KUCHING: Students of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Faculty of Art and Design (FSSR) are told to promote the uniqueness of Borneo ethnic arts in their artwork to help promote the culture to the outside world.
UiTM Malaysia Academic and International Deputy Chancellor Professor Dr Azni Zain Ahmed who said this added that students of FSSR should explore more possibilities in the creative industry in relation to Borneo arts and design.
“Such art is an identity for those from Borneo and I believe that by mastering the arts and culture of your own place, it will help to create value to yourself when you enter the working world,” said Azni.
She was speaking at the closing of FSSR Arts Bazaar 2013 at UiTM Samarahan here yesterday.
Azni added that the commercialisation of the industry should be seen as an opportunity for students and added that more exposure to the industry at the ground level will help to shift their level to a higher standard.
Earlier on, UiTM Sarawak rector Professor Datuk Dr Jamil Jamali in his speech said despite various electronic mediums such as the Internet acting as the platform for selling the product, the bazaar is an opportunity for the students to test their communication skills when promoting their products.
“It is also a great platform for FSSR students to learn a thing or two about business despite its small scale,” said Jamali.
He added that recent Rainforest World Music Festival 2013 is one of the events participated by the students where they sold various items. Most were sold out.
“Participation by our students in such international event is a great opportunity to showcase our talents and creativity to the outside world,” he said and added that the trip by the faculty to London in 2011 and Bali in 2012 were among the industrial trip for students to expose them to the industry.
Jamali also said the setting of the ‘Reqaseni’ gallery last March acts as a platform for the students to showcase their creative art work, hold arts workshop and seminars.
The FSSR of UiTM Sarawak was formed in December 2005 and had produced a total of 372 graduates.