At the heart of UKMShape, the spirit of Raya wasn’t just celebrated — it was shared. With vibrant flavors, soulful music, and the warmth of heartfelt connections, UKMShape transformed a festive gathering into a stage for cultural harmony and strategic collaboration.

Held at UKMShape's headquarters, the event was held under the theme of "Pesona Lebaran" and aimed to further exchange ideas with long-term partners in a festive atmosphere to enjoy delicious traditional cuisine, festive performances and Eid celebration.

Walking through the main hall, guests were greeted by classic Hari Raya décor — from pelita lamps and woven ketupat decorations to soothing gamelan music playing softly in the background. Long tables were lined with traditional delicacies such as satay, nasi impit, kuih raya, and teh tarik, creating the perfect setting for conversation and cultural exchange.

Every detail of the hall was curated to evoke nostalgia and cultural pride. Staff members dressed in colorful baju kurung and baju melayu welcomed guests with wide smiles and warm greetings of “Selamat Hari Raya.” The gentle clinking of glasses, quiet laughter, and flowing conversations blended harmoniously with the background music, making the atmosphere feel like a family gathering rather than a formal event.

The long tables were filled with a sumptuous array of Raya delicacies that delighted every guest. Aromatic beef rendang, tender ayam masak merah (spicy tomato chicken), and fragrant nasi impit and pandan-infused nasi lemak filled the air with the rich scent of coconut and spices. At the dessert corner, colorful trays of traditional Malay kuih — including buttery pineapple tarts, melt-in-your-mouth kuih bangkit, and vibrant layers of kuih lapis — tempted even the fullest stomachs. The entire hall was wrapped in the irresistible fragrance of festive cooking, adding warmth and joy to the celebration.

Among the guests was Ms. Aisha, founder of Aisha Education Institution, one of the event’s sponsors. As a Chinese education consultant who has worked in Malaysia for years, she shared her appreciation for the celebration.

“Being part of this Raya event helps me connect more deeply with Malay culture,” she said. “The warmth, the music, the food — it all creates a sense of togetherness.”

She added that such cultural celebrations make the campus atmosphere more familiar and welcoming, especially for international partners and students.

“These moments allow us to move beyond professional exchanges,” she noted. “We begin to understand each other as people — not just colleagues, but friends and collaborators who share values and vision.”

After the meal, a cheerful performance by a mini live band brought even brighter smiles to guests’ faces. With upbeat rhythms from the keyboard, guitar, and traditional hand drums, the music filled the air with festive joy. Guests clapped along and softly hummed to the familiar tunes, and a few even danced spontaneously — a vibrant reflection of Malaysia’s rich and harmonious multicultural spirit.

Mr. Bai Yunfei, founder of Jinsiwe Education and a long-term strategic partner of UKMShape, shared his appreciation for the event.

“I’ve been invited every year, and it’s always meaningful,” he said. “For Muslims, this is a time to relax and reconnect after Ramadan — much like Chinese New Year, it brings people together.”

He added that such gatherings help strengthen long-term partnerships through genuine cultural exchange.

Throughout the afternoon, what stood out was not just the delightful spread or cheerful music, but the simple joy of being together. Some took quiet moments to appreciate the décor, while others eagerly posed for photos under the twinkling fairy lights and rattan arches. Children of several guests played nearby, their laughter echoing through the hall, adding a lighthearted charm to the already warm atmosphere.

Raya, after all, is not just about celebration, but about connection.

As the day drew to a close, handshakes, laughter, and group photos marked the end of the celebration. Many guests left with more than a gift bag — they carried with them renewed connections and a deeper appreciation for the spirit of collaboration.