THE Management and Science University (MSU), in collaboration with its Student and Career Development (SCD) unit, is still continuing to preserve the art of songket through its recent “MSU International Songket Run 4.0” (ISR 4.0).
The Shah Alam-based university says that the fun run event, held on Oct 19, aims to raise awareness among “MSUrians” and the communities of the importance of appreciating songket as a heritage from textiles, crafts and cultural perspectives.
The fourth edition of the event was officiated by ISR 4.0 patron Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin. It was also attended by MSU president and founder Professor Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, vice-chancellor Professor Puan Sri Datuk Dr Junainah Abd Hamid, MSU senior management team and industry associates.
ISR was held for the first time in 2018, followed by the second edition in 2019 and the third last year, where it created history and went into the Malaysia Book of Record (MBR) for “The Largest Participation in A Songket Running Event” in 2019, with 4,868 participants, and “The Largest Number of People Wearing or Having Songket Elements As Part of Their Dressing” in 2018, with 4,878 participants.
MSU stated that ISR 4.0 was divided into two distance categories – 5.0km and 10km across Seksyen 13 of Shah Alam, with the MSU campus as its starting and finishing lines.
“It made for a lively and colourful gathering at the campus. Even more interesting, the run was joined by 6,600 participants from all ages, races and backgrounds, including the participations of our international students.
“They not only participated in the run but also appeared elegant and unique in traditional songket with beautiful motifs that represent the uniqueness of our culture.”
ISR 4.0 was supported and sponsored by MSU Medical Centre (MSUMC), the Department of National Heritage, Malaysian Songket Fashion Award, Kembara Events Solution, Affin Bank, Decathlon, HP Malaysia, Acer Malaysia, Acapella Suite Hotel, Todak, Foto Unigraduate Sdn Bhd, LightGreen, Qalish Beauty & Wellness, Farm Fresh, Smart Athletic Coaching (SAC), Genius Wisdom Sdn Bhd, LK Vetortho Enterprise, Cableace (M) Sdn Bhd, Vitality Fitness, FZ Gifts & Premium and Warisan Asli Outfitter.
Among the special categories in ISR 4.0 were “The Youngest Participant”, “The Most Senior Participant”, “The Largest Group Participants”, “The Special Group Participants (School)”, “The Most Creative Attire in Songket” as well as a few other unique and interesting categories.
Also held during the event was a Song-Cats Show & Pets Exhibition with a songket theme. There were various categories on offer, aimed at showcasing the creativity and uniqueness of the participants.
