Kuala Lumpur’s patrons of the arts came together in droves on Saturday to support The Royal Arts Gala, an annual and significant evening masterminded by My Performing Arts Agency (MyPAA) in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), to celebrate Malaysia’s performing arts and culture, as well as to raise funds to energise collaborative partnerships for new creative and arts ventures in Malaysia.
Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, The Royal Medallion – Creative (Anugerah Tokoh Seni Kreatif) recipient and Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin representing Yayasan Sime Darby, the recipient of the Royal Medallion – Corporate (Anugerah Tokoh Seni Korporat)
The prestigious gala is part of the Economic Transformation Programme, was graced by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and YBhg. Datuk Dr. Ong Hong Peng, Secretary General of MOTAC.
Brian Johnson Lowe, Director of My Performing Arts Agency (MyPAA) and Izan Satrina, Director and Founder of MyPAA
During the evening, YBhg. Datuk Ramli Ibrahim of Sutra Foundation was bestowed with a Royal Medallion – Creative (Anugerah Tokoh Seni Kreatif) and Yayasan Sime Darby was bestowed with a Royal Medallion – Corporate (Anugerah Tokoh Seni Korporat) for their significant contributions to the performing arts. The guests were also enthralled by a 55-minute Royal Showcase, named Mimpi Artilla directed by Adlin Aman Ramlie and starred Ezlynn, Tony Eusoff and Adibah Noor.
“After collating all nominations from the public, a committee made up of key players from the industry congregated to review all the submissions. Although we had nominees who were really influential in the arts and culture scene of Malaysia, it is without a doubt that both Datuk Ramli and Yayasan Sime Darby are the most deserving for this year’s Royal Medallions. Datuk Ramli has really broken down cultural barriers by being a non-Indian who has mastered classical Indian dance and has made the country proud by touring the world representing the unique cultural harmony our country is blessed with. Yayasan Sime Darby on the other hand, has really given ‘life’ to a number of parties – Malaysian dancers are still continuing to realize their dreams as in the case of Aswara Dance Company and performers still have a chance to display their talents at the KL Performing Arts Centre thanks to their support,”
YBhg. Datuk Norliza
Mimpi Artilla starred Ezlynn, famous for her chart topping hit “Hi Hi Bye Bye,” Tony Eusoff, Malaysia’s musical theatre heartthrob and Adibah Noor, multi-talented and award-winning performer. The musical was written and directed by the acclaimed Adlin Aman Ramlie, renowned for his works in Puteri Gunung Ledang the movie, Akademi Fantasia, Maharaja Lawak Mega, Uda dan Dara, Puteri Gunung Ledang the Musical and P.Ramlee the Musical amongst others. Music of the night was composed by Onn San, award-winning composer and orchestrator, whose works include The Secret Life of Nora and Everworld.
The royal showcase also featured amazing choreography created by ASWARA Dance Company’s Fairul Zahid that was performed by members of ASWARA Dance Company, The Temple of Fine Arts and JKKN Cultural Group, as well as Suhaili Micheline, S.K. Taman Setiawangsa and many more. Other creative heads included Tunku Tommy Mansur as Artistic Director and Melissa Teoh as Production Manager.