MUST to hold annual cultural and research innovation festival

By Dalitso Kampira

The Malawi University of Science and Technology will host annual Cultural and Research Innovation Festival through its Bingu School of Culture and Heritage on October 4-5 this year, as one way of preserving culture and fostering development in Malawi.

The event will attract more exhibitors this year- Mkochi PIC Dalitso Kampira

This was disclosed during a Press Briefing on Wednesday, ahead of the festival to be held at the school premises this month.

MUST Executive Dean for Bingu School of Culture and Heritage, Dr Atikonda Mtenje_Mkochi said the country is at space of heading to developing agenda 2023 through cultural and creative industry.

"The innovations act to synergy culture and science. The development of the nation currently relies on cultural and creative industry hence the need of more innovators and exhibitors," she said.

She said the festival is therefore one way of showing how cultural enterprises can contribute to the development of Malawi.

Mkochi said the school, has invited partners from within and outside Thyolo district and other different Universities to participate in the event.

"We will engage innovators and exhibitors to showcase different innovations, displays and just to mention a few. For symposium we have invited students from KUHES and CUNIMA", said Mkochi.

Technology Transfer Officer under Director of Research and Outreach, Zalerapi Chirwa Mhango said the event is very crucial saying every society is recognized by its culture, name and religion and hence the University targeting on same issues too.

"As you know MUST is a University of People. We are targeting a lot of people to patronize this event. The population of the country comprises of a lot of young people hence considering them to be promoted and supported with readily available materials to create jobs and industries through their skills," she added.

She said the festival is targeting areas of Agriculture, Medicine, Climate change and natural resources.

The theme for this year’s event is " Culture a "NICHE" for Technology and innovation development" and will attract Jetu as guest artist, among other artists to perform.