THURSDAY, 21 MAY – The Borneo International Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition (NEOARTEX) Carnival 2015 organised by the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Heritage (FKSW) Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) gained international acclaim with the involvement of participants from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Thailand.

According to the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Kamarlin Ombi, NEOARTEX 2015 was seen to be able to uplift UMS students artwork as a world-class product.

“My desire was for NEOARTEX programme to be an annual event that would be included in the annual calendar of activities in Sabah as a prelude to a large-scale festival like KK Arts Festival,” he added while officiating at the carnival last night at Dewan Resital (Recital Hall) UMS.

He added that by organising NEOARTEX, it can expand the collaboration on creative ideas of UMS students with other countries making UMS a cultural conference icon at Asia and international level.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Mohd. Harun Abdullah in his speech hoped NEOARTEX could convert the Arts Block of the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Heritage UMS as a tourism hub and ethnic arts centre in Sabah.

“I believe that through this carnival, we can get more ideas and understanding of the culture and arts of the communities in the island of Borneo,” he explained.

His speech was presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Ali.

Also present at the ceremony were Chairman of the Suria Charitable Foundation, Datuk Raya Erom and Chief Librarian, Dg Rukiah Ag Amit. – ZMD (fl)


Photo: Johaidi Ismail


Media and Citra Division