Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) proudly hosted the prestigious “Malam Puisi Lestari Alam”, an evening dedicated to celebrating the intersection of art, culture, and environmental sustainability last Friday. Held at Arena Gemilang, DeTAR Putra, the event was a collaboration between the Persatuan Sahabat Sungai Malaysia, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Malaysia (DBP), and the Persatuan Penulis Nasional Malaysia (PENA).
In his welcoming remarks, UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit expressed his gratitude to the organisers and participants for their dedication to raising awareness about environmental conservation through the arts. He noted that the event reflects UNIMAS’ commitment to sustainability, which aligns with the university’s mission to educate future generations while fulfilling its shared responsibility as stewards of the Earth. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata emphasised the role of poetry as a powerful medium for conveying important messages about environmental preservation, expressing his belief that the creativity and passion displayed during the event would inspire collective action toward a more sustainable future.
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata also extended his appreciation to the Persatuan Sahabat Sungai Malaysia, led by its President and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, for choosing UNIMAS as the venue for this significant occasion.
The ceremony was graced by YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, Chairman of the UNIMAS Board of Directors. It was attended by other distinguished guests, including UNIMAS Deputy Vice-Chancellors Prof. Dr. Fitri Suraya Mohamad Hapni Joblie (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and International), Prof. Ir. Dr. Siti Noor Linda Taib (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation), and Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al-Khalid Haji Othman (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Affairs and Alumni), along with deans, directors, academics, and over 700 students. Notably, students from the Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication (FELC) played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth organisation of the event.
The evening began with the arrival of distinguished guests, followed by a vibrant cultural performance by UNIMAS’ cultural troupe. Keynote addresses were delivered by Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit, and Dr. Hazami Jahari, Director-General of DBP. Their speeches underscored the importance of nurturing a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, highlighting the shared responsibility of preserving the environment for future generations.
A central feature of the night was the poetry recitation sessions, where notable individuals and celebrated poets delivered heartfelt and thought-provoking performances. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit, Dr. Hazami Jahari, Encik Abang Haliman Haji Abang Julai, and Dr. Dilah Tuah, Dean of FELC, led the way with their recitations.
The first poetry session featured esteemed literary figures, including Encik Jong Chian Lai (Fourth Sarawakian Laureate), Dr. Abang Patdeli Abang Muhi (Sixth Sarawakian Laureate), and Dr. Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad (President of PENA). The performances were accompanied by a special musical piece, Lagu Puisi, that added depth to the atmosphere.
The second session showcased emerging and established voices, with contributions from Encik Muhammad Fauzan Iz’aan Muhamad Pu’ad (Syair), Tuan Haji Saiee Driss, Encik Adzharye Johari, Puan Norzahan Bahani, and Encik Khalid Husseini Tuah, ending with another rendition of Lagu Puisi, evoking reflection and inspiration among the audience.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata highlighted UNIMAS’ commitment to sustainability through initiatives such as its “Green Campus” programme. He encouraged attendees to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives, emphasising that small steps like reducing plastic use and planting trees can have a significant impact. Quoting a Malay proverb, he urged everyone to work collectively for the benefit of the environment, reminding the audience that, as nature gives life, humanity must act as its faithful steward.
The event concluded with a shared sense of inspiration and solidarity, as participants reflected on the messages conveyed through the evening’s performances. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata expressed his hope that “Malam Puisi Lestari Alam” would continue to spark awareness and action among future generations, describing it as more than a celebration of art and literature but also a call to action for a sustainable future.
Photos by Fitzpatrick Anak Ricky Guing for UNIMAS Corporate Communications