Build the Higher-Level Art Discipline from Malaysia Inherent Aesthetic Resource

Abstract

This paper explores the strategic construction of a higher-level art discipline in Malaysia, grounded in the country's rich and diverse inherent aesthetic resources. Drawing upon the multicultural heritage of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, the study examines key art forms such as batik, wood carving, and traditional dance, analyzing their symbolic languages, aesthetic systems, and pedagogical potential. It argues that these local forms are not merely cultural artifacts, but sophisticated visual and performative epistemologies capable of informing contemporary art education and theory. Through critical analysis of current limitations — including the marginalization of art in higher education, blurred disciplinary boundaries, and the lack of international frameworks for expressing indigenous aesthetics — the paper highlights the urgency of reform. It proposes multi-dimensional strategies: reconstructing theory with a balance between localization and globalization, integrating ethnic aesthetics into curricula, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting practice-based research. Policy recommendations are also offered, emphasizing institutional reform, increased funding, and cultural partnerships. Ultimately, the paper asserts that a Malaysian-centered art discipline, rooted in local aesthetic philosophies yet responsive to global discourse, can serve as both an academic and cultural project. It envisions a future in which Malaysia's art education not only preserves heritage but also contributes critically to international artistic and intellectual conversations.