The Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FSKPM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), held Semarak Syawal FSKPM, a festive Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, on 11 April 2025. Organised at Lingkaran FSKPM, the event embraced a Raya Kampung theme and served not only as a cultural gathering but also as the official launch of the HEPA FSKPM Coffee Table Book—a publication documenting student club activities and faculty achievements.
Open to all UNIMAS students, the celebration was a collaborative effort by student clubs under the Persatuan Mahasiswa FSKPM (PM FSKPM). Each participating club curated thematic booths designed to reflect traditional Malay village festivities. Traditional dishes such as bihun sup Kodiang, nasi himpit with kuah kacang, lontong, and rendang were served, enriching the festive ambience for over 1,500 attendees comprising students, faculty members, and staff.
The programme commenced with a traditional Tarian Inang performance by members of Bakat FSKPM, setting a culturally immersive tone. This was followed by welcoming remarks from the Dean of FSKPM, YBrs. Dr. Hana binti Hamidi, who emphasised the importance of fostering community spirit and celebrating shared cultural values within the faculty. Subsequently, YBhg. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al-Khalid bin Hj. Othman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), commended the vibrancy of the event and lauded the launch of the HEPA FSKPM Coffee Table Book as a significant achievement in capturing the creativity and dynamism of student life.
Further enriching the atmosphere, a second performance by Bakat FSKPM featured the Tarian Joget, which was well received by the audience. One of the key highlights of the event was the booth competition, which recognised clubs across six creative categories: Nyam Nyam Ketupat, Raya Gen Z, FOMO, Meriah Lain Macam, Serumpun, and Raya Pum Pang.
A particularly poignant moment occurred during the retirement ceremony of Dr. Mohd Razali Othman, the long-serving advisor to Kelab PERAMAH. The faculty acknowledged his dedicated service and longstanding contributions to student development, marking the occasion as a tribute to his leadership and unwavering support over the years.
More than a celebration, Semarak Syawal FSKPM functioned as a platform to reinforce community ties, cultural appreciation, and collective identity within the faculty. The launch of the HEPA FSKPM Coffee Table Book further commemorated these shared experiences, serving as a lasting record of the faculty’s spirit of innovation, collaboration, and unity.
The successful execution of the event was made possible through the coordination and leadership of PM FSKPM, in collaboration with HRD Club, PERSEPSI, PERAMAH, CNC, and PGC, highlighting the strength of teamwork and the vibrant culture of student engagement within FSKPM.
Contributed by Sara Qadeeja / PM FSKPM