Under the soft glow of Kuala Lumpur’s evening skies, the APRU Global Health Conference 2025 was elevated by an unforgettable cultural milestone, the inauguration of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Orchestra, hosted at Universiti Malaya.
This special evening, held during the Conference Dinner, blended artistic excellence with the spirit of global connection. It was officiated by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, and attended by Professor Dr Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive of APRU. The event marked not just the debut of a new orchestra but a commitment to uniting the global academic community through culture and creativity.
“This orchestra stands as a symbol of synergy and solidarity, reminding us that while we may come from distant shores, from Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, we share one rhythm, one purpose, and one humanity.”
A Musical Journey Across Borders
The inaugural concert, titled “A Symphony of Cultures – East Meets West,” featured an extraordinary selection of musical pieces that blended the traditional with the contemporary and the East with the West:
- Gamelan in Symphony – Traditional Southeast Asian gamelan fused with orchestral grandeur
- Beethoven & Victory – Beethoven’s iconic symphony infused with a modern Eastern pop twist
- Hooked in Malay Classics – P. Ramlee’s timeless melodies in classical Western orchestration
- Hooked in Western Classics – Well-known Western themes reimagined with Asian musical elements
- Getaran Jiwa – Malaysia’s soulful anthem reinterpreted with symphonic depth
- Tunggu Sekejap – A nostalgic Malay ballad brought to life with jazz swing
- Kroncong Medley – Indonesian folk classics “Jali Jali” and “Kasih” blended with orchestral richness
- Tian Mi Mi & The Moon Represents My Heart – Beloved Chinese ballads elevated by a fusion of Erhu, Yangqin, and orchestral textures
These pieces were performed entirely by students and faculty from Universiti Malaya, reflecting over 35 years of excellence from the UM Symphony Orchestra, which has performed on global stages, including London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Leading the Harmony: Prof Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim
The orchestra is chaired by Professor Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim, a veteran figure in Malaysia’s music education and performance scene. With over three decades of service at Universiti Malaya’s Cultural Centre, Prof. Nasir brings deep expertise in composition, orchestration, and musical technology. A graduate of UiTM and the University of Southampton, UK, he also studied under the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, further enriching his contributions to musical theatre and orchestral development in the region.
Prof. Nasir’s leadership was instrumental in curating an inaugural performance that was both artistically compelling and symbolically profound.
A Legacy Begins
The APRU Orchestra will next perform at the APRU Presidents’ Meeting in June 2026 at the University of the Philippines, continuing its mission to use music as a bridge for academic and cultural exchange.
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