– Though a newcomer as a sponsor in the arts and culture scene, Yayasan Sime Darby's (YSD)’s efforts to sponsor up and coming Malaysian artistes and their productions has paid off.
Yao Lee - The Legendary Rose Musical, by Han Production, emerged as the winner for several categories namely Best Set Design, Best Sound Design and Best Lighting Design in the Technical Awards category of the 10th Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2013.
Yao Lee – The Legendary Rose Musical also received eight nominations for Best Choreographer, Best Original Book/Lyrics, Best Musical Direction, Best Lighting Design, Best Direction, Best Set Design, Best Sound Design and, Best Costume Design and Makeup.
The winners received cash prizes of RM1,000 and a Royal Selangor pewter trophy designed by Malaysia's leading young contemporary sculptor Muthalib Musa.
“This is a very exciting moment for the foundation as well as our beneficiaries. The Boh Cameronian Arts Awards is a prestigious event and the recognition they have bestowed on the two productions tonight makes us proud as our support has in some small way, provided them with the means to perform to the best of their creative abilities. As collaborators, this occasion also has a very significant meaning for us,” said YSD governing council member Datuk Adeline Leong.
“With our continuous support for the performing arts, we hope to cultivate good working relationships with local homegrown productions and talents in transforming Malaysia as a creative hub rich in cultural and content creation.”
Yao Lee – The Legendary Rose Musical was an inaugural production initiative celebrating the uniqueness, breadth and diversity of one of the most memorable singers from China. Yao Lee, who is the original singer of the classic song "Rose, Rose I Love You", is also among the few original groundbreakers who paved the way in popularising Chinese music.
YSD provided a sponsorship of RM100,000 towards the production, which was performed from 21 June to 1 July at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), and attended by Yao Lee, the 92 year old legend herself.
“Honestly, we had no great expectations. For us, victory has always been to be able to put on a successful show for the audience. The winning definitely serves as an encouragement to keep us going and achieving greater heights in our career.” said Yang Wei Han, the brainchild behind the musical.
“We also like to express our gratitude to the main sponsor, YSD and all other sponsors who made our dream come true. Without their support, the local arts scene would still be lagging and would have never reached this far.”
Founded by Kakiseni, Malaysia’s online website dedicated to the arts, the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards is the only awards which judges “live” music, dance, theatre and musical theatre in Malaysia.
Last May, YSD bagged the inaugural Distinguished Patron of the Arts Award at the 9th Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2012. The award was given in recognition of YSD’s contribution towards the arts scene.
YSD is supportive of the development of a vibrant arts community in Malaysia’s multicultural society including projects and activities in the visual arts, music, theatre, cinema and dance. YSD has sponsored initiatives aimed at strengthening arts institutions and developing cultural knowledge and resources and also encourages contributions of artistes to the richness of a cultural heritage and legacy that is uniquely Malaysian.
YSD has been actively supporting the arts since 2009, and to date has provided funds to various local artistes and productions amounting to over RM2.1 million.
