What does it take to keep the arts alive? For the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), it means constant innovation, collaboration, and a touch of magic. Their latest effort, Laugh, Love, Give with Harith & Friends, is a fundraising variety show aimed at supporting the centre’s mission as it heads into its 20th anniversary. We’re joined by Artistic Director and Co-Founder Joe Hasham and Group General Manager Ian Chow to explore the challenges of sustaining the arts, the importance of this event, and their vision for the future of performing arts in Malaysia.

What does it take to keep the arts alive? For the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), it means constant innovation, collaboration, and a touch of magic. Their latest effort, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/klpacfundraiser">Laugh, Love, Give with Harith &amp; Friends</a>, is a fundraising variety show aimed at supporting the centre’s mission as it heads into its 20th anniversary. We’re joined by Artistic Director and Co-Founder Joe Hasham and Group General Manager Ian Chow to explore the challenges of sustaining the arts, the importance of this event, and their vision for the future of performing arts in Malaysia.

Don’t be afraid of the arts. You too can enjoy it! Don't believe us? Tune in to Front Row to find out about the best shows and exhibitions that will recharge your brain and restore your spirit, as told by the producers, performers and artists themselves.

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Laugh, Love, Give with Harith & Friends

The 1990s in Kuala Lumpur were marked by rapid urbanisation, economic growth, and a wave of national pride. Beneath this optimism, however, a dynamic counterculture was brewing—a movement that embraced parody, play, and artistic experimentation to challenge mainstream narratives and authority. Boom Boom Bang: Play and Parody in 1990s KL, now on display at ILHAM Gallery, captures this transformative period through art, performance, and archival materials. We speak to co-curators Rahel Joseph and Simon Soon about the exhibition’s themes, highlights, and the enduring impact of KL’s 1990s art scene.



Image credit: Ilham Gallery

The 1990s in Kuala Lumpur were marked by rapid urbanisation, economic growth, and a wave of national pride. Beneath this optimism, however, a dynamic counterculture was brewing—a movement that embraced parody, play, and artistic experimentation to challenge mainstream narratives and authority. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.ilhamgallery.com/exhibitions/boom-boom-bang/">Boom Boom Bang: Play and Parody in 1990s KL</a>, now on display at ILHAM Gallery, captures this transformative period through art, performance, and archival materials. We speak to co-curators Rahel Joseph and Simon Soon about the exhibition’s themes, highlights, and the enduring impact of KL’s 1990s art scene.Image credit: Ilham Gallery

Boom Boom Bang: Play and Parody in 1990s KL

The holidays are almost here, a time for joy, reflection, and giving back. This year, Holly Jolly Holidays, presented by The Philharmonic Society of Selangor or “The Phil”, brings all three together in a spectacular concert that also supports the work of The National Autism Society of Malaysia. We speak to Brenda James, the Chairperson of  The Philharmonic Society of Selangor, and Cason Ong, the Secretary of the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), to find out all about this festive concert that not only celebrates the season with beautiful choral performances, but also supports a meaningful cause close to many hearts.

The holidays are almost here, a time for joy, reflection, and giving back. This year, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/holly-jolly-holidays">Holly Jolly Holidays</a>, presented by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.thephil.org.my/">The Philharmonic Society of Selangor</a> or “The Phil”, brings all three together in a spectacular concert that also supports the work of The National Autism Society of Malaysia. We speak to Brenda James, the Chairperson of&nbsp; The Philharmonic Society of Selangor, and Cason Ong, the Secretary of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nasom.org.my/">National Autism Society of Malaysia</a> (NASOM), to find out all about this festive concert that not only celebrates the season with beautiful choral performances, but also supports a meaningful cause close to many hearts.

Holly Jolly Holidays - A festive season concert in support of NASOM

When Double Punctum first premiered a decade ago, it marked a groundbreaking moment in the Malaysian performing arts scene by blending photography, theatre, and dance. Now, under the guidance of director Loh Kok Man from Pentas Project, the production returns with a restructured version of its 'White Paper' segment, bringing new life to the original vision. We speak to dancers and performers Ming Low and JS Wong, to discuss the creative process behind this new iteration, how their performances have evolved over the years, and what audiences can expect from this powerful, multidisciplinary performance.



Image credit: Pentas Project

When <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/double-punctum">Double Punctum</a> first premiered a decade ago, it marked a groundbreaking moment in the Malaysian performing arts scene by blending photography, theatre, and dance. Now, under the guidance of director Loh Kok Man from Pentas Project, the production returns with a restructured version of its 'White Paper' segment, bringing new life to the original vision. We speak to dancers and performers Ming Low and JS Wong, to discuss the creative process behind this new iteration, how their performances have evolved over the years, and what audiences can expect from this powerful, multidisciplinary performance.Image credit: Pentas Project

Laugh, Love, Give with Harith & Friends

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