Kedah Youth Peace Culture Festival Unites Youth through OMBAK

On 25 December, SGM Kedah held its Youth Peace Cultural Festival at Keat Hwa High School (Private) in Alor Setar. Centred on the theme “OMBAK” (The Wave), the event united youth and the local community through music, dance, choral singing, and diverse cultural showcases. The event attracted an audience of 1,500 emerging in the vibrant and warm atmosphere, with the audience deeply moved by the rhythm and spirit of the young performers.

The programme was divided into two main segments: a talent show and culture performances. The talent show kicked off with vocal sets, followed by harmonica and guitar recitals, duo dances and street dance. These diverse and fast-paced acts fully demonstrated the creativity and vitality of the youth. The culture performance segment featured choral speaking as a central thread, weaving together choir, bucket drumming, multicultural dances, cheerleading and gymnastics. Each act built upon the last, culminating in a grand finale that filled the hall with applause and cheers.

A dedicated team of 400 performers and event staff worked in unity to successfully conclude this final leg of the nationwide cultural festivals. Through the power symbolised by “OMBAK,” they hope the passion and emotion sparked on stage will transform into a continuous wave of action – allowing peace to take root through mutual understanding, dialogue, and care within the community.

Distinguished guests also spoke highly of the youth’s efforts. Chua Keng Teik, treasurer of the Keat Hwa Independent High School board of governors, remarked that the gymnastics team had poured immense effort into their training. He expressed his deep admiration for their dedication, noting that the positive energy radiated by the youth not only enriched the performance but also showcased the responsibility and hope needed for the future of society.

Chan Kok Liang, director of the school’s information centre, shared that the overall atmosphere was warm and full of vigour. He was particularly moved by the gymnastics team, whose performance – built on mutual trust and rapport – demonstrated the true spirit of teamwork and perseverance. He also commended the professional and heartfelt efforts of the youth organising team for successfully integrating the concepts of cultural connection and peaceful coexistence into a programme that resonated with the general public.

Building Unity and Trust for Peace through Resonance

With members coming from Alor Setar, Sungai Petani and Kulim, coordinating rehearsal times was a significant challenge due to differing schedules. Notably, the gymnastics team members from Alor Setar and Kulim had to travel long distances to practice together, with only three opportunities for a full-squad rehearsal. Despite the limited time, the team managed to build swift rapport and rapport during these intense sessions, fully preparing themselves for the final showcase.

During the performance, the gymnastics team encountered a brief challenge. However, the members quickly adjusted and rebuilt their formation with composure and synchronicity. Their perseverance until the very end earned them a thunderous ovation, leaving the audience deeply moved by the youth’s refusal to give up and their courage to take responsibility. This moment became one of the most touching highlights of the Kedah Youth Peace Cultural Festival.

Overcoming Fear cheerleader Lee Lin Wei shared that, initially, her lack of familiarity with the movements and her teammates made her so nervous that she struggled to maintain her balance. The mental hurdle seemed insurmountable at first. However, through the constant support and repeated practice with her teammates, she gradually felt the power of unity and built trust in both herself and others. Despite the preparations falling during her exam week, she juggled her studies and rehearsals, constantly reminding herself to be brave and listening closely to the guidance of her peers. Within just one week, she overcame her fears and successfully executed her role.

Student division member Tan Jing Jing, from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), shared that her greatest takeaway from the choral speaking segment was witnessing the unity and hard work of the group. As the preparations coincided with the end of the semester, everyone faced a mountain of assignments and final exams. Nevertheless, they dedicated their precious time to perfecting their rhythm and synchronisation. She fondly recalled the creative process, where everyone felt empowered to suggest ideas and refine the performance together. Though she initially worried about balancing her Christmas holidays with her studies, her friend’s constant encouragement kept her going. The two often shared dinner before rehearsals, supporting each other every step of the way to the final performance.

Reported by Eng Joo Min, Gan Ke Jia and David Yap Jia Le, photographed by Chan Yi Ching, Ong Bak Hee, Ong Bak Khim and Tang Ewhoay