GEORGE TOWN – Although the Covid-19 pandemic has put a pause on entertainment projects, with little to no live musical performances in the past year, Penang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee believes that the state must still invest in its talent pool.
“We know dancers and musicians are badly affected during this time,” he told a press conference yesterday.
“There is no place to perform, except online. There are no events, dinners or functions where they (talent) can perform.
“However, if we don’t focus on cultivating their talent now, we will not have them in 10 years’ time.
“And we may have to import talent from other countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, and even from Europe.”
Performing arts is just as important as other sectors, like business, engineering and medicine, on which youth put their focus, he added.
“Investing in performing arts isn’t just about putting on a show; it is also to communicate culture.
“That is why two months ago, the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) held a discussion with the Penang House of Music (PHoM) to figure out a way to use the corporation’s performing space to promote youth talent.”
Soon said a suitable platform must be made available to support these talent, and make the public aware of and appreciate their presence.
“We want to make them popular. In the future, they may be hired to perform at events, pursue a career as artists and may even get recognised worldwide.”
PHoM is a government-funded agency based at the Komtar Tower here, and is an interactive gallery showcasing the musical heritage and cultural diversity in Penang.
According to Soon, youth can use PYDC’s Facebook page to stream their live performances.
“Currently, we do not have a platform for them to perform on, and be recognised and hired.
“We are looking forward to this initiative and hope that by next month or July, we will be able to sign a memorandum of understanding with PHoM.”
PYDC has launched a talent hunt for an online presentation in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, dubbed the “Youth with Rhythm – Raya Edition”.
The corporation is reaching out to youth who want to display their skills in dance, music or other types of performing arts.
The two-hour virtual event will be aired live on PYDC’s Facebook page at 10.30am on May 16.
The audience and participants can also enter a lucky draw, with cash prizes, food vouchers and other mystery gifts up for grabs.
Those interested are encouraged to send in their performance clips to be selected. If chosen, they will perform at the live show, where boria group Omara Boria will be featured as a guest performer.
Boria is a performance popular in Malaysia’s northern states, especially Penang. There are two segments, namely acting (comedy) and singing.
Boria groups are traditionally made up of men, but Omara Boria members are mostly women.
The Youth with Rhythm programme is in its fourth installation, following its successful staging during this year’s New Year’s eve, Chinese New Year and Chap Goh Meh. – The Vibes, May 8, 2021
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