Good ambience, great performances, mouth-watering food and a chattering crowd were what constituted last year’s Asian Night. The event, sponsored by UW-Eau Claire’s Malaysian Abroad Diversified, works towards bringing together different cultures.
This time around, MAD will be challenging themselves to make the event bigger and better. Last year the event focused more on countries in South East Asia. This year, however, MAD is trying to bring in and represent more countries. It is safe to say that they are “broadening their horizons,” said Jane Ong, vice president of MAD and the person in charge of International Culture Night.
“This year we will have performances by different continents other than Asian continents,” Ong said. “We aren’t cutting down South East Asian performances, but we are trying to incorporate one performance for each continent.”
Ong said the organization is planning on exceeding expectations by having a better turnout this year.
“We had around 180 people turn up and I expect 250 people this time,” Ong said.
MAD has only been around for two years, yet they are hosting the event for the second consecutive year. The club consists of 50 members, 20 of whom are active members, according to Ong.
“Student Senate is not funding the event, but we did get funding from RHA, though,” Ong said.
The organization’s goal has changed over the years, Ong said. It used to be “to Easternize the Western culture,” but it is now “to make a difference,” especially on the Eau Claire campus.
“UWEC tries to promote diversity, but it isn’t that well publicized,” Ong said. “The study abroad program we have is good. Diversity to me is when people from different areas come together.”
The fashion show and dance performances were the highlights of last year’s event.
“The catwalk was one thing I liked, but I don’t think we can accomplish that this year,” Ong said. “Apart from that, they should expect more clothing. More traditional clothing and more energetic performances.”
“I absolutely loved the performances, especially the dance performances,” said Jessica Olson, quarter master for ICN. “It is not only going to be from Asia this year, but from other countries — that is going to be exciting.”
Apart from the performances, attendees should expect some good cuisine, Ong said. There will be a vast selection of food to choose from, including items from different continents.
As do all organizations, MAD does face challenges. Joo Zheng Pang, who was in charge of Asian Night last year, said that ICN will show vast improvement this year.
“Communication is important,” Pang said. “I hope that the committee not only works with each other but help each other as both are interrelated.”
International Culture Night will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Schofield Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the Service Center or at the door. Prices are $5 for youth and students with ID and $8 for adults and faculty. Admission is free for children age 4 and younger.
