High Commissioner of Maldives to Malaysia, H.E. Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed, has said that cultural events highlight the rich diversity and unity of Maldives.

She made the remark while attending the International Cultural Night (ICN) 2024, held at the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) in Malaysia.

Dr Shabeena praised the Maldivian Student Association (MSA) for their authentic and captivating portrayal of Maldivian heritage, which included performances showcasing traditional Bodumas, Koadi, and Rannamaari. These creative presentations vividly expressed the nation's rich history and cultural unity.

Speaking to MMTV after the event, Dr Shabeena noted that ICN provides a unique platform to showcase the depth and diversity of Maldivian traditions to a global audience. She highlighted how cultural events like ICN reveal the Maldives’ identity beyond its famed beaches, presenting it as a nation deeply rooted in history and rich in cultural diversity.

"When you say Maldives, people think of beaches. But through these performances, they see a community that is culturally united and deeply rooted in history," she remarked. She added that such performances have a positive impact on students from other nationalities as well. 

Dr Shabeena also emphasised that such events foster mutual understanding among international students while promoting the Maldives as a nation of cultural depth. Following the performances, she engaged with the Maldivian community at APU and expressed hope for future collaborations with Maldivian students across Malaysia.

Members of the MSA underscored the importance of embracing and sharing their culture. MSA’s President, Mohamed Shirau Shafeeq, said, "In a foreign land, celebrating our identity connects us to our roots while sharing our uniqueness with others."

"We wanted to create a sense of home for Maldivians abroad while representing our island nation as fully and authentically as possible. Our team’s hard work made this a success," MSA’s Vice President Mishkath Abdul Ghanee added.

Hashana Abdul Haleem, Assistant Manager of Student Experience at APU, highlighted the event’s inclusive spirit, with students from 136 different countries attending ICN 2024. She described the event as an opportunity for international students to learn about different cultures and form lasting friendships during their academic years away from home.

The ICN, an annual event at APU since 2004, continues to unite diverse communities through cultural exchange. ICN 2024 set a new record, attracting over 3,000 attendees and featuring 50 performances—more than double the previous year’s total. The evening also featured cultural booths showcasing traditional foods, items, and exhibits from various nations, offering a vibrant celebration of global traditions that foster mutual appreciation and bridge cultural gaps.