S'pore Malay Culturefest 2013 Returns With Exciting Calender Of Activities

SINGAPORE, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) has kickstarted its annual Malay CultureFest to coincide with the Centre’s 1st anniversary since it was re-opened after a revamp on Sept 1, 2012. Visitors to the launch event were entertained to a traditional dance performance a showcase of Malay poetry and percussion, and also relived the excitement of a Malay cabaret with a dance known as the Bunga Tanjong Club dance rarely seen these days. With a focus on Malay customary practices this year, the three-week festival aims to encourage greater appreciation of the rich Malay heritage and culture through an array of exciting activities. From Saturday night till Sept 22, the festival will feature more than 20 traditional and contemporary programmes by both local and regional performers. Visitors will also be intrigued by masterful shadow puppetry in Wayang Siam, watch outdoor screenings of classic and contemporary Malay films, or take a pick from a variety of other activities such as interactive tours, Malay games, workshops and lectures. The highlight of the festivities enable visitors to be treated with Malay folk music comprising musicians from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, reflecting the solidarity and confluence of talents from the region. In her speech when officiating the festival, Denise Phua, Member of Parliament for Moulmein-Kallang GRC said: “We continue to look forward to more creative projects and collaborations that reflect the innovative and sharing spirit of the Malay community." She hoped that the festival would grow to become a staple in everyone’s annual activity calendar and the Malay Heritage Centre a must-visit destination for everyone. -- BERNAMA