Ulek Mayang is one of the most significant forms of intangible cultural heritage within Malay society, deeply rooted in ritual practices, symbolism and traditional belief systems. Originating from the coastal communities of Malaysia’s East Coast, particularly Terengganu, Ulek Mayang was historically performed as a healing ritual associated with the spiritual realm and maritime beliefs (Mohd Taib Osman, 1989; Siti Zainon Ismail, 1997). However, in the face of modernisation and socio-cultural transformation, Ulek Mayang now confronts various challenges that threaten its continuity and authenticity as a living cultural heritage. Ulek Mayang as Intangible Cultural Heritage According to UNESCO (2003), intangible cultural heritage includes practices, expressions, knowledge and skills transmitted across generations and constantly recreated in response to social environments. Ulek Mayang falls squarely within this definition, as it encompasses chants, music, dance movements and spiritual meanings embedded in communal memory rather than tangible artefacts.

The Engagement and Strategic Direction Session for Cultural Cluster Student Activities 2026 was held at Dewan Putra 1, Tan Sri Aishah Ghani College (KTAG), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This program serves as a strategic platform to strengthen collaborative ties between the Arts, Culture and Heritage Empowerment Section, the Student Affairs Division, the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre (PKKSSAAS), and the student bodies within the Cultural Cluster. The session successfully gathered 40 student leaders comprising the Student Representative Council (MPP), College Representative Council (MPK), and representatives from various clubs and associations under the Cultural Cluster. This event aimed to coordinate the activity calendar and establish an integration platform to ensure that the agenda for empowering arts, culture, and heritage at the university level can be mobilized collectively and with high impact. In recognising past achievements, the session also focused on compiling and documenting student achievements throughout 2025. This initiative is viewed as critical for building a comprehensive archive of excellence, thereby elevating the image and visibility of UPM’s cultural bodies to a higher level. Among the key components of the session were presentations on planned activities for 2026 by representatives of clubs and societies, followed by a date harmonisation session to avoid programme overlaps, as well as two-way discussions on arising issues. Additionally, Mr. Nik Mohamad Ridhwan from the Arts, Culture and Heritage Empowerment Section presented the 2026 Arts, Culture and Heritage Empowerment Strategic Plan, which outlines eight (8) key strategic implementations. In his address, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the established guidelines for entertainment activities to ensure that every cultural event remains aligned with moral norms and Eastern values, while upholding the image of students with integrity. The session was also graced by the presence of Mr. Adidi Tamin, Senior Cultural Officer of PKKSSAAS. He took the opportunity to advise and mandate the students to remain committed to elevating the dignity of arts and culture, while ensuring that association management is conducted with good governance. The engagement session concluded successfully, witnessing a solid consensus between the management and students in driving the continuity of arts and culture at UPM for the year 2026.