Connecting Tradition, Health, and Technology via Music
- UM Research
- Dec 29, 2025
- 4 min read
Dr. Shafa'atussara binti Silahudin (P.M.P)
Dean Office, Academy of Malay Studies
Area of Expertise:
Traditional/Classical Music (Innovation in Traditional Music Performance); Community Research (Music/Arts Community & Online Music Learning); Malay World (Musical References & Musical Imagery in Malay Classical Literature); Music Care
Introduction: Tradition, Health, and Technology Through Music
In Malaysia's rich cultural landscape, one researcher stands out for her innovative approach to bridging tradition and contemporary science. Dr. Shafa, a dedicated researcher and practitioner of Malay traditional music, has carved a unique path in demonstrating that art is not just a cultural treasure but also a powerful tool for health, education, and social welfare. Her work, situated at the intersection of tradition, innovation, and public scholarship, places her among the most dynamic voices in modern study.
Early Life, Musical Roots, and Evolving Cultural Identity
Dr. Shafa's journey started in girlhood, when she was steeped in the sounds of syair, gurindam, keroncong, and traditional Malay music. Traditional music was more than just a backdrop; it was a way of life. However, her academic path ultimately led her to Leiden University, where she was exposed to alternative cultures, including punk music, broadening her worldview. 'That event taught me that cultural identity is not static. It evolves through encounters with the world,' she muses. This insight formed the foundation of her research philosophy: to combine tradition with contemporary expression and then to utilise that combination to drive change.
“Music provides a bridge—it heals, communicates, and binds” Dr. Shafa plans to create a practical, culturally embedded module that can influence Malaysia's healthcare policy while preserving its heritage.
Music as Healing: The IIRG “Inclusive Aged Care Beyond Pandemic” Project
Dr. Shafa now heads the IIRG-funded project "Inclusive Aged Care Beyond Pandemic: Development of Caregiving Credentialing and Music Care Module for Caregivers and the Older People" (WP2), a revolutionary endeavor that combines music, cultural psychology, and healthcare. Developed to assist caretakers of the elderly and chronically ill, the initiative uses traditional music as an intervention model to relieve stress, increase mental well-being, and foster social relationships. "Medical techniques often ignore the emotional and psychological aspects of caring. "Music provides a bridge—it heals, communicates, and binds," she says. The purpose is not only academic; the ambition is to create a practical, culturally embedded module that can influence Malaysia's healthcare policy while preserving its heritage.
Collaboration, Co-Creation, and Community Engagement
Collaboration is at the core of her study. Scholars provide rigorous foundations, artists add creative authenticity, and communities share their lived experience. Workshops, performances, and interactive seminars facilitate the exchange of information between academia and society, and vice versa. This ethos of co-creation has also influenced her responsibilities as a senior lecturer, performer and community advocate, where she effortlessly connects universities, cultural practitioners, and health organisations to foster shared innovation.
Digital Syair and Youth Patriotism
Aside from healthcare, Dr. Shafa is spearheading other forward-thinking initiatives. She is now preparing a project titled "Developing Digital Delivery and Engagement Models for Syair to Strengthen Youth Patriotism in Malaysia." By reinventing the syair in digital form, she intends to instil national pride in future generations. Her creative scholarship extends to the arts, as seen by her latest contribution to the RTM telefilm “Srikandi”, which is based on the classic Syair Siti Zubaidah. These activities highlight her proactive and robust approach to cultural preservation.
Research Methods: Physical and Digital Ethnography
Dr. Shafa's technique is as creative as her vision. She works in both physical and digital ethnographic environments, monitoring festivals, community performances, and cultural events, as well as researching the reception of Malay performing arts on internet platforms like YouTube and social media. By combining audio-visual recordings, discourse analysis, and in-depth interviews, she depicts the changing interaction between performance, identity, and audiences in ways that few others do.
Creating a “Living Archive” of Malay Music Heritage
Her effect is evident. Dr. Shafa has created what she calls a "living archive" of Malay history, with over 300 traditional music recordings, prominent books such as “Malay Singing in Pahang Villages”, and significant award recognition. For her, this archive is more than just passive storage; it is an active instrument that stimulates the present and future. "Heritage should not sit in museums, it should breathe, adapt, and answer the challenges of our time."
“Heritage should not sit in museums, it should breathe, adapt, and answer the challenges of our time” Dr. Shafa'atussara has created over 300 traditional music recordings, prominent books and significant award recognition.
Innovative Integration of Heritage, Health, and Digital Technology
Her work stands out because of her commitment. While many scholars focus on either cultural heritage or health, Dr. Shafa combines the two, utilising digital technologies to enhance access and relevance. Her approach views traditional art as a tool for social intervention, capable of addressing critical concerns such as mental health, education, and national identity.
Vision, Motivation, and Impact on Malay Studies
Dr. Shafa is driven not only by her academic pursuits but also by a profound sense of purpose. "I aspire to elevate Malay Studies to stand alongside the most respected global fields," she shares. "But more than that, I want my research to have a tangible impact, to make a real difference in hospitals, classrooms, and communities." This dual motivation, global ambition and local impact, defines her work and propels her forward.
Conclusion: Tradition and Innovation as Partners in Progress
As Malaysia seeks to balance rapid modernisation with the preservation of its cultural soul, researchers like Dr. Shafa are indispensable. With a proven record of securing competitive grants, building bridges across disciplines, and inspiring the next generation, she embodies the future of public scholarship—where tradition and innovation are not opposites, but partners in progress. Her work has significantly contributed to the preservation and evolution of Malay culture, and her innovative approach has inspired social change and improvement in Malaysia.
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Researcher featured:
Dr. Shafa'atussara binti Silahudin (P.M.P)
Dean Office, Academy of Malay Studies
For inquiries, please contact:
T: 03-7967 7250
Author:
Ms Tan Wei Nie
With a keen interest, Tan Wei Nie, a PhD candidate in law, enriches her studies by fusing science with narrative, uncovering connections between the two fields. Her passion for nature and staying active fuels her enthusiasm for life and learning, infusing her journey with unexpected thrills and excitement.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
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