GEORGE TOWN, 22 April 2026 – The Music Department of the School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia (SOTA USM) successfully organised Inspirasi Seni: Jelajah Kampus – Story Behind the Strings, a dynamic industry-linked programme held at Pelinggam Cahaya. The initiative brought together students, academics, and music industry professionals for an enriching afternoon focused on career development and artistic growth.
Organised in collaboration with Music Authors’ Copyright Protection (MACP), the programme was led by Mr Firdaus Rahman and Nor Masayu Alias, who opened the session with an introduction to the role of copyright and the importance of intellectual property awareness among emerging musicians. Their sharing provided valuable insights into sustaining a professional career in today’s evolving music landscape.
The programme continued with a career-sharing session, offering participants practical perspectives on building pathways as musicians. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with industry practitioners, gaining a deeper understanding of the skills, discipline, and adaptability required to thrive in the field.
A key highlight of the event was the masterclass and improvisation workshop conducted by renowned Malaysian jazz guitarist and composer, Az Samad. A graduate of Berklee College of Music with Summa Cum Laude honours in Jazz Composition and Guitar Performance, Az Samad has established an international reputation, performing at major festivals such as the Penang Island Jazz Festival, Jarasum International Jazz Festival, and Hong Kong International Jazz Festival.
With over two decades of professional experience, Az Samad brought a wealth of knowledge to the session, guiding students through techniques in improvisation and musical expression. His interactive approach encouraged participants to explore creativity beyond technical proficiency, while his sharing on real-world experiences provided meaningful inspiration for aspiring musicians.
In addition to the workshop, the programme featured a Q&A session and concluded with a closing performance and reflection by Az Samad, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
Inspirasi Seni: Jelajah Kampus – Story Behind the Strings reflects the Music Department’s ongoing commitment to bridging academic learning with industry practice. By fostering collaborations with organisations such as MACP and inviting established practitioners, SOTA USM continues to provide students with relevant exposure, professional insights, and opportunities to develop as well-rounded musicians.
The programme stands as a testament to SOTA USM’s dedication to nurturing creative talent and strengthening connections between education and the music industry.