Kuala lumpur: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has strengthened its efforts to preserve and promote Malaysia's cultural heritage through the establishment of the UTP Gamelan Melayu Centre, a dedicated initiative focused on the education, research, preservation, and talent development of Malay gamelan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the centre was officially launched during the Ensemble of Gamelan (EOG) 2026 festival, UTP's flagship traditional music event. This festival brought together 11 ensembles from universities, schools, cultural organisations, and heritage groups across the country under the theme 'The Evolution of Gamelan'.
The launch ceremony was officiated by Terengganu State Financial Officer Datuk Tun Ahmad Faizal Tun Abd Razak and witnessed by several notable figures including Sahabat Gamelan Terengganu co-founder To' Puan Ariza Ibrahim, Perak National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) deputy director Muhammad Syazwan Shazan Abdul Halim, UTP Provost Academic Professor Dr Benjamin Colin Cosh, and UTP Senior Vice President Business and Chief Operating Officer Ir Zaimizi Hamdani.
UTP is known for its strengths in engineering, technology, and energy-related disciplines, and it also places importance on nurturing well-rounded graduates through cultural appreciation, creativity, and experiential learning. This was highlighted in a statement which emphasized UTP's commitment to cultural development alongside its academic pursuits.
The establishment of the centre is built on more than two decades of work by Sanggar Kirana, UTP's gamelan ensemble established in 2002. Sanggar Kirana has evolved from a co-curricular student group into a respected ensemble with 47 active members from various academic disciplines. Through performances, recordings, educational initiatives, and community outreach, the ensemble has played a key role in promoting and sustaining appreciation for Malay gamelan, while aiding in the preservation of this traditional art form for future generations.
Beyond developing musical talent, Sanggar Kirana has nurtured generations of students who continue to champion the art form and contribute to preserving Malaysia's cultural heritage. Now in its 12th edition, EOG has become a platform for the appreciation and development of Malay gamelan, featuring performances by ensembles representing universities, schools, and cultural groups from across the country. This provides opportunities for artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, and knowledge-sharing among practitioners, educators, and students.