Hello everyone and Selamat Datang.
Since this is a blog, let us tell you a little background story.
Around March last year,when the previous execs handed power to the current executives, it was obvious that everyone going for posts had one unanimous motivation in mind :
Make the next edition of South East Asian Night bigger and better.
You may ask why and the answer lies on the new growing demographics that make up MASSA. There is an increase of members coming in who are actually native Malaysian and Singaporean students( previous years consist of Canadian naturalized Malaysians/Singaporeans)**.Needless to say, they are dismayed by the lack of representation ASEAN cultures here at McGill.Thus begins a quest to make ASEAN more visible around McGill microcosm.
Since then, one year had passed, and in between the many events that we held since last semester, we had worked tirelessly in working on a vision, theme, concept and what we wanted to see in the next SEA Night edition.
In short, this was our pet project that spanned nearly a year of planning.
MASSA is determined to continue this proud tradition but this year,we would like to make things go a little farther.
Backed by generous support from the Malaysian Student Department, Malaysian High Commission,Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Singapore, Burma Solidarity Collective and many volunteer collaborators like Malaysian Student Society of New Brunswick,Canada Malay Association Ontario, Indonesian Montreal Community and more, these are some of the things you can expect:
1. Expect Cultural Performances
Traditional folk dances from around the Malay Sultanate regions, Java, Aceh, chinese dances, Indian masala
(yes, there are Indians in South East Asia)and poetry of Burma. Other incorporation of cultural elements will definitely show itself somehow.
2.Expect Music And Colours
We are trying to get a gamelan group playing live (we'll give you a confirmation later), and folk ASEAN music is going to feature extensively in our event. Also ,A LIVE FASHION SHOW. Expect the runway glittering with models modeling vibrant ASEAN costumes used for various occasions. A corner photoshoot will be featured for those who want to take photos in the traditional costumes.
3. Expect Education
Informational booths will be set up that feature general ASEAN information. We are working hard on getting freebies from respective tourism ministries of ASEAN countries so you can bring home a little souvenir.
4. Expect Food. Glorious food.
Cooked by ASEAN locals. So expect your grandmother's food, ASEAN-ized. Last year we had chicken rice, bakso, nasi goreng with condiments, various kuihs, bubur pulut hitam and then some. Of course, we would have to amp up the game this year.Confirmed on the list : Nasi Lemak. (will keep you updated)
Will Satay feature on the list?
* Due to scarce expertise and labour in making the food, ticket prices do not include food prices
5. Expect Good Times.
MASSA is a small group, but no doubt a hospitable bunch. Whether you want to eat things other than Thai express, learn more about Vietnam or just want to have a good time--whatever it is--come be our guest. See us capture the spirit of "Suvarnabumi"--Golden Land-- in Shatner Ballroom, this March 6th 2010.
See you there!
P/s: SEA NIGHT 2010 details on promotional poster above
P/s: WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HANDLE LIGHTING AND STAGE COORDINATION
P/s: WE NEED MANPOWER FOR PERFORMERS
P/s: Watch out for our promotional booths around campus during week of Feb 1- Feb 5 2010.
P/s: Get your tickets by clicking on "A" tab at homepage(Paypal) or get them physically by contacting massa.mcgill@gmail.com.
P/s: ASEAN- Association of South East Asian Nations
** Note to James and Juliza: We love Taiwanese and Indonesians as well :P
Love from MASSA execs.
MASSA McGill 2010 :)
