By: Bazli Razak
TANJUNG MALIM, 14 July – Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) is hosting the Interim Meeting and Workshop of Dance and the Child International (daCi) Malaysia 2025, a six-day international event held from 10 to 15 July at the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts (FMSP), UPSI.
The global event brings together educators, dance artists, and researchers from 14 countries to share knowledge, foster collaborative networks, and strengthen dance education specifically for children and youth.
UPSI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff, stated that hosting this international programme reflects UPSI’s active role in enhancing the field of performing arts and global education.
“UPSI is immensely proud to welcome delegates from around the world through this Interim Meeting and Workshop of daCi, which not only reinforces UPSI’s presence on the international stage but also enriches the academic and cultural experience of our campus community,” he said in a statement today.
He added that UPSI continuously supports intercultural and international initiatives as a platform to foster artistic expression, cultural appreciation, and excellence in arts education.
This prestigious gathering is also supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and daCi, an international body that focuses on dance and children’s development worldwide.
“This event brings together global experts and educators in the field of dance and child development, while celebrating creativity, movement, and cross-cultural learning that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries,” he said.
Among the international figures participating in the programme are Dr. Vesna Geršak (University of Ljubljana), Dr. Jeffrey William Meiners (University of South Australia), Professor Emerita Norma Sue Fisher-Stitt (University of Waterloo), Anna Mansbridge (Secretary of daCi), Julianna Ho Yui Ting (Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts), Johanna Clancy (Wagana Dancers), Dr. Ebb Daigo (University of Tsukuba), Cassandra Giannone (Thorndon Park Primary School), Sophia McKain (Edna Manley College of Visual & Performing Arts), and Shama Harding (Pazaz Dance Studio).
Meanwhile, Dean of FMSP UPSI, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Fazli Taib Saearani, said the programme serves as a valuable platform for students and lecturers to directly engage with leading international figures in dance pedagogy.
“This gathering offers a highly valuable collaborative space in advancing dance education for children, while providing global exposure to the FMSP community,” he said.
The daCi Malaysia 2025 Interim Meeting and Workshop is one of the key recurring international agendas of daCi, aimed at strengthening professional networks among dance educators and practitioners committed to the development of the arts and children globally.