UPNM Hosts DongZhi Festival to Promote Cultural Unity and Enduring Friendship

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) successfully hosted a DongZhi Festival celebration in December 2025, bringing together academics, industry leaders, students, and cultural advocates in a meaningful event that highlighted unity, friendship, and cross-cultural appreciation.

Organized with the spirit of togetherness at its core, the celebration served as a platform to strengthen relationships and foster mutual understanding among participants from diverse backgrounds. The event reflected the values of cultural harmony and lifelong friendship, resonating strongly with the theme of “Friendship Forever.”

The organizers extended heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished guests and contributors whose presence and support were instrumental in making the event a success. Among them were Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Jessica Ong FCILT, Advisor to Persatuan Literasi Budaya dan Media (PERLIMA), UPNM; Dr. Kamarazaman Yacob FCILT, Deputy President of the Malaysia Rail Association (MYRAS); and Mdm. Joanne Tham, Secretary General of MYRAS.

Also acknowledged were Ms. Noor Fathiah Othman CMILT, Assistant Dean of the Prime School of Integrated Logistics at Saito University College, and Mdm. Azila Ayub CMILT, Lecturer at UniKL MIMET, whose contributions added academic depth and professional insight to the celebration.

The event was further enlivened by the active participation of PERLIMA UPNM committee members, as well as students from Saito University College and UPNM, underscoring the importance of youth engagement in cultural and educational initiatives.

Special recognition was given to Cheng Ee Hinn, President of PERLIMA, and the organizing committee for their leadership in fostering collaboration, cultural appreciation, and a strong sense of community throughout the celebration.

The DongZhi Festival at UPNM stood as a testament to the power of cultural events in building lasting friendships, strengthening institutional ties, and promoting unity within Malaysia’s diverse society.