Vinyl of Nusantara 2026 (VON 2026) is a community-driven cultural initiative organised by Pemuzik Tradisional (PETRA) UTP that aims to address the growing disconnection between Malaysian youth and traditional cultural heritage, particularly traditional music and Baba Nyonya heritage. Although many young people appreciate the importance of preserving culture, meaningful participation and engagement remain low due to limited exposure and the perception that traditional cultural activities are outdated or less relatable to modern youth.

This project is important because culture and unity are essential parts of Malaysia’s identity. Without engaging and accessible platforms, younger generations may gradually lose connection with traditional heritage, cultural values, and intercultural understanding. VON 2026 addresses this issue by transforming traditional culture into a modern and immersive experience through a combination of cultural immersion activities, interactive exhibitions, and a musical theatre performance inspired by Baba Nyonya heritage and the theme of unity (Perpaduan).

The project includes a Melaka Cultural Immersion Trip, Cultural Showcase Booths at UTP, Cultural Art & Wellness Workshops, and a full-scale musical theatre performance at Chancellor Hall. These activities provide students, international participants, staff, and the public with opportunities to experience culture in a more engaging, emotional, and interactive way rather than through passive learning alone.

VON 2026 benefits the community by:

• Promoting appreciation and preservation of Malaysian cultural heritage.
• Strengthening unity and intercultural understanding among students and the wider community.
• Supporting local heritage practitioners and cultural organisations through collaboration and cultural engagement.
• Encouraging active participation in arts and culture through experiential learning.
• Increasing awareness of Baba Nyonya heritage and Melaka’s cultural tourism potential.

Support from My Starfish Foundation and the public is important because it enables the project to create wider cultural impact and reach more communities. Funding and support will help provide accessible cultural programmes, strengthen collaboration with heritage communities, and ensure that traditional culture continues to be appreciated and preserved among future generations in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Vision

To become a sustainable cultural platform that inspires appreciation, preservation, and unity through immersive Malaysian heritage experiences among youth and the wider community.

Mission

• To promote Malaysian cultural heritage through engaging and experiential learning activities.
• To strengthen intercultural understanding and unity among students, communities, and public audiences.
• To collaborate with cultural practitioners and heritage organisations in preserving traditional arts and cultural identity.
• To provide meaningful opportunities for youth participation in cultural appreciation, performance, and community engagement.
• To establish Vinyl of Nusantara (VON) as an annual cultural initiative that continuously educates and connects communities through the arts.

The main activities planned for Vinyl of Nusantara 2026 are designed to promote cultural appreciation, unity, and active community engagement through immersive and interactive experiences.

1. Melaka Cultural Immersion Trip

A 3-day cultural immersion trip involving 65 participants, including local and international students, will be conducted in Melaka. Participants will visit heritage sites such as the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, engage with cultural communities, and participate in cultural workshops and heritage learning sessions. This activity aims to provide firsthand exposure to Baba Nyonya culture and strengthen understanding of Malaysian multicultural heritage.

2. Cultural Showcase Booth at IRC UTP

An open-access cultural showcase booth will be organised at the Information Resource Centre (IRC) UTP. The booth will feature cultural displays, heritage information, interactive learning materials, and cultural sharing content gathered from the Melaka trip. QR-learning systems, quizzes, and engagement activities will also be included to encourage student participation and increase cultural awareness.

3. Cultural Art & Wellness Workshops

Hands-on workshops will be conducted to provide participants with interactive cultural experiences through traditional art, craft, and wellness-related activities inspired by Baba Nyonya heritage. These sessions aim to create deeper engagement through experiential learning and cultural appreciation.

4. Musical Theatre Performance

A full-scale musical theatre performance themed around unity (Perpaduan) and Baba Nyonya heritage will be held at Chancellor Hall, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. The performance integrates storytelling, traditional music, dance, visuals, props, and lighting to create an immersive cultural experience for approximately 1,000 audience members.

5. Cultural Collaboration & Community Engagement

The project will collaborate with cultural organisations and heritage practitioners such as Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka (PPCM), local workshop facilitators, and university partners to ensure authentic cultural representation, meaningful community involvement, and sustainable cultural preservation efforts.

6. Digital Awareness & Social Media Engagement

Participants, especially international students, will actively document and share their experiences through social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. This helps increase awareness of Malaysian heritage, Baba Nyonya culture, and Melaka cultural tourism among wider local and international audiences.

Community Reach & Participation Metrics

• 1,000 audience members targeted during the Musical Theatre Performance at Chancellor Hall.
• 65 participants involved in the Melaka Cultural Immersion Trip, including local and international students.
• 300–600 students estimated to pass through and engage with the Cultural Showcase Booth area at IRC UTP throughout the programme period.
• IRC UTP records approximately 9,000 monthly visitors, increasing indirect exposure and cultural awareness among the wider university community.
• 20–30 participants expected to join the Cultural Art & Wellness Workshop sessions.
• 15 international students participating as cultural ambassadors and social media content sharers.

Cultural Engagement & Learning Metrics

• At least 70% active participation rate during workshops, quizzes, and cultural engagement activities.
• Collection of post-event surveys and feedback forms to measure increases in cultural understanding and appreciation.
• Target of 80% positive feedback from participants and audiences regarding cultural learning experience and programme impact.
• Collaboration with at least 3–5 cultural organisations and heritage stakeholders, including Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka (PPCM).

Digital & Awareness Metrics

• Estimated 5,000–10,000 online impressions and engagements through Instagram stories, TikTok videos, reels, and participant-generated content.
• QR-learning and engagement systems used during the showcase booth to track participation and interaction rates.
• Increased online visibility of Baba Nyonya heritage, Melaka cultural tourism, and community-based cultural initiatives.

Long-Term & Sustainability Outcomes

• Strengthen Vinyl of Nusantara (VON) as an annual cultural platform by PETRA UTP with continuous audience growth:
  • 2023: 300 audience
  • 2024: 450 audience
  • 2025: 600 audience
  • 2026 target: 1,000 audience
• Increase long-term appreciation and awareness of Malaysian heritage among university students and the wider community.
• Support local heritage practitioners and cultural organisations through workshops, collaborations, and performance opportunities.