Who are we?
National University of Singapore Malay Language Society or lovingly called PBMUKS (Persatuan Bahasa Melayu University Kebangsaan Singapura), is an undergraduate-run organization, registered under the Resgistry of Societies (Ministry of Home Affairs). Formally registered in 1969, our society has been around for more than 40 years.
We are an independent society, providing an avenue for undergraduates to learn, grow, and perform.
What do we do?
Penaung, Pembangun, Pemangkin, are three words that succinctly describe what we do. In English, it means Carrier, Developer and Catalysts (of change).
We believe that as youths, we inherit the race, the tradition, the culture and the language from our ancestors. As heirs, we are responsible of carrying this Malay heritage and treasure, taking care of it and doing good for it. With regards to PBMUKS, we work to ensure the conitinuity of our language and culture, as well as in keeping them dynamic and relevant as times change and the world modernizes.
Language
The Malay Language, like any other, has its own nuances, arts and crafts. We believe that the language is not only another medium of communication, but an entity of linguistics, worthy of study and preservation. As the lingua franca of today’s world is English, we want to instill a sense of rootedness in undergraduates and also among the Malay community, in which they can still master the English Language and other languages, without undermining or dismissing the usage of their own mother tongue.
Culture
The Malay culture encompasses a vast array of traditional customs, beliefs and values. What we mean by culture is mostly that of beliefs. For example, the Malay adat of sopan santun means polite and courteous, and also other value systems of the traditional Malays. We feel that these values are an asset as they form part of our heritage and we should preserve them in ourselves and also the society as they are in allignment with universal moral values. Another aspect of culture that we address is the entertainment aspect. Malay tradition is rich with the Malay dances, dikir barat, wayang, berbalas pantun, and other forms of Malay Arts that are aesthetically rich.
Celebrations, feasting and other social gatherings are also part of the Malay customs. Events such as a mass breakfast during Ramadhan or Hari Raya meets, are both bond-fostering and celebratory in nature. Events such as these allow the showcase of Malay art, and the celebration of the language.
Ultimately, the society uses Malay culture and language as a platform to bridge with other people, other societies, and other cultures.
How do we work?
Our events, activities and functions spread over a broad spectrum of nature; from culture-preserving to community service. To ensure efficient and impactful execution of our events and activities, we have four secretariats set up, each specializes in organizing different events.
• Welfare Secretariat
• Publications Secretariat
• Performing Arts Secretariat
• Literary Arts Secretariat
Each secretariat has several flagship events under them.
Do contact us should there be any feedback, suggestions or enquiries.
How do ‘I’ come in?
We need you. Seriously, we do. As an undergraduate-run organization, we are non-profit. We seek to serve the student population, as well as the community, and we hope they will support us in our endeavours.
There are various avenues for you to join us, whether in participation, organizing commitees, audiences, or partners. We warmly welcome you.