Celebrating diversity through art
From left to right: Dato’ Mohammad Nor Khalid (Dato’ Lat) and Associate Professor Dr Jalaini Abu Hassan.
Art has the power to break barriers and bring people together, a sentiment that was brought to life during our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Week 2024. One of the week’s highlights was the “Scenes of Monash Life” event, featuring artwork by Dato’ Mohammad Nor Khalid, popularly known as Dato' Lat, Prof Jai Hassan, and the MUHIBAH Exhibition, showcasing how art can promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Dato' Lat, a household name and cherished figure in Malaysia, is renowned for his ability to capture the essence of everyday life through his iconic illustrations. His work, displayed prominently at the Library and Learning Commons, depicted scenes that reflect unity amidst diversity, a core theme of EDI Week. “We didn’t need guidance or direction to be inclusive; it just happened naturally,” Dato’ Lat shared. “That spirit of sharing—whether it was books, music, records, or comics—was something we grew up with. It was just how we lived our lives."
A special exhibition from Dato’ Lat at Monash University Malaysia’s Library and Learning Commons.
Alongside Dato' Lat, Associate Professor Dr Jalaini Abu Hassan, known as Jai Hassan, brought a contemporary perspective to the event with his pieces that explore social and cultural identities.
Speaking on his involvement, Jai Hassan stated, “It was because of the university's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and indigenous knowledge. I believe in promoting these values through the engagement of local artists, musicians, and cultural icons, and that's where I see my role.” His work prompted attendees to reflect on the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion, emphasising the role of art in addressing social issues.
Dato’ Lat showcasing his artwork live on stage.
The MUHIBAH Exhibition, part of Monash University Malaysia's initiative, further demonstrated the role of art in promoting inclusion. MUHIBAH, the Monash University Malaysia Hub for Indigenous Born Ancestries & Heritage, is a cross-disciplinary project focused on creating a digital archive and global showcase that captures the vibrant cultures and histories of Malaysia's indigenous communities. The exhibition featured stories and perspectives from communities such as the Iban and Bidayuh in Sarawak and the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia, celebrating their unique identities and contributions to the nation's cultural tapestry.
Highlighting the exhibition's impact, Chundang, an Iban from AsaJaya, Sarawak, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to share his family's unique heritage. "I was inspired to participate because of the opportunity to share my family's unique stories and heritage," he said, showcasing the exhibition's mission to amplify indigenous voices. Similarly, Joe Sidek, Director of the Georgetown Festival from 2010 to 2018, highlighted the importance of such platforms. "What you are doing at Monash is brilliant—it exposes people to broader perspectives and opens minds," he remarked.
Books showcasing indigenous lives and lessons present at the MUHIBAH exhibition.
Bringing together the works of Dato' Lat, the input from Prof Jai Hassan, as well as the MUHIBAH exhibition, the event illustrated how different artistic expressions can coexist to promote dialogue and unity. It celebrated the transformative power of art in bridging cultural divides and encouraged visitors to consider their role in creating a more inclusive Malaysia.
By hosting these diverse events, Monash University Malaysia continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society, where art and culture serve as powerful mediums for dialogue and change.