The Central Asian Student Community (CASC) at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) successfully organized the Navruz – Central Asian Spring Festival Celebration on 23 April 2026 at the Tan Hua Choon Auditorium. 

Navruz, which means “New Day” in Persian, is a very old spring holiday celebrated in Central Asia on the occasion of the start of a new year and the vernal equinox. In the case of XMUM, this holiday was used not only as a form of cultural presentation but also as an educational tool for the students of the whole university to experience the culture, music, dance, and heritage of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

With the participation of students, university leadership, and diplomatic representatives from five Central Asian nations, the event combined vibrant cultural celebration with meaningful institutional engagement, reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering international understanding and diversity on campus. 

Guests from the university as well as those from the diplomatic circles graced the proceedings of the event. Assoc. Prof. Zhang Ying, the Vice President of Xiamen University Malaysia, gave the formal welcoming address representing the university and highlighted the importance of the occasion. 

This was also an opportunity for the reception to welcome a number of esteemed diplomats such as His Excellency Bulat Sugurbayev (Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia), Mr. Toktobolot Zhumaliev (Consul from the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic), Mr. Tugral Khayrulloev (Consul from the Embassy of Tajikistan), His Excellency Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov (Ambassador of Turkmenistan), His Excellency Dr. Karomidin Gadoev (Ambassador of Uzbekistan), and Farkhodbek Okhunjonov (Representative of World Association of Youth of Uzbekistan in Malaysia).

Distinguished guests and diplomatic representatives at the Navruz – Central Asian Spring Festival 2026, Tan Hua Choon Auditorium, XMUM.

The highlight of the night was the performance of the traditions of all five Central Asian countries. The night began with Uzbekistan presenting its folklore dance repertoire, which included the popular Andijon Polkasi and other spectacular dance routines performed by both men and women. Following Uzbekistan came Kazakhstan, presenting Shashu, an important folklore dance. Then came the graceful performance from Tajikistan. The rhythmic clapping of hands performed by the dancers during the Kushdepti dance from Turkmenistan represented their unity and happiness, while the energetic dance of the Kochmondor from Kyrgyzstan reflected the spirit of its nomadic lifestyle, followed by a combined performance by all five Central Asian countries.

From folk dances to live music, the stage comes alive with the vibrant performing arts of Central Asia.

A night to remember — the CASC committee celebrates a successful Central Asian Spring Festival.