Group holds coffee hour

The aroma of freshly-brewed coffee fills the air above the inviting maroon couches of the Leo R. Dowling International Center. Students softly converse with one another, discussing the week that has passed and their plans for the weekend. This is what most would expect to see at a traditional coffee hour.\nBut if this is what you are expecting from the Malaysian Students Association's upcoming meeting, you are in for a big surprise.\nThe MSA has planned a coffee hour for Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Leo R. Dowling International Center. All who wish to attend are invited.\nAt the coffee hour, members of the MSA create exhibitions about the country, perform Silat (an intense, gender-neutral martial art that originated in Malaysia), and demonstrate the Malaysian wedding ceremony. In addition, students will be able to sample a variety of foods. Each demonstration and exhibition helps to display the diversity and cultural integration that exists in Malaysia. \n"Malaysia consists of many cultures and is rich in diversity," said freshman MSA member Aslam Izah Selamat. "Many people say, 'Malaysia is really only Muslim or Malay,' but there are more than 20 or 30 other races."\nAccording to the Leo R. Dowling International Center and members of the MSA, coffee hours are designed to informally educate local people on the culture and population of a given group. \n"It gives a block of time where the group can exchange information about their cultures," said Sandy Britton, International Center student events coordinator. \nMSA is comprised of about 50 members, all students or alumni born and raised in Malaysia. Membership is open only to Malaysian students and is a way for them to support one another.\n"When we come here, we just try to help each other because our Malaysian Student Department is far away in New York," said sophomore MSA vice president Rosie Rianie Rosli.\nAs a group, MSA celebrates Malaysian Independence Day on Aug. 31 along with the Chinese New Year and several religious festivals. Generally these activities are open only to MSA members.\nHowever, everyone is invited to watch the demonstrations and participate in discussion at coffee hour.\nWhile Silat and traditional dance are the main attractions at the Malaysian coffee hour, the beauty and intricacy of the demonstrated wedding ceremony should not be overlooked.\n"Every step you have to have rules for it … one step … then another," Rosli said, moving her hands together in different directions as if they were feet. \nFrom the movements and gifts to the detailed costumes made of songket (a silk-like fabric worn by the bride), the ceremony proves to be entertaining and educational.