The 10th annual Singapore Cultural Night will focus on the four main different races in Singapore: Malays, Indians, Chinese and Eurasians.
“When the nation of Singapore first began to develop, the cultures mixed together and it became what it is like today,” SSA President Peng Lim said.
Lim said Saturday’s event in the EMU Fir Room will allow students will learn lessons of racial harmony and appreciation.
“We seek to participate in the International Student Association and support diversity on campus,” Lim said, adding that education is an important role in the SSA.
Participants will have the opportunity to sample dishes from every culture including Indian style curry chicken, paper-wrapped Chinese chicken and an Indian fried noodle.
SSA vice president and junior business major Aileen Tam said that the local food choices are in line with celebrating the theme of racial diversity in Singapore.
The four different cultures of Singapore are also known for various childhood games. Door gifts from Malay will be incorporated into the event so students can better understand the culture of Singapore. Those toys include paper balls and chateks — a feather attached to a rubber ball — although Lim said the gifts are not the main motive of the event.
There will also be a skit about a tourist who gets lost in Singapore, exhibitions from all four cultures, along with traditional decorations and music.
“We hope to attract American students and stimulate interaction so students will get to know each other,” Lim said. “We want to bring people together.”
Director of the Office of International Education and Exchange Tom Mills and Lim will be giving opening addresses of welcome and recognition.
“It is impressive that such a small number of students put this all together,” Mills said. He also said that the country of Singapore has strengthened its cultural diversity, a message that he wants students to get from the function.
There are only 120 tickets available for the event and can be purchased by the general public at the EMU Ticket Office for $7 and at $6 by University students. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.