By: Khoo Yi Feng Event invitation from : Dr. Mohd Effendy Bin Abdul Hamid Cultural experience right in our backyard Have you ever thought about travelling overseas to learn about the cultures of various Southeast Asian nations? I often do. On 25 October 2014, right here in my backyard, I got to sample a unique Malay cultural experience. With the kind invitation of Mr. Khaizuran Ahmad, pendekar of the Seligi Tunggal Singapura silat school, I swung by Blk 224 Bukit Batok Street 21. The address might seem unassuming but I was impressed by how the basketball court was transformed into a grandly designed kingly court. With melodious Malay music by a live band anchored by stunning vocals and eclectic instruments involving electric guitar, accordion, tabla-like drums and kompang, this urban community space was transformed into a traditional “playground” for Silat practitioners to showcase their craft. With these entertaining auditory treats the event titled, Penyambung Hikayat, Pendekar Terulung, got off to a satisfying start. The event was designated to launch the official insignia of the school and the proclamation of the council of Seligi Tunggal. Upon reaching the venue, I could instantly feel the “gotong royong” spirit (community cooperation and support). There was an element of trust and generosity as there were no servers at the “makan” counters. The huge spread of drinks and food was free-for-all to enjoy. This starkly contrasted my experiences serving in the grassroots where there were servers attending to each tray of food during community events. The Mak Ciks helped each other to reserve seats and take care of each others’ kids while they busy themselves with snapping photos and videos of their “anak-anak” (children) in action. Next time, you are thinking of traveling to an "exotic" location to have a cultural immersion, think again. Go downstairs, walk around your community and you just might have your desired immersion at your doorstep. Regardless of Ethnicity In multi-racial Singapore, it never fails to impress me when parents of different ethnicity send their children to learn the arts of something ethnically different from theirs. On this day, I saw a Chinese couple actively interacting with their neighbours and snapping photos of their young child who performed onstage. I saw another Indian couple who was busy “sayang-ing” their child after he finish performing a set of Silat movements on stage. At the sidelines, I spotted curious onlookers, young and old, of various ethnicity. Regardless of ethnicity, this organic cultural exchange enables the residents in the community to be exposed to a multi-cultural milieu. It also encourages the residents to gather and build social capital while they share a visceral and visual sampling of these traditional martial arts, hence fostering a spirit of bonding and closeness in the community. Demonstration, Pride and Honor When I was 11 years old, I had opportunities to perform for community events with my Taekwondo Club. Together with other kids, we kicked, danced and had a great time. Looking at the kids embracing the stage demonstrating the carefully choreographed Silat movements with fervour, I had a wide smile spread across my face. Regardless of accuracy, they wielded their weapons (sticks, knives, keris or others) with reverence, pride and honor! I applaud Seligi Tunggal Singapura for creating this platform for the kids to showcase their mastery, develop efficacy and be inspired (in observing other senior practitioners). This agency-building exercise, benefits not just the young ones but also the pendekars as they witness the continuity of their beloved craft. All in all, I found this event by Seligi Tunggal Singapura a roaring success. As the event celebrates the continuity of Seligi Tunggal, the assembly of masters and young practitioners are united in the spirit of keeping the flame of Pencak Silat alive and burning. I appreciated how it reminded me that I need not travel far to have a cultural experience in multi-racial Singapore. I appreciated how it showed me that such interest groups are assets among the community that deserve to be supported. I saw how the vision of “gotong royong” of Singapore can be organically nurtured via the participation of individuals in events that are not organized by their ethnic groups. Lastly, I appreciated how the kids demonstrated silat moves with infectious enthusiasm, pride and honour. The embodied practice of martial arts transcend language barriers and is a community asset which enables all ethnic groups to appreciate viscerally and intellectually. Check out the Silat warriors in your backyard the next time you walk around your neighbourhood!
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Saturday, 18 January 2014
The Straits Times This was a review of the book “The Memoirs And Memorials Of Jacques De Coutre: Security, Trade And Society In 16th- And 17th-century Southeast Asia”, edited by Associate Professor Peter Borschberg of the Department of History at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and published by NUS Press. The 453-page volume provides a rare first-hand account of the political and trading landscape of present-day Southeast Asia between 1593 and 1603. Click here to read the full article. Credits to http://blog.nus.edu.sg/fassnews/ 11/13/2013 TAKSU: An Evening of Balinese DanceThe Department of Southeast Asian Studies presents TAKSU 2013! Come support the students of SE2214, and our very own Dr Irving Chan Johnson as well as special guest performers!
You are invited to join us; no registration is needed. Take a break from studying and join us for a night of awesome dances, such as: Baris Gede, Jauk Keras, Topeng Keras, Oleg, legong, Puspawresti, Pendet, Kebyar Duduk, Selat Segara and Joged! Bring your friends along! Venue: LT13, FASS Time: 7.30 - 10.30pm, November 20 (Wednesday) For more information, please check out the Facebook page! |
CategoriesAll AGM Alumni Dinner Bbq Event Film Intercultural Relations Relationships Screening Semester SEP Singapore Society Student Contribution Summer School Tidbits Welcome Tea Archives
July 2015
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