Building Bridges Through Culture and Conversation: Fugee Jom Borak's Impact at Stand With Myanmar 2025
On the 21st and 22nd of June 2025, Fugee was honoured to participate in Stand With Myanmar 2025, a vibrant two-day event held at The GoDown Arts Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Organised by the Coalition of Burma Ethnics Malaysia (COBEM) and other dedicated NGOs, the event championed human rights and solidarity with the people of Myanmar, featuring a rich tapestry of dance, art, Burmese cuisine, informational exhibitions, and insightful panel discussions.
Fugee’s presence was a great addition to fostering deeper understanding and connection. Throughout the event, the Fugee Booth served as a hub for engagement. Visitors learned about our work, played an interactive game (a "spin the wheel" with refugee-themed questions), and purchased Fugee merchandise, with all proceeds directly supporting our programmes. The game proved to be an engaging way for attendees to learn about refugee facts & experiences.
A highlight of Fugee's participation was the Jom Borak series, Fugee's interactive sessions designed to bring Malaysians and refugees together for games, cultural exchange, and unforgettable conversations that break down barriers. Each session was carefully facilitated, with groups including Fugee HiEd scholars who graciously shared their personal stories and heritage.
Day 1: Celebrating Traditional Clothes
On June 21st, our Jom Borak session closed out the evening and focused on the theme of traditional clothes. Participants and Fugee HiEd scholars proudly shared stories behind the garments they wore or brought, discussing what these clothes symbolize – be it a special occasion, a specific region, or a cherished personal memory. The discussions explored how traditional clothing connects them to their heritage and community, and how it continues to evolve in modern times.
Through these heartfelt exchanges, a poignant insight emerged: while many refugees expressed immense pride in their heritage, they also shared a fear of wearing their traditional attire openly in daily life. This fear stems from the desire to blend in and avoid being identified as a refugee from a foreign place, underscoring the subtle yet pervasive challenges of displacement.
Day 2: Embracing Traditional/Childhood Games
The spirit of connection continued on June 22nd, with our Jom Borak session centered around Traditional/Childhood Games kicking off the day. Fugee HiEd scholars, refugees from diverse countries, brought and explained the rules of games from their childhoods. Participants, consisting of international visitors, Malaysians and refugees played together, filling the space with laughter and shared enjoyment.
Participants discussed the most exciting or challenging parts of the games, reflected on similarities and differences across cultures, and even explored the life lessons or values embedded within these traditional pastimes. These moments of shared play transcended language and cultural barriers, highlighting our common humanity.
Human Connection
Across both Jom Borak sessions, Human Bingo was a popular icebreaker. Participants moved beyond their initial groups to find individuals matching various prompts, fostering lively conversations and expanding their networks.
Fugee's participation in Stand With Myanmar 2025 was a resounding success in fulfilling our mission to build understanding and advocate for refugee rights. By creating spaces for genuine human connection and cultural exchange, we continue to break down misconceptions and empower both refugee and Malaysian communities to see the shared values that unite us.