The largest proportion of our student population are Malaysian, therefore it is fitting that our next national day celebration is for Malaysia Day on 16th September.
Malaysia Day recognises the establishment of the Malaysian Federation on 16th September 1963. Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore unified into a single state (Although Singapore was later expelled on 9th August 1965).
It was only in 2010 that Malaysia Day became a nationwide public holiday - previously it had only been observed in Sabah and Sarawak.
Malaysia Day is not to be confused with Hari Merdeka (Independence Day), which celebrates the Malaysian Declaration of Independence on 31st August 1957 from the British.
Malaysia Day is a true celebration of the multi cultural community in which we live. People wear traditional costumes whether they be baju kurung (female), baju melayu (male), cheongsam, punjabi suits or sarees, and eat traditional cuisine.
Did you know?
- Ethnic Malays account for approximately 50% of the estimated 31 million population. Other significant groups include Chinese, Indians and various indigenous peoples.
- Malaysia has a unique rotating monarchy system, in which 9 ethnic Malay state rulers take turns as King for 5 year terms.
- Malaysia is made up of 2 land masses separated by the South China Sea - Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.
- Petronas Towers were the world’s tallest buildings until 2004. 451.9m (1,483 feet) high, with 88 stories, remains the world’s tallest twin building.
- Shoe designer Jimmy Choo was born in Penang. Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the Order of the British Empire in 2003.
- Sarawak cave chamber is the largest known cave chamber in the world. Located in Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo.
We would have loved to share our campus menus with you today but maybe you can try some local Malaysian dishes at home!
JB Campus
Roti Canai
Nasi Lemak with Anchovy Sambal, Fried Chicken, Cucumber and Egg
Black Pepper Beef with Cantonese Vegetables and Yellow Noodles
Chickpea Curry served with Naan Bread and Green Salad
EP Campus
Roti Canai
Beef Rendang with Terung Sambal Minang and Nasi Minyak
Nasi Dagang with Chicken Coconut Milk & Pickled Vegetables
Tofu Rendang Curry with Potato Curry Puff and Vegetables
