International Songket Run 5.0 unites 6,000 participants in a vibrant celebration of Selangor’s heritage and cultural artistry.
SHAH ALAM: Management and Science University (MSU) through the Student Career and Development Department (SCD), continues its initiative to uplift and celebrate the art of songket weaving with the organisation of the 5th edition of the International Songket Run 5.0 (ISR 5.0).
The flag-off ceremony for ISR 5.0 will be graced by Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin, who serves as the royal patron of the International Songket Run 5.0.
The flag-off ceremony for ISR 5.0 will be graced by Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin, who serves as the royal patron of the International Songket Run 5.0.
Also present will be MSU President and Founder Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr. Mohd Shukri Ab. Yajid; MSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Puan Sri Datuk Dr. Junainah Abd. Hamid, MSU senior management, as well as industry partners.
This fun run event is organised in collaboration with the National Heritage Department and the SelangorState Department of Youth and Sports, carrying the theme “Eminence of Songket” and highlighting the bunga Telepuk motif. This is in line with the Selangor State Government’s initiative through the Perbadanan Adat Melayu dan Warisan Negeri Selangor (PADAT) to gazette Telepuk as an official statetextile heritage.
Various studies and documentation efforts are currently underway to support this aim of officially recognising Telepuk as Selangor’s heritage textile art. Originating from the royal textile traditions of Selangor, the motif now acknowledged as a symbol of the state’s elegance carries high aesthetic value, uniqueness, history, and refined craftsmanship. This traditional art which incorporates gold threads, has long been an important cultural element in Selangor’s royal customs and Malay heritage.
ISR 5.0 gathers approximately 6,000 participants, featuring 5km and 10km running routes around Seksyen 13, Shah Alam, beginning and ending at the MSU campus. Categories include Men’s and Women’s Open, Men’s and Women’s Veteran. Meanwhile, the special categories include The Youngest Participants, The Most Senior Participants, The Largest Group Participants, as well as The Most Creative Songket Attire.
Also participating in ISR 5.0 are residents of welfare homes such as Pertubuhan Amal & Kebajikan Anak Anak Tersisih Selangor (PAKATS), Rumah Anak Yatim Ulin Nuha, Rumah Kasih Harmoni, Bunga Bunga Syurga Down Syndrome Malaysia, as well as students from Sekolah Bina Insan Yayasan MSU.
ISR 5.0 is more than just a running event it is a platform that unites the community through appreciation of culture and well-being. The programme illustrates how the traditional art of songket can be introduced to younger generations through engaging modern approaches. It also supports the creation of a healthy, culture, and harmonious society while demonstrating MSU’s commitment to cultural
preservation within a modern development context.
The International Songket Run 5.0 is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.
ISR 5.0 also features exhibition booths themed “Tenunan Berdaulat: Warisan Songket & Telepuk” by MSU through the Faculty of Information Sciences & Engineering (FISE), PADAT, and Songket Republik, showcasing the art of songket including its history, craftsmanship, and unique heritage products. The “MSU Motive Songket Competition” involving MSU students is also held in conjunction with the event. MSU will serve as PADAT’s strategic partner in collaborative efforts to promote the uniqueness of
telepuk art and to further enhance public appreciation of this rich and enduring heritage craft.
The International Songket Run was first held in 2018, followed by the second edition in 2019, the third in 2023, and the fourth in 2024. Its unique concept has also earned recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (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 a total of 4,878 participants.
