THE ‘Merdeka Talent Show’ returns this year to bring more young talents to the limelight after its tremendous success last year.
It is organised by Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) together with its collaborative partner, DVOL Dance Studio.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling said the programme, which is part of the ‘Youth With Rhythm’ initiative, would help to unleash youth’s talents in various fields of art.
“It includes dancing, singing, stand-up comedy, roleplay, monologue, music performance or any unusual talents.
“The show is open to youths aged between 15 and 35, and must be a Penangite or have resided in Penang for more than three years,” said Dr Gwee during a press conference held at the PYDC centre today.
Dr Gwee said participants need to upload the video (1- 2 minutes) into Google Drive and then share the link when registering.
“The videos will be evaluated by judges who are experts in their respective fields.
“A total of 15 finalists will then be selected to perform live during the award ceremony on Oct 15,” she added.
Registration can be done online via the link https://tinyurl.com/3hmxnv9c or by scanning the OR code on the Merdeka Talent Show 2022 poster.
The participants can start sending their videos from today until Aug 20 (11.59 pm). The announcement of the top 15 will be made on Sept 1.
Registration fee for individual is RM25 while for group is RM50.
It is learned that school students (individuals and group) will be given a fee waiver with terms and conditions applied.
Meanwhile, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said PYDC has also launched two other platforms, namely ‘Open Mic’ and ‘Pencarian Bakat Belia Pulau Pinang Rhythm’ earlier.
He said the two platforms provide youths the opportunities to showcase their talents at state programmes as well as private events.
“I was delighted to see two youth singers, Avinaash Chandra and Marcus Lim, performing at the state government’s dinner event recently.
“We want to discover new talents here in Penang. The ‘Merdeka Talent Show 2022’ is open to all kinds of talents.
“So, I urge the young people in Penang to come and show their ability and unique talents,” Soon added.
For further enquiries please log onto https://pydc.com.my/en/ or contact PYDC’s programme executive Wazir Bakri at 012-557 9281 or PYDC deputy general manager Ng Hooi Ting at 012-954 2635.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis