IN a bid to elevate the cultural landscape of Malaysia, the highly anticipated “33rd Emico Cup Mandarin Language Drama Competition for Malaysian Secondary Schools” has commenced its registration process.
Wong Hon Wai, the state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, announced that secondary schools are now welcome to submit their entries for the contest. The event is scheduled to take place at the Dewan Sri Pinang on Sept 21, starting at 9am.
“This competition aims to promote and enrich theatrical cultural activities, advocate for wholesome forms of entertainment, and encourage creative and cultural exchanges among schools nationwide.
“In theatrical performances, it is not only the outstanding actors on stage that are vital, but also the backstage crew who play equally crucial roles. Therefore, all members of the teams participating in this drama competition, including both the backstage staff and actors, must be enrolled students of the participating schools.
“Through theatrical performances, students not only develop their expressive abilities but also cultivate a fervent interest and passion for the arts,” Wong said during a press conference at Komtar today.
Due to limited capacity, only 15 teams will be accepted for registration in the competition. Secondary schools are encouraged to submit their entries early, with each school limited to sending only one team.
Wong said participating teams from Penang will receive RM300 in sponsorship while teams from other states will receive RM600.
Registration, which started on March 20, will close on June 15.
The competition is organised by the Pertubuhan Budidaya Cemerlang Pulau Pinang, with the cooperation of the Majlis Pengetua Sekolah-Sekolah Menengah Conforming Malaysia, the Pertubuhan Teater Mandarin Pulau Pinang and the Penang United Youth Movement of Malaysia (GBBM). Additionally, it is supported by the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE).
Established by the late Teoh Cheng Jin in 1989, the Emico Malaysian Secondary Schools Mandarin Language Drama Competition was suspended for three years during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was then resumed last year.
Teams wishing to register for the competition are kindly requested to complete the registration form via the following link: https://forms.gle/w2Qnk3WAi8CY3pMVA
For further details, teams can get in touch with Mr. Khoo Boo Chye (013-4063299).
Story by Nurul Hawa Farahin Hameddy
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad