Sabah Master's Graduate Proudly Wears Ethnic Murut Dress At UK Convocation
Nur Liyana said she wanted her traditional wear to be appreciated by the younger generation.
By May Vin Ang — 28 Mar 2022, 01:06 PM
A Malaysian graduate proudly showed off her indigenous heritage recently by wearing a traditional Murut Nabai costume to her convocation ceremony in the UK
Nur Liyana Razali, who hails from Papar, Sabah, was receiving her scroll for a master's degree in engineering from the University of Manchester on 20 March.
According to Bernama, photos of the beaming 26-year-old in her esteemed graduation robes and ethnic tribal dress were widely shared among proud Sabahans on social media.
Nur Liyana said she wore the outfit to introduce Murut culture and tradition to people overseas
Being of Brunei-Murut descent, she also wanted her traditional wear to be appreciated by the younger generation.
"I am elated to receive my master's degree, but the day was made more memorable when I was able to showcase Sabahan culture in a Murut Nabai tribal dress from my mother's lineage," she told Bernama.
She also thanked the public, especially Sabahans, who gave her support and encouragement online.
The graduate was accompanied by her brothers and her parents — clad in traditional baju Melayu and baju kurung — at the ceremony in England
Nur Liyana's father, Razali Matali, said his daughter was supposed to graduate in 2020 but the ceremony was postponed due to the pandemic.
Nonetheless, she has found a job working as a management trainee in Kuala Lumpur.
"As a parent, I am very happy with Liyana's success and grateful to the Sabah Foundation for giving her a scholarship," he said.
