By Noor Eszereen Juferi
Photo by Mohammad Izrul Jabar
SERDANG, 18 December – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) continued to strengthen its position as a global learning hub in the arts and culture by hosting a Piano Lecture Recital featuring Dr. Taras Filenko, a renowned Ukrainian pianist and scholar, in collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia.
The programme, which combined musical performance, knowledge-sharing and mentoring sessions, aimed to provide in-depth exposure to piano music for students and the university community, while also fostering cross-cultural artistic exchange between Malaysia and Ukraine through the universal language of music.
The event was attended by UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Ir. Dr. Abd. Rahim Abu Talib, reflecting strong support from the university’s top leadership for internationalisation initiatives grounded in arts and culture.
Dean of the Faculty of Human Ecology (FEM), Prof. Dr. Mohamad Fazli Sabri, said the programme offered a valuable opportunity for students and staff of the Department of Music to appreciate the diversity and richness of Ukrainian musical heritage, which is rarely showcased in the local context.
“The organisation of this programme not only broadens students’ artistic horizons, but also strengthens cross-cultural understanding through music. This initiative aligns with UPM’s aspirations to nurture global learning and meaningful international engagement,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the FEM Department of Music, Dr. Ang Mei Foong, described the programme as a holistic learning experience, as students not only witnessed a world-class performance but also had the opportunity to participate in a live masterclass with the distinguished guest.
“A total of 45 students were involved in the programme and were given the opportunity to perform their piano pieces and receive direct guidance from Dr. Filenko. This experience is extremely valuable in shaping their artistic understanding and professional development,” she said, adding that such collaborations have the potential to be expanded to include more countries in the future.
Senior Lecturer at the FEM Department of Music, Dr. Elaine Yap Sin Yee, said the programme also exposed students, staff and the general public to Ukrainian music, which is seldom highlighted in mainstream curricula.
“This collaboration began with an initiative by the Embassy of Ukraine, which contacted the Department of Music to propose a joint programme. It reflects international confidence in UPM’s expertise and reputation in the field of music,” she said.
Dr. Taras Filenko is a pianist, scholar and cultural ambassador of Ukraine with more than 40 years of experience in music performance, musicology and ethnomusicology. He is a graduate and former Deputy Dean of the National Academy of Music in Kyiv and holds a doctoral degree from the University of Pittsburgh, United States.
Throughout his career, he has performed and delivered lectures in various countries across Europe, North America and Asia, playing a significant role in promoting Ukrainian musical heritage on the international stage.
