PENANG youth are being given the opportunity to showcase their talents or uniqueness following the launching of the ‘Youth with Rhythm: Merdeka Talent Show 2021’ by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) today.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling said those aged 15 to 35 could showcase any kind of performing art in the talent show, such as dancing, singing, stand-up comedian, roleplay, monologue, music performance or any other creative performances.
PYDC is organising the event in collaboration with DVOL Dance Studio.
“The entertainment industry is slowly dying due to the current Covid-19 situation; therefore, PYDC stands in the gap to try and bring back hope for the young who want to venture into this industry.
“PYDC wants to encourage our local talents to stay energetic, positive and never give up during this time of the pandemic.
“We hope this opportunity will help at least motivate young performers to perform with flair and enhance their talents, perhaps even be an asset in the performing arts industry,” Gwee said in her speech at the virtual launching of the ‘Youth with Rhythm: Merdeka Talent Show 2021’ today.
Under the ‘Youth with Rhythm’ initiative, she said PYDC had conducted several live stream events as a platform for local Penang young performers to showcase their talent on screen.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee commended PYDC for taking the initiative to kick start a talent show in Penang, especially for the youth talents.
“The art industry has been hit badly during this pandemic. Art practitioners in Penang have received a series of cancellation of shows and exhibitions, thus affecting them financially.
“The Penang government is taking the development of young talents very seriously. This talent show is another step by the state government in boosting the young talents whilst reviving the society from the financial difficulties caused by the pandemic,” Soon said.
Also taking part in the online launching of the event were PYDC deputy general manager Ng Hooi Ting, DVOL Dance Studio founder Yeoh Yang Fei and PYDC communication executive officer Ryan Brendon Joseph.
The competition will take place from Aug 10 to Sept 10. Up for grabs is a total of RM16,500 worth of prizes for the top 15 videos. All the top 15 winners have to go through a final audition round to perform live either physically or virtually, depending on the situation.
The champion will receive RM1,000 + Ipad Air 256gb worth RM4,200; the first runner-up RM800 + Ipad 128gb worth RM3,200; the second runner-up RM500 plus Redmi Note10 pro +Xiaomi Mi Watch worth RM2,000; Consolation x 12 Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite + Mi true wireless earbuds basic 2 worth RM500.
For more details, kindly scan the QR code provided on the poster or click on the link https://bit.ly/3isN70S
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis and courtesy of PYDC