THE Penang state government continues its commitment to empowering youth talent development through Youth With Rhythm: Rentak Belia Talent Show 2026, a performing arts talent platform that provides youths with opportunities to nurture creativity, build self-confidence, and explore careers in the creative industry.
The programme, organised by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), was launched by state executive councillor for Youth, Sports and Health Daniel Gooi Zi Sen during the Youth With Rhythm: Rentak Belia Talent Show 2026 press conference held at Komtar today.
The programme, organised by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), was launched by state executive councillor for Youth, Sports and Health Daniel Gooi Zi Sen during a press conference held at Komtar today.
Gooi said talent development must continue to be prioritised in tandem with the growth of the creative industry.
“Penang has never been short of talent; what is needed are platforms, opportunities and confidence for them to continue shining,” he said.
“Rentak Belia Talent Show is not merely about producing champions, but about building a generation of youths who are brave enough to create, confident in their own talents and capable of becoming future leaders of Penang’s creative industry.”
Gooi also expressed his appreciation to venue partner Gurney Plaza and strategic partners — the Penang State Education Department (JPNPP), National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Penang, and the Penang State Youth and Sports Department, with the support of the Rakan Muda Unit — for their continued support and cooperation.
He added that the encouraging response towards the 2025 edition has served as a catalyst for improving the competition format this year.”
In the previous edition, the competition received 25 entries involving 31 youths, with 10 finalists advancing to the final stage through performances in music and dance.
For the 2026 edition, the competition introduces a more structured, inclusive and relevant format through three main categories, namely Music, Dance and Open.
The Music and Dance categories are each divided into two subcategories, namely Open and Secondary School, while the Open Category is open to youths aged between 15 and 35.
“This provides opportunities for various forms of creative performing arts beyond music and dance, including monologues, poetry recitations, magic performances and martial arts.
“To broaden participation, the competition will be conducted in two stages, beginning with online auditions through video submissions before 15 finalists are selected to perform live at the final stage,” he added.
Participation is free and open from July 20 to Aug 31 to youths aged between 15 and 35 who were born in or are residing in Penang.
Registration can be made by scanning the QR code provided in the promotional materials or through the official registration link.
Participants only need to complete the required details and upload a performance video of no more than three minutes according to the category entered.
The list of 15 finalists will be announced on Sept 11, before they compete in the Youth With Rhythm: Rentak Belia Talent Show 2026 Final on Oct 17 at the Extension Wing, Gurney Plaza.
Members of the public are invited to attend and show their support for the finalists, with admission free.
A total of RM11,700 in cash prizes will be awarded to winners and finalists, including the introduction of the Rentak Belia Award worth RM1,000 to recognise the most outstanding performance throughout the competition.
The prize breakdown by category is as follows:
- Music – Open
- Champion: RM1,500
- Two consolation prizes: RM500 each individual/group
- Music – Secondary School
- Champion: RM1,000
- Two consolation prizes: RM300 each individual/group
- Dance – Open
- Champion: RM1,500
- Two consolation prizes: RM500 each individual/group
- Dance – Secondary School
- Champion: RM1,000
- Two consolation prizes: RM300 each individual/group
- Open Category
- Champion: RM1,500
- Two consolation prizes: RM500 each individual/group
- Rentak Belia Award
- RM1,000 (one recipient)
Besides cash prizes, all winners and the recipient of the Rentak Belia Award will receive trophies and certificates, while consolation prize recipients will receive certificates and cash prizes.
Also present at the press conference were PYDC general manager Edry Faizal Eddy Yusof, PYDC deputy general manager Ong Ching Shi, Penang State Education Department (Student Talent Development Unit, Student Development Sector) assistant director Muhammad Norikhwan Nordin, Penang State Youth and Sports Department Rakan Muda development officer Abd Hamid Mohd Yassin, National Department for Culture and Ars (JKKN) Penang senior assistant director Zurairi Hanip, JKKN Penang cultural officer Muhammad Nizam Ahmad, Gurney Plaza (CapitaLand Malaysia) assistant MARCOM manager Rachel Kang Jia Ee and executive officer Lim Jing Ru.
For further information, please contact:
Wazir Bakri
Public Relations Officer
Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC)
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 012-557 9281
Pix by Siew Chia En