Brendan Dunne - Author at Complex & Sole Collector, Co-host at Full Size Run Show
Matt Welty - Author at Complex, Co-host at Full Size Run Show
Charles Basa - Author at Snkrdunk
The heartbeat of sneaker culture throbbed stronger than ever on the weekend of October 7-8, 2023, as SneakerLAH 2023 unrolled its vibrant carpet to local 'Sneakerheads' - sneaker aficionados, streetwear enthusiasts, and urban culture mavens.
The essence of SneakerLAH is encapsulated in its name; ‘LAH’ is more than just a colloquial term — it’s a linguistic thread that weaves through the social fabric of Malaysia. Since its advent in 2015, SneakerLAH has been more than just a convention — it’s a congregation of like-minded souls, a haven where the language of sneakers transcends verbal communication.
This year, the whispers among the attendees carried a note of anticipation, not just for the dazzling array of sneakers on display but for something that carried the promise of a deeper dive into sneaker culture. Limkokwing University stirred the waters with a tantalising announcement about Malaysia’s first Sneaker Culture short course. The mere mention of such an academic endeavour sent excitement through the convention floor. The course is seen as a stepping stone, a platform that promises to elevate the youth’s appreciation and understanding of sneaker culture to academic heights.
The convention was a melting pot of styles, with each attendee a splash of unique colour on the vast canvas. Ahmad Saiful Amirin Abu Bakar, a self-proclaimed sneakerhead scoring a perfect ten on the sneaker enthusiasm scale, reminisced about his love for sneakers tracing back to childhood, stating, “It’s more like childhood…From childhood, yes.” Yet, despite his passion, his current job commitments made him hesitant about enrolling in the upcoming course.
Alan Durairaj’s enthusiasm was palpable as he discussed the potential of the course. “I think it’s a brilliant idea. I think it’s super cool for the culture here to build it up. I might sign up as well, you know, considering I need to learn about sneakers,” he mused, reflecting the eagerness among attendees to delve deeper into the sneaker realm.
The international allure of SneakerLAH was evident as sneaker pundits like Brendan Dunne and Matt Welty weighed in on the importance of nurturing a diverse sneaker culture. Dunne emphasised, “Local talent is always important to highlight, especially in Malaysia, because you need to have diverse versions of sneaker culture, not some big homogenous thing where everybody likes the same stuff.”
Paul Perkins, an entrepreneur from Columbus, Ohio, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of platforms like SneakerLAH in nurturing local talent. “Aren’t we all local artists?...So that’s why these platforms are so important,” he reflected, underscoring the global potential residing within local talent.
Charles Basa, a writer for SNKRDUNK from Singapore, marvelled at the idea of formalising street culture education. He foresaw the initiative as a launchpad for local talents, asserting, “If you don’t support local talent, who else will?”
As a pioneer in innovative, creative education, Limkokwing University has always been attuned to the pulses of global trends and the ever-evolving interests of its diverse student body. The announcement at SneakerLAH 2023 encapsulates the university’s ethos of staying at the forefront of industry advancements and encapsulating a global culture within its academic realm. By teasing the inception of a Sneaker Culture short course, Limkokwing University is not just offering a glimpse into a structured exploration of sneaker culture but is also reaffirming its commitment to fostering a learning environment that is contemporary, relevant, and resonant with the global currents of creativity and design. The university’s initiative is a bold stride towards intertwining local culture with global trends, ensuring that its academic experience is as dynamic, multifaceted, and up-to-date as the fast-paced world of sneakers and streetwear.
The announcement by Limkokwing University served as a sign of exciting times ahead, subtly promising a structured exploration of sneaker culture. SneakerLAH 2023 was more than a convention; it was a prologue to an enriching narrative that aims to script the future of sneaker culture in Malaysia, fueled by education, passion, and the unyielding spirit of the local sneaker community. Through this endeavour, Limkokwing University is not just keeping pace with the industry but is also nurturing a space where the love for sneakers can transcend casual discourse and evolve into a profound academic exploration, thereby contributing to the global dialogue surrounding sneaker culture.
The much-anticipated Sneaker Culture short course at Limkokwing University is set to be officially announced soon, promising to delve into the intricacies and trends of sneaker culture. Keep a close eye on this page to stay updated on this exciting academic venture. Additionally, subscribing to Limkokwing University’s Facebook and Instagram pages will ensure you don’t miss out on any announcements and get all the latest information right at your fingertips.
