By Azour Correspondent

As cultural events light up university campuses across Malaysia, a small but determined group of Seychellois students at Sunway University is making sure their island nation is proudly represented. We sat down with Sheena Labonté, founder of the newly launched Sunway Seychelles Society, to learn what sparked this initiative, what to expect at their first event, and why it matters.

Azour: What inspired you to start the Seychelles Society here at Sunway University?

Sheena Labonte: It all started when I noticed that there was no Seychellois presence at any of the campus cultural events. I really wanted us to be part of those activities and introduce our culture to the Sunway community—but there weren’t any platforms or opportunities available. I later found out that most of these events were organized through student clubs and societies, and that’s when the idea hit me: I should start a Seychelles Society.

But honestly, it became more than just wanting to participate in events. I wanted to create a space where Seychellois students could connect, feel seen, and celebrate our roots—especially while living so far from home. I know from experience how difficult it can be. During my first few months in Malaysia, I felt really homesick. This society is also about offering support to other Seychellois students who are just starting their journey here.

Azour: Why is this first event important for the society and the Seychellois community?

Sheena Labonte: This event is our very first official step, so it means a lot to us. It's not just about launching the society—it’s about introducing ourselves to the wider Sunway community. A lot of people don’t even know where Seychelles is, let alone what our culture is like. So Discover Our Culture is our way of proudly sharing who we are through music, visuals, games, and storytelling.

It also sets the tone for what the society is all about: cultural pride, community, and visibility. And for us Seychellois students, it’s a meaningful moment—to bring a little piece of home here and share it with everyone else.

Azour: What can attendees expect from the Discover Our Culture opening event?

Sheena Labonte: They can expect a vibrant cultural showcase, including a mini exhibition and live performances of traditional Seychellois dances like sega, kanmtole, and moutya. There’ll be fun interactive quizzes with prizes, eye-catching displays, and friendly members of the society ready to share facts and personal stories about Seychelles.

The goal is to offer a warm, engaging, and memorable experience—one that captures the rhythm and richness of Seychellois culture in just a few hours.

Azour: Can you tell us more about the exhibition booth?

Sheena Labonte: We designed the booth to feel like a mini trip to Seychelles. It’s not just posters on a wall—we’ve made it colorful, welcoming, and easy to explore. We’ll be there to chat, explain things, and share fun facts and stories about our home.

It’s a space for curiosity, especially for students who may have never even heard of Seychelles. We want everyone who visits to feel the vibe and leave knowing just a little more about where we come from.

Azour: What kind of visuals and materials will be showcased?

Sheena Labonte: There’s a wide range of visuals celebrating the beauty and identity of Seychelles. We’ve included displays of the main islands—Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, and Aldabra—and natural attractions like Anse Lazio, Anse Source d’Argent, Ros Sodyer, and various waterfalls.

We’re also showcasing landmarks such as the Clock Tower, State House, and religious sites like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and St. Paul’s Cathedral. And we’ve included everyday items that speak to Seychellois life—Zil Air, Cat Cocos, Air Seychelles, the SEYPEC tanker Seychelles Progress, Takamaka Rum, Seychelles Breweries, and SeyPearl.

There’ll even be familiar products like Indian Ocean Tuna cans, SeyTe, Soleil tomato sauce, and friyapen chips. We’ll also play short videos to help people get a real sense of our landscape, lifestyle, and rhythm. All of this comes together to give people a deeper connection to Seychelles.

Azour: Who is Sheena Labonte, and what inspired her to create the Sunway Seychelles Society?

Sheena Labonte: I’m a Seychellois student studying Computer Networking and Security here at Sunway. I grew up on Mahé with my parents and two sisters, surrounded by music, dance, and the warmth of our culture. I’ve always had a love for traditional Seychellois music—it keeps me grounded and helps me stay connected to my roots.

Starting the society came from that same desire—for Seychellois students to feel seen and have a space to celebrate who we are. But what surprised me was how much I learned while preparing for the event. I discovered things about my own country I hadn’t known before, and it made me appreciate Seychelles on a whole new level.

One moment that stood out was meeting a student who was born in Seychelles but raised abroad. They told me how much they wanted to reconnect with their roots. That’s when I realized—this isn’t just about sharing our culture with others. It’s about helping us reconnect, learn, and feel proud of who we are.

Azour: How many members are currently in the Seychelles Society?

Sheena Labonte: Right now, we’re still a small group. There are a few Seychellois students at Sunway, and we’re gradually bringing more people in. As of now, we have 15 members.

Azour: Why did you include a quiz about Seychelles, and what kind of questions can people expect?

Sheena Labonte: We thought a quiz would be a fun and interactive way to educate people about Seychelles. Most students don’t know much about us, so this makes it easier and more engaging than just reading text.

The questions are simple and based on what’s at the booth and in our videos—things like the location of Seychelles, how to say certain Creole words, and even a few traditional riddles. It’s light, fun, and educational. Plus, there’ll be small prizes for those who join in.

Azour: How do sega, kanmtole, and moutya reflect the soul of Seychellois culture?

Sheena Labonte: These dances are a big part of our cultural identity. Sega is joyful and energetic—it makes you want to move and brings people together. Kanmtole is more structured, with a European influence, but it’s still uniquely Creole and filled with nostalgia.

Moutya goes even deeper. It’s emotionally powerful and closely tied to our history. It was a form of expression for our ancestors—a way to share stories and feelings. So these dances are more than entertainment. They carry meaning, memories, and heritage. When we dance them, we’re honoring where we come from.

Closing thoughts
The Sunway Seychelles Society may be small, but its impact is growing. Through culture, connection, and community, students like Sheena Labonte are not only preserving their identity abroad—they’re proudly sharing it with the world.