Exploring the Extraordinary at the Postnormal Times Exhibition

The Postnormal Times Exhibition, a collaborative effort between the International Institute of Islamic Thought, East and Southeast Asia (IIIT), and the Centre for Postnormal Policy and Futures Studies (CPPFS), has unveiled its vibrant display at the KL Jazz and Art Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

APU students participating in a workshop to complete a task – assigning individual roles on the city map.

Running until October 15, the exhibition welcomed 50 students from the School of Foundation at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) on October 9. These students, specialising in Youth Development for Certificates in ICT and Certificate in Administrative Skills, were accompanied by their lecturers, Ms. Nur Azliyana and Ms. Iman Danish Sha. They delved into the exhibition which captures the essence of our current era characterised by uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

The event, organised by Mr. Scott Jordan, Executive Assistant Director at the Centre for Postnormal Policy and Futures Studies (CPPFS), provided APU students with the opportunity to actively engage with the themes and concepts explored in the artistic displays.

Under the guidance of Dr. Christopher Burr Jones, APU students participated in a thought-provoking workshop.

Notably, Scott Jordan curated and facilitated a workshop session with the students, creating a dynamic space for intellectual exchange and creative exploration. Under the guidance of Dr. Christopher Burr Jones, Senior Fellow of CPPFS, APU students participated in a thought-provoking workshop.

The outcome was not just an art exhibition but a collective statement challenging conventional thinking. This experience enabled students to develop their adaptability and critical thinking – crucial skills for navigating the uncertainties of our ever-changing world.

Ms. Nur Azliyana emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary exposure, fostering creativity and innovation, and encouraging students to embrace unconventional solutions to contemporary challenges. “The artistic displays mirrored the dynamism and fluidity of our world, turning the event into not just a talent showcase but also a commentary on our existence,” she said.

APU students cheerfully concluded their visit to the Post Normal Times Exhibition by taking a group picture with Dr. Christopher Burr Jones (sitting, 4th from the left) and Mr. Scott Jordan (sitting, 5th from the left). 

One student, Lucas Wong Li Hong, found the event highly relevant to the current global challenges, stating, "It provided us with a platform to brainstorm and discuss how to minimize the impact."

Heng Chee Yi, another student, echoed this sentiment, saying, "The fusion of art and critical discourse challenged my preconceptions and deepened my understanding of the postnormal era."

Reflecting on this educational journey, Pathmarajah Naidu shared, "I never expected an art exhibition to be so relevant to our studies and the current global landscape."

For Malaysians and visitors alike, Kuala Lumpur's heart is where tradition meets modernity. The Postnormal Times Exhibition vividly demonstrates the power of art to bridge gaps and initiate meaningful conversations.