PETALING JAYA, Sept 24 — The organisation of the inaugural Asia Pacific Youth Folklore Festival highlights the diversity of ethnic identities, to foster mutual respect among one another.
State executive councillor for women's development Anfaal Saari said the programme, organised by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), also serves to nurture the arts and culture among the younger generations, thus ensuring Malaysia's harmony.
"Youths are an invaluable asset as they hold the future of the nation in their hands. It is their generation which will eventually take over country's leadership.
"To what extent they can shoulder this responsibility depends on our ability to educate and shape their character," she said when officiating the festival yesterday.
Taking place at the MBPJ Auditorium, the Asia Pacific Youth Folklore Festival represents Malaysia as the host for a festival with the theme Embracing Culture and Heritage (Menghayati Budaya dan Warisan).
State executive councillor for religion Fahmi Ngah and Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir were also in attendance.
The festival includes various activities like international cultural performances, a career seminar in the arts, and the International Arts Conference PJ 2023.
Tonight, it will continue with performances by notable local artists like Awie, Ella, Ziana Zain, and Datuk Hattan.
[caption id="attachment_327346" align="aligncenter" width="854"]
One of the performances for the inauguration of the Asia Pacific Youth Folklore Festival, at the MBPJ Auditorium in Petaling Jaya on September 23, 2023. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
