Mr. Asyraf starting off his session with a brief self introduction. Photo by Lim Min Jun
‘Angklung’ Rhythms: A Healing Connection
By: Lim Min Jun
PENANG, 22 NOV — Han Chiang University College of Communication’s library hosted a workshop in collaboration with a lecturer from the School of Applied Creative Arts and Design, Mr. Muhammad Asyraf bin Mohd. Bakri at the library’s reading area yesterday. More than 20 students and staff attended the workshop.
Attendees explored the 'angklung' instrument's ability to heal in the workshop. Mr. Asyraf shared how the 'angklung' carries cultural importance and its potential for soothing effects, especially among the elderly.
Throughout the workshop, attendees not only learned about the ‘angklung’ but also learnt to play tunes like 'Happy Birthday,' 'Rasa Sayang,' and 'Berkorban Apa Saja.'
Mr. Asyraf shared that based on his research from Indonesia and Thailand, ‘angklung’ can improve the quality of life for the elderly. Thus, he carried out an ‘angklung’ project at the hospital, focused on the elderly and recently started to expand his project to help other communities such as students from HCUC and drug addicts.
Mr. Asyraf also stated that he believes he is the first person in Malaysia to use the ‘angklung’ for therapy purposes, aside from education purposes that were carried out by others.
“It was really fun and I felt that I destressed a lot after playing the ‘angklung’,” shared Megan Ong, a workshop attendee.