A celebration of culture and talent

Dec 01, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: The Migrant and Refugee Got Talent 2023 event was a vibrant celebration of unity and culture where barriers between communities dissolved amidst a showcase of remarkable talent.

Held on November 5 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, there were performances from 11 teams comprising nearly 50 migrants and refugees residing in Malaysia. The participants, representing various countries, including Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Africa, expressed their rich cultures through songs, dances, and traditional attire.

A seven-member Vietnamese dance troupe stole the spotlight, mesmerising both judges and spectators with their captivating rendition of the Rice Drum dance. Nguyen Lam Phu Quy, the troupe’s leader, shared their journey to success, highlighting the dedication of each member practising individually through video recordings before uniting for collective rehearsals on weekends.

The atmosphere was akin to a joyous carnival, echoing with resounding applause after each performance. At times, the audience, totaling around 300 people, enthusiastically joined the dances, infusing the air with energy and joy.

The event’s theme, Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay, echoed Pope Francis’ message for World Migrant and Refugee Day, underscoring the importance of individual rights in migration choices.

Josephine Tey, coordinator for the Archdiocesan Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerants, praised the event’s essence, highlighting how it showcased talents and unity amidst challenges. She emphasised the strong sense of community among participants, noting the visible spirit of unity and communal support.

Archbishop Julian Leow, Archbishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam, Fr Christopher Soosaipillai, ecclesiastical assistant for the migrant ministry, and Florida Sandanasamy, the national project coordinator for the International Labour Organisation in Malaysia, graced the occasion.

In his speech, Archbishop Julian acknowledged the invaluable contributions migrants make to Malaysia's economy and society, emphasising their indispensable role in the fabric of the nation