[Featured photo: Members of SMU Samba Masala and SMU Malay Language and Cultural Club at the 11^th China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week]

Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Samba Masala, and Malay Language and Cultural Club (MLCC) were specially invited by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to represent Singapore at the opening ceremony of the 11th Annual China - ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, held in the city of Guiyang in Guizhou, China.

The opening ceremony on 26 July 2018 was graced by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Education. The event provides a platform to promote cultural and educational exchanges between China and ASEAN countries. Since 2008, the annual event has been co-hosted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of P R China, Ministry of Education of P R China and Guizhou Provincial People’s Government of P R China.

SMU Samba Masala, recognised as the university’s resident Afro-Brazilian percussion group, was selected to open the event with its eclectic display of choreography, dance, and percussion music that has wowed audiences across the world. The band is known for its unique infusion of Asian beats into its music, with the Indian dhols (its “Masala factor”) being prominently featured throughout its repertoire. The group recently performed at the Internationales Samba Festival which attracts 200,000 visitors every year in Coburg, Germany.

SMU MLCC on the other hand, is a student life club that aims to bring the Malay community together through various activities that incorporate everything from music to culture and tradition. SMU Rentak, MLCC’s percussion ensemble, complemented the act by incorporating the beats of the Malay kompang to create a set exclusive to the event. 

While rehearsals at the venue were grueling, the students had an enjoyable time performing to the crowd of ministers and veterans of the education industries from across all of ASEAN’s member countries and China. For some students, it was the first time that they got to represent Singapore in such a prestigious way on the international stage, and this made the trip even more meaningful for them.

Upon their return to Singapore, some shared their thoughts on the trip, and what it meant to them:

Jonathan Seah (SMU Samba Masala | Instrument: Chocalho):

Samba Masala heading to China was nothing short of surreal. Being able to represent Singapore and SMU to perform internationally in front of top educational delegates in the world felt amazing. Personally, I felt that this trip has opened my eyes to firstly, the immense development of China in the second-tier and third-tier cities where there is rapid urbanisation and industralisation in Guiyang. Secondly, the Chinese hosts were really accommodating and welcomed us with care and love throughout the entire trip. Lastly, this trip fulfilled my own personal "bucket list" of performing on an international stage. I would really like to thank MOE, SMU’s Office of Student Life and SMU Samba Masala for making this special trip possible.

Thong Yi Ling (SMU Samba Masala | Instrument: Dhol):

This trip has been surprisingly eventful, with many unexpected happenings along the way. We bonded because we supported each other through the difficulties and challenges faced and emerged as stronger, more mature individuals. This trip also opened our eyes to different cultures and customs that China practises, and has exposed us to their way of life, enriching our knowledge and experiences. As mentioned during the trip, experience is something that money cannot buy, and this trip has proven it to be very true.

Shi Min Chu (SMU Samba Masala | Instrument: Agogo):

First off, it was a great honour to represent Singapore and SMU Samba Masala at the 11th ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (CAECW) Opening Ceremony in Guiyang. This trip was one of many firsts for me – my first overseas gig with SMU Samba Masala, my first fusion performance with SMU MLCC, and my first time representing my country. This trip was a huge eye-opener for me. Through this trip, I have matured in the sense that I learnt how to be more professional to fit the occasion, and to manage my expectations so that I am able to deal with volatility and unforeseen circumstances more aptly.

Bryan Oh, President (SMU Samba Masala | Instrument: Surdo):

From this short trip to Guiyang, I have learnt firstly of the soft nuances of the east and west societies in the world. Being part of the fortunate team of 45 to have secured the spot to play in Germany, I could immediately feel the difference in both places. While we had more artistic freedom there, Guiyang was different in a sense that we had to ensure a certain consistency for our performance, and had many rehearsals to ensure it. This taught me about the importance of versatility. Lastly, I also learnt that unity is strength. It can get tiring and stressful in a foreign place, and I am glad that the 29 students offered each other a helping hand when needed. This contributed to the great camaraderie between the contingent representing Singapore and also helped to put up the spectacular showcase of Singaporean talent at an education conference of that stature.

Nurbaiyah Binte Abdul Fattah (SMU MLCC | Instrument: Kompang):

This trip was an eye opener for both the Club and me. It was a good opportunity for the Club to enhance our skills through the collaboration with Samba Masala, and to raise awareness on what Rentak is about and what this community has to offer. I felt proud of how far Rentak has come, in terms of exposure and also its presence in the community back in Singapore. I particularly enjoyed the sightseeing, as it was my first time in China.

Zakrie Manap (SMU MLCC | Instrument: Kompang):

It was a privilege to be an ambassador of Singapore and SMU, by being given the forum to share the beauty of Malay traditional rhythms with dignitaries and peoples of diverse cultures. The collaboration with Samba Masala only adds to the joy of making music, as Rentak were called upon to exert their creative and innovative minds to produce a refreshing yet harmonious piece that surely has wowed our audience. All in all, not only did we take away fond memories of this trip, we left Guizhou as better performers and with strengthened camaraderie as an ensemble. 

View the performance here: