STHEM UUM strengthens strategic role in cultural heritage tourism through Gema Pusaka Warisan 2026
News and photo Pavithra Dorasamy, Liew Sien Leong and Dr. Lina Munirah Kamarudin
JOHOR, 28 April 2026: Three lecturers from the School of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (STHEM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), recently took part in the “Gema Pusaka Warisan (GPW) 2026” programme for the Johor zone, held at Kampung Johor Lama, Kota Tinggi, Johor.
The STHEM delegation was led by Dr Lina Munirah Binti Kamarudin, accompanied by Mr Liew Sien Leong and Miss Pavithra A/P Dorasamy. Their participation reflected STHEM UUM’s ongoing commitment to heritage-based learning, exposure to cultural tourism, and the exploration of future collaborations in community-centred programmes.
GPW 2026 was organised by the Persatuan Dunia Seni Silat Melayu Malaysia (DSSM) in collaboration with the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM). The programme was designed to preserve and promote cultural heritage, instil pride in the nation’s legacy, bridge generational connections, and empower heritage practitioners as valuable contributors to cultural tourism development. More importantly, it served as a meaningful platform to strengthen community values and reinforce national identity.
The programme also saw the involvement of Event Management Training, Research, Activities and Consultancy (EMTRAC) and the Event Management Student Society (EMSS), both under STHEM UUM, as part of their continued engagement in cultural heritage-based learning and community outreach. This participation further underscored STHEM UUM’s role as a Strategic Partner of DSSM, following the presentation of the Strategic Partner Certificate by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, on 12 February 2026 at the Ministry’s office in Putrajaya.
The first edition of Gema Pusaka Warisan 2026 commenced in Kampung Johor Lama, an area steeped in historical and cultural significance. Supported by MOTAC in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Visit Johor Year 2026, GPW is a cultural arts initiative that showcases a rich spectrum of heritage elements, including Silat, traditional dance, music, traditional attire, history, and heritage cuisine.
Through initiatives such as Gema Pusaka Warisan 2026, DSSM continues to champion the preservation of Malay cultural heritage, particularly the art of Silat, as a vital symbol of cultural identity. The programme also brings together arts practitioners, local communities and educational institutions in a collective effort to safeguard intangible heritage for future generations.
Throughout the programme, participants were immersed in a variety of cultural and heritage-based activities. Among the highlights were the heritage talk titled “Sejarah Johor Lama” at the Kota Johor Lama Museum, Silat performances by Silat Garuda Sakti, community cultural showcases, and the Johor River Heritage Journey boat tour. The river excursion offered participants a closer look at nearby villages, local livelihoods, historical narratives, and the heritage landscape surrounding Johor Lama.
Participants were also introduced to the historical significance of the Batu Nisan Aceh, an intricately carved gravestone that reflects the historical connections and rich cultural legacy of Johor Lama. An open dinner session with local villagers further created a meaningful space for community engagement and cultural exchange. In addition, participants had the opportunity to visit nearby recreational attractions such as Taman Sengat, a relaxing leisure destination offering a variety of local food options and a pleasant environment for visitors to unwind.
According to the Programme Chair of the Bachelor of Event Management, Dr Lina Munirah Binti Kamarudin, direct exposure to programmes such as GPW 2026 can deepen public understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage, not only among the Malay community but also across other ethnic groups, including the Chinese and Indian communities. She noted that heritage-based initiatives play an important role in fostering unity, strengthening social bonds, and encouraging multicultural engagement. Such initiatives also help to strengthen the connection between universities, colleges, and the tourism industry, while nurturing individuals who are more culturally informed and appreciative of heritage, particularly the legacy of Silat.
The visit also provided valuable exposure for STHEM UUM in understanding how heritage, culture, and tourism can be meaningfully integrated through community-based events. Through this experience, STHEM UUM continues to strengthen its role in supporting cultural tourism initiatives, particularly those that preserve tradition while creating impactful learning opportunities for future tourism and event professionals.
The GPW 2026 programme will continue across several zones in Malaysia. Upcoming editions are scheduled to be held at Muzium Adat Kuala Klawang, Negeri Sembilan, on 31 May 2026, followed by the northern zone programme at Muzium Kota Kuala Kedah on 27 June 2026, and Muzium Kayang, Perlis, on 22 August 2026.
