GLSW International - Join-in-Jamboree programme ideas from Malaysia
Traditional Malaysia is a diverse country made up of formerly independent states — each with their own history and culture. Modern Malaysia is a cosmopolitan, progressive nation with high tech industries and a strong economy. However, much of Malaysia is little changed from the past and its rainforests and marine parks are some of the most unspoilt natural attractions in the world.
The skyline of the capital Kuala Lumpur is dominated by the Petronas Towers (452m) — the tallest free standing towers in the world. Lower down in the same city the tallest flagpole in the world (100m) is sited in Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square). The national flag of Malaysia flies from this flagpole and this is where Malaysians converge each year to celebrate independence.
Activity idea 1
Divide into groups and see which group can build the tallest twin towers out of paper & sellotape or which group can fly the Malay flag from the highest point.
One craft, which is common to a number of Malaysian states, is the art of Batik. This is the dying of cloth into fabulous patterns and designs. The word batik actually means 'wax writing'. It is a way of decorating cloth by covering a part of it with a coat of wax and then dyeing the cloth. The waxed areas keep their original colour and when the wax is removed the contrast between the dyed and undyed areas makes the pattern.
Activity idea 2
Try getting hold of some dye, some wax and some plain cotton t-shirts to try your hand at batik. Investigate traditional Malay designs or you can devise your own. http://www.asia-art.net/batik.html has a short history of batik as well as lots of information about other Malay and Asian art forms.
The Malaysians are enthusiastic sportsmen and they play many international sports to high standards as well as having thriving amateur sports clubs and competitions. The mountains and idyllic coastlines of Malaysia make adventure sports such as mountain biking, white water rafting and scuba diving popular activities.
Activity idea 3
The National Sport of Malaysia is Sepak Takraw. This is a cross between soccer and volleyball, played in a doubles badminton court. Three players on each side of a 5-foot high net get three chances to kick, knee, shoulder or head a hand-woven ball back to the opposing team. The game has seen an increase in popularity since it was introduced as a demonstration sport to the Commonwealth Games when Malaysia hosted them in 1998. History, rules & lots of ideas for variation on the game can be found at http://www.gajahmas.com/hisraga.html.
The environment of Malaysia is well preserved and the Malaysians are proud of the natural attractions of their country. Many national parks have been established to ensure long term conservation of the rich biodiversity of plant, insect and animal life.
A number of aboriginal tribes live up in the mountains of Malaysia — their way of life unchanged from that of their ancestors.
Activity idea 4
Eco-tourism is a major enterprise in Malaysia and tourists contribute large amounts of money to the economy. Think about some of the impact that tourists may have on the sights that they have come to see — their travelling to and from the area, sightseeing while they are there and the waste they leave behind. Think about ways in which the Malays can make sure that the natural environment is kept for future visitors. Make a poster to make tourists aware of their responsibilities.
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