Arts can drive Malaysia's progress with collective support, say industry leaders

The Star

02-07-2025

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's rich and diverse arts have the potential to drive both economic and social progress, but only with the support of all stakeholders, according to leading figures in the local arts industry.
Award-winning producer and director Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina Eu Effendi noted that local leaders have become disconnected from the vital role art can play in nation-building, focusing solely on its financial benefits.
She pointed out that having a creative idea alone is no longer sufficient for potential artists. Increasingly complicated demands from stakeholders are hindering the creative process, making it difficult for new artists to succeed.
Such demands include optimising airtime and heavily pushing for media publicity to increase profitability, instead of focusing on the creative value of an idea itself, Tiara said.
"Art is not just a business for providing entertainment but a platform to create meaning and our national identity, shaping how people feel, remember, and connect with Malaysia.
"If we want the arts to thrive, we need to recognise it as a key part of our national development, which can serve as a catalyst for driving unity and innovation," she said during a Merdeka Award Talk Series panel discussion on Wednesday (July 7).
To achieve this, she said, it requires everyone, including the artists themselves, to support the art sector.
"Artists must lead with truth in their works and not mislead the people, while business leaders must invest in art with a vision of how they want our country to be.
"Policymakers must strive to build systems that allow arts to flourish without being tied down by red tape, and the people must show support for local artists whenever possible," she added.
She also stressed that this widespread support must be maintained to ensure sustainable success, as reigniting a completely dead art sector would be nearly impossible.
Legendary choreographer and Indian classical dancer Datuk Ramli Ibrahim urged fellow artists to focus on their art's ability to invoke societal change instead of profits.
"Truly successful art is not only about profits generated or how many people view your art on social media, but on how it benefits the nation and the people.
"We must remember that our arts and culture define our national human development and distinguish us as a civilization," he said during the panel discussion.
Ramli also criticised those who use Malaysia's unique cultural diversity in arts to stoke conflict, adding that the disconnect between artists, academia, and bureaucrats has worsened recently.
He said this had led to many becoming desensitised to the arts.
Renowned Malaysian designer Datuk Seri Bernard Chandran encouraged budding artists in the industry to lead by example through creative consistency.
"Creativity is all about problem solving, and if you're passionate about something, the freedom of creative arts will allow you to showcase that as long as you try.
"No matter what, being consistent with your creative style will be the most important trait to have above all else if you want to succeed, as eventually your time will come," he said in the panel discussion.
Themed "Profit Meets Performance: When Arts Means Business," the first Merdeka Award Talk Series 2025 focused on how creativity drives commerce and how arts can thrive as a sustainable, impactful industry.
The event brought together over 200 key stakeholders in the art sector, including arts practitioners, business leaders, government representatives, corporate foundations, and many others.