WELLT 2025 SHOWCASES THE SPIRIT OF ASEAN THROUGH CULTURAL EXCHANGE
PAHANG, 8 October 2025 - While ASEAN leaders convened to strengthen regional cooperation, the Centre for Modern Languages (CML), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), echoed the same spirit of unity by celebrating the power of language and culture at the Webinar on Language Learning and Teaching Practices 2025 (WELLT 2025).
For the first time, WELLT 2025 adopted the theme “Nusantara Discourse: Regional Language and Culture - Malaysia and Vietnam Perspectives.” This year’s event transcended academic discussion to honour the shared linguistic and cultural heritage of the region, bringing together scholars, students, and cultural performers from Malaysia and Vietnam for an inspiring exchange of ideas and artistry.
WELLT 2025 aimed to highlight the shared linguistic and cultural roots of the region while promoting a deeper appreciation for Southeast Asian heritage. The programme featured a vibrant cultural segment that captivated both on-site and online participants. Among the highlights were the poetry recital “Harum Emas Masa Depan” by Fadhlina Che Arshad from UiTM Perlis, a mesmerising performance by UMPSA student Brandon Xavier, and a colourful traditional song and dance showcase by students from Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM).
The poem “Harum Emas Masa Depan”, beautifully delivered by Fadhlina, reflected the noble essence of the Malay language as a legacy of unity and pride for the Nusantara region. One of its verses reads:
“Bahasa ibunda, warisan bangsa sejati,
Jadi cahaya pencerahan abadi.”
These lines resonated deeply with the audience, reminding everyone that language is not merely a tool for communication but a vessel for identity, belonging, and connection. The recitation perfectly encapsulated the vision of WELLT 2025, which was to cultivate the ASEAN spirit through the appreciation of linguistic beauty and cultural heritage.
Equally captivating was the performance by Brandon Xavier, whose music transported the audience into the heart of Borneo. The soothing yet spirited melody of the traditional Sarawak string instrument reflected the harmony and peace that define indigenous culture. Through his performance, Brandon introduced international participants to the beauty of Dayak heritage, demonstrating that music, like language, speaks directly to the heart and unites people across borders.
Programme Director, Jamilah Bebe Mohamad, described WELLT 2025 as an initiative that embodies linguistic and cultural diplomacy in its most authentic form.
“When Malaysia and Vietnam share the same stage for intellectual dialogue and artistic expression, it is not only an exchange of ideas. It is an exchange of understanding, empathy, and appreciation for each other’s heritage. That is the true spirit of ASEAN,” she said.
The cultural segment was the highlight of WELLT 2025, which also featured three distinguished speakers who represented diverse academic perspectives. Associate Professor Dr Phan Thi Hong Xuan from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam (USSH-VNUHCM), Firdauz Othman from the Consulate General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, and Dr Jurgen Martin Burkhardt from the Centre for Modern Languages, UMPSA, each offered thought-provoking insights into the power of language and culture as bridges of humanity in the ASEAN region.
The session was moderated by Shamsul Harbi from the Centre for Modern Languages, whose engaging and relaxed style created a lively yet focused atmosphere that encouraged meaningful dialogue among speakers and participants.
Their presentations explored a variety of topics, including the linguistic relationship between the Berawan and Malay languages, cross-border cultural anthropology, and the intricate connections between Malay and Vietnamese cultural traditions. Together, the speakers offered enriching perspectives on how language and culture serve as bridges of humanity.
Conducted in a hybrid format with both on-site and online participation, WELLT 2025 reflected the role of universities as not only centres of knowledge but also catalysts for cultural understanding and regional harmony. Just as ASEAN leaders deliberate policies to shape the region’s future, WELLT 2025 reminded participants that the foundation of Southeast Asian unity lies in shared values, traditions, and cultural expressions.
This spirit of unity was beautifully captured in the closing verse of Fadhlina’s poem:
“Bangkitlah wahai pewaris Nusantara,
Junjung bahasa, martabat bangsa,
Bahasa Melayu, tiang seri negara,
Harum emas masa depan…”
Ultimately, WELLT 2025 was more than a seminar. It was a heartfelt celebration of the ties that bind neighbouring nations through poetry, music, dance, and dialogue. Malaysia and Vietnam stood together not just as collaborators in learning but as cultural partners, affirming that the language of humanity requires no translation.
Prepared by: Amy Zulaikha Mohd Ali & Hamizah Zahari