Cultural roots, modern routes

From Shadows
To Screens.

Hikarya breathes new life into Malaysia's stories and arts.

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Hikarya Emblem

Our Mission

Hikarya is a student-led initiative from USM. We aim to bridge the gap between traditional heritage and modern screens, ensuring that stories like Wayang Kulit and Potehi don't fade into silence.

The Logo

  • The H: Petronas Towers — bridging past & present.
  • The Roots: Connection to Malaysian land & ancestry.
  • The Circle: Harmony, unity, and the loom.

Objectives

  • 3,000+ Reach: Foster online engagement & participation.
  • 100+ Youths: Active participation in cultural challenges.
  • Perception: Revitalize Gen Z's view of performing arts.

The Collective

Meet the team & advisors behind the project.

The Storytellers

Journalism

The Strategists

Strategy & PR

The Visualizers

Digital Creative

The Documenters

Creative Screen

01. Shadow

Wayang Kulit

The Origin

Prominent art performance in the Malaysian east coast (Kelantan & Terengganu), often telling adaptations of the Hindu epic "Ramayana".

Tok Dalang

The master puppeteer who delivers the story, moves the puppets, conducts the orchestra, and sings the songs—all alone!

The Puppets

Made of dried, carved buffalo hide or goatskin. Painted with different colors to differentiate good and evil characters.

The Music

Traditional instruments like Gendang, Rebab, Serunai, and Gong set the mood for the performance.

The Light

Oil lamps or bulbs are used to cast the dramatic shadows onto the white screen (Kelir), creating the magic.

THE LEGEND OF RAMAYANA
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Artist Interview

A conversation with the custodians of the shadows, exploring the future of this ancient art.

02. Hands

Potehi

The Origin

Potehi originated before the 16th century from Fujian province, and soon spread across the South China Sea. Originally called "Pouw Tee Hie" (cloth-bag puppets).

The Troupe

A compact team consisting of a puppet master, an assistant, and just 3 musicians for the entire performance.

The Puppets

About 30cm in height, featuring intricate wooden heads, hands, and feet, dressed in distinct character costumes.

The Stage

Performances are usually held in temples as part of religious observances and festivals.

The Stories

Commonly based on Chinese classical novels, revolving around values like justice, loyalty, and filial piety.

JOURNEY TO THE WEST
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A Visit to the Museum

Exploring the heritage at the Teochew Hand Puppet and Opera Museum.

Merchandise

Items creatively designed by the digital team for you to enjoy

Calendar

2026 Monthly Calendar

RM 18
Bag

Reusable Cotton Bag

RM 12
Notebook

Mai Cerita Notebook

RM 6
Keychain

Cultural Icon Keychain

RM 2.50
Sticker

Cultural Motif Sticker Pack

RM 2.50

Jejak Warisan

Follow along this 3-part series of traditional rediscovery.

Part 01: Rediscovery

Part 02: Immersion

Part 03: Appreciation

Digital Wayang

A creative blend of traditional music and modern dance elements to bring together the fading arts of yesterday with the interest of today’s youth through user-generated content.

Digital Wayang UGC Banner

Our Partners