KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — At a time when tensions around the world are running high, an extraordinary event at the Malaysian Embassy in Washington D.C., United States (US), on Thursday (Oct 19) demonstrated the profound impact of cultural exchange as a catalyst for global healing.
The event, titled “Sounds and Soul of the East Coast,” is the first in a series of thematic cultural diplomacy programmes planned during the tenure of Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz as the Malaysian Ambassdor to US.
These initiatives aim to promote Malaysian arts, culture, and tourism, building momentum towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and fostering cultural literacy within the global diaspora.
The event, marking Malaysia’s 60th Malaysia Day and 90th Armed Forces Day, brought together over 20 Ambassadors and their spouses alongside key military figures from various nations.
Mohamed Nazri known for advocating the preservation of endangered Malaysian cultural activities, emphasised the role of culture in diplomacy, asserting that it serves as a bridge for understanding between nations.
“We are at a time in the world when more than ever we need healing, and acts of aggression of all kinds, and from all sides, must cease,” he said at the event which was also attended by US assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, who was the guest of honour.
The event’s highlight was the ‘Main Teri’, an extraordinary spiritual healing practice, fusing dance, music, trance, and ritual to address emotional and spiritual distress.
Mohamed Nazri also called for the protection of the full spectrum of Kelantanese performances including ‘Wayang Kulit’ to safeguard them for future generations, while noting that ‘Mak Yong’ Theatre holds UNESCO recognition but ‘Wayang Kulit’ does not.
During the event, Kritenbrink emphasised the enduring bonds between the US and Malaysia, affirming the commitment to mutual friendship and collaboration while commending Mohamed Nazri’s efforts, and look forward to future achievements.
The Kelantanese arts and heritage programme in Washington D.C. was represented by Geng Wak Long – led by Kamrulbahri Hussin – a Malaysian cultural arts group dedicated to preserving Kelantan’s rich heritage.
