Tetamu Senja.

Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Academic Advancement (Internationalisation and Academic Collaboration), Professor Datin Ts. Dr Mimi Sakinah Abdul Munaim, DBP Central Region Director, Nurul Julia Alani Henry, and Director of the Pahang State Department of Culture and Arts, Mohd Rizal Ismail.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press