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The digitalisation of cultural heritage is increasingly recognised as a strategy for empowering education and strengthening the social sciences in the pursuit of sustainable development. This paper examines the digitalisation of Zapin, a traditional Malay dance originating from Johor, Malaysia, as a case study for cultural preservation, global competitiveness, and local impact. Anchored in Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA), Appraisal Theory, and social capital theory, the study explores how visual, gestural, and auditory features of Zapin, alongside audience evaluative attitudes (Affect, Judgement, Appreciation), shape intercultural reception. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 100 international students (2022–2024) who experienced both live and digital Zapin performances. Findings demonstrate that digitalisation enhances accessibility and intercultural dialogue, while raising questions of authenticity. Crucially, Zapin digitalisation fosters bonding capital within Malay communities, bridging capital across cultural groups, and linking capital between local traditions and global institutions. The study highlights how integrating cultural heritage into education and social sciences contributes to sustainable development (SDG 11), strengthens Malaysia’s cultural competitiveness, and reinforces local identity and pride. The paper argues that digitalising Zapin demonstrates how education and the social sciences can empower societies to balance cultural continuity with global innovation.
