GEORGE TOWN, October 16 – The National Department for Culture and Arts of Penang, in collaboration with Perdasama Penang, is organizing the “Enhancing Arts and Culture: Let’s Come Together @JKKN Penang” program from September 1st to 3rd, 2023, and from September 8th to 10th, 2023, at the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Complex in Penang. The Enriching Arts and Culture program serves as a primary platform for promoting and enhancing public awareness and knowledge of the importance of cultural arts in daily life through various programs held at each state’s JKKN complex.

In addition to Penang, this program will be expanded to 11 JKKN complexes throughout the country, excluding Selangor, Johor, and Sarawak, which do not yet have their own complexes. The program aims to revitalize the JKKN Complex as a Center of Excellence for arts, culture, and heritage, producing more experts in related fields. This complex also serves as a reference and research center for producing creative, innovative, high-quality, and prestigious works. The 2023 Arts and Culture Enrichment program is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) and the State Government to preserve and rejuvenate the aesthetic heritage of the state, encompassing various aspects.

Through this program, they also hope to contribute to the economic development of Penang by emphasizing cultural art products. The Arts and Culture Enrichment program, centered on JKKN complexes nationwide, will provide opportunities and spaces for artists at all levels to work. This program will also serve as a foundation for bringing cultural arts closer to the local leaders in realizing the MADANI philosophy inspired by the unity government. Through this program, the department hopes to realize the country’s aspiration to elevate suitable cultural heritage assets through national and international recognition.

This effort is crucial to ensure the continuity, uniqueness, and authenticity inherited in line with the National Culture Policy (DAKEN). Among the interesting activities arranged during the two-week program are the “Battle of The Band” competition, Malaysian Rhythm Singing Competition, P. Ramlee & Saloma Karaoke Competition, Little Kebaya Competition, Kebaya Queen and Chombie Queen, National Independence Pantun Final Competition (in collaboration with the Penang Writers Association), Beautiful Attire and Kris Competition (in collaboration with the Penang Nusantara Heritage Association).

The program will also feature demonstrations of traditional games by students and lecturers from USM’s Local Wisdom, arts market, traditional food, multi-ethnic performances, Boria performances, the Semerah Padi Silat Village, Buskers performances, fitness sessions with Zumba and Zafina Fitness groups, an Art Guidance Program Appreciation Ceremony, Teochew Opera performance, and the musical theater performance “Tanya Sama Hati” by P. Ramlee, a Kebaya Exhibition from the Penang Craft Development Board, and an Interactive Exhibition “Kebaya On The Go” by the International Cultural Relations Division, Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC).

To conclude the Arts and Culture Enrichment Program, the closing ceremony will be officiated by YB Haji Rashidi Bin Zinol, EXCO for Trade, Entrepreneurship, and Rural Development. The ceremony will also feature the presentation of the Penang State Arts and Culture Figure Award 2023 to notable figures in various categories:

  1. Penang State Arts and Culture Figure Award 2023
    • Name: CHE MAT BIN JUSOH
    • Field: Traditional Music
  2. Arts Supporter Award (NGO)
    • Name: GOH HOOI LING
    • Field: Traditional Theater, Teochew Puppet & Opera House
  3. Arts Supporter Award (Media)
    • Name: MUHAMMAD MIKAIL ONG BIN ABDULLAH
    • Field: Journalist and Photographer
    • Organization: NEW STRAITS TIMES (NSTP)
  4. Cultural Promoter Award
    • Name: WAK LONG MUSIC & ART CENTER
    • Field: Traditional Music
  5. Young Icon Award
    • Name: ADRIANA AZZARA BINTI MOHD RIZAL
    • Field: Vocal and Dance Art
  6. Cultural Pioneer Award
    • Name: VEERA BIN MASTURA
    • Field: Theater Arts
  7. Sustainable Arts Award
    • Name: PRAKASH RAO A/L K. BEEMA RAO
    • Field: Dance Art
  8. Artistic Image Award
    • Name: JAMEL BIN ABDUL KARIM@ ABDUL RAHIM
    • Field: Dance Art
  9. Artistic Charisma Award
    • Name: WILLIAM H’NG CHEE LOON
    • Field: Music

 

Program to Enrich National Arts and Culture at JKKN Penang Complex – Pocket News