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Kuala Lumpur, 15 January 2009 - After a four
month-long preparation, one of the most significant student
events at UCSI University finally took place. The UniFest 09
was organized by UCSI University’s Student Council body and
The Hive, a UCSI University student society which aims to
promote an appreciation for local and independent music. The
event began at 1p.m., and was launched by Deputy Vice
Chancellor Associate Professor Chin Peng Kit.
What followed was a 10-hour marathon show by student
societies and independent bands representing various music
genres. Highlights of the event included a stellar
performance by renowned local singer Juwita Suwito, an
energetic performance by Liang and unique tunes from
Melbourne-based band, Scene at the Movies.
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The grand stage |
UniFest was a student celebration of UCSI
University’s recent conferment of University status. On the
6th of October last year, University College Sedaya
International became UCSI University. Students of the
University immediately put into motion an event to celebrate
this new status. Event organisers also wanted their peers to
appreciate local music and arts through the UniFest.
The performances began at 1.30 p.m. with a traditional dance
by the Malay Cultural Society. This was followed by a
performance by former Akademi Fantasia contestants, Zouffi.
The crowd started to build up by 6 p.m. as classes came to a
close and free drinks were given out by Fly FM Myvi
troopers. A dance routine by UCSI University’s Dance Club
geared up the crowd before the first band performed for the
night. Djezzna’s Stalker came first and was followed by
Scene at the Movies and later the all-girl band, Free to
Fall.
UCSI University’s Faculty of Music lecturers also performed
to a tumultuous applause from the crowd. The unique music
from the ensemble, coupled with Latin vocals from lecturer
Mr. Juan Pablo was refreshing. The climax of the night was
the flawless voice of Juwita Suwito who sang her hit single
Walk Away. Male vocalist, Liang followed and kept the crowd
going with his dance routines and strong vocals. Independent
bands Army of Three and Bus Company continued to rock the
crowd. |
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Deputy Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Chin Peng Kit officiating the event with three beats of the cymbal |

Juwita Suwito belting out a song to the delight of the crowd |
Four months ago, UCSI University’s Mass Communications
students took up the task of promotion and advertising for
the event. Assoc. Prof. Kit was especially impressed with
the advertising efforts from the students, as all posters
and teasers for the event were well executed.
"The symbolism of the humble seed and a caterpillar
metamorphosising into a great tree and a butterfly
respectively is very apt, and encapsulates UCSI University’s
journey in the education scene," he said.
The students were also acknowledged for their role in
enticing big sponsors such as Sony Handycam, Digi and MYC. A
two-week long competition was also organized to count the
number of Sony logos hung from a tree and to provide the
best slogan prior to the event. It was part of overall
advertising efforts by the committee members. The winner
took home a Sony HD video camera.
Rohan, bassist and vocalist for Scene at the Movies said
that his band did not expect such a great turnout for a
student organised event. "The vibe and energy of the crowd
was awesome, and I couldn’t ask for a more receptive crowd.
You could see that the students here are truly passionate
about music," he said. His band members also added that the
event was very well organized, and applauded committee
members' efforts for a job well done. |

One of the pre-event advertising efforts by the organising committee |
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