BOH AWARD REFLECTS ON BEGINNINGS AND STARTS IN THE ARTS
The theme of this year’s 16th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, “Mulanya Di Sini”, inspired by BOH Plantations’ 90th anniversary, reflects on beginnings for the arts
● “Mulanya Di Sini” theme invited Malaysians to contemplate beginnings in conjunction with BOH Plantations 90th anniversary
● The best performing arts productions were honoured with ‘Best of 2018’ Awards and a trip to the Australian Performing Arts Market in 2020
● 20+ Category Awards in Music, Dance, Theatre, and Musical Theatre were given in recognition of excellence in performance and technical production
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 APRIL 2019 — At Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur, BOH Plantations and Kakiseni announced the Recipients of the 16th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (16BCAA), under the theme of “Mulanya Di Sini” as a nostalgic look back at the past and beginnings. Recipients were awarded the coveted ‘Best of 2018 Awards’ and over 20 different ‘Category Awards’ given in recognition of excellence in Music, Dance, Theatre, and Musical Theatre.
“Mulanya Di Sini
This year, in conjunction with BOH Plantations’ 90th anniversary, the theme of the 16BCAA, “Mulanya Di Sini” (Where It All Began), was an invitation to reflect on beginnings while asking the question of how the arts can reach more young people in life-changing ways.
Caroline Russell, Deputy Chairman and CEO of BOH Plantations, said, “It is particularly poignant as BOH celebrates our own beginnings with our Anniversary – 90 Years of Ummph. In 1929, BOH established the country’s first tea garden in Cameron Highlands and since then, we have strived to deliver on our brand promise to offer tea lovers that much-loved Ummph cup of BOH tea.”
But “Mulanya Di Sini” also challenges us to think about how the arts can reach more young people in life-changing ways in the 21st century. Our two Malaysian Gamechangers in the arts – singer-songwriter, Zee Avi, and Malaysian dance pioneer, Professor Dr Joseph Gonzales – both guests of honour at this year’s Awards – weigh in on what steps must be taken to ensure a sustainable future for a new generation of artists.
‘Best of 2018 Awards’
As the Recipients of the ‘Best Of 2018 Awards’, the producers of these outstanding performing arts productions are entitled to exclusive support from Kakiseni including access to Backers Auditions to pitch their shows to prospective sponsors and to be fully-sponsored to attend the Australian Performing Arts Market in 2020.
Voted for by independent panels of Executive and Category Judges, these Recipients have gotten the vote of confidence by veteran practitioners as being performing arts productions of the highest calibre by international standards.
According to Low Ngai Yuen, President of Kakiseni, “The ‘Best Of’ Awards are a mark of achievement by our local performing artists and producers while continuing to raise the bar of excellence for future artists and producers to achieve.
“Last year, we sent the Recipients of the ‘Best of 2017 Awards’ to the Performing Arts Market in Seoul, where they gleaned a wealth of knowledge and connections, and Kakiseni pledges to continue creating more opportunities for Malaysian performing artists to better their craft and move the arts industry forward.”
‘Category Awards’
In addition to the ‘Best of 2018 Awards’ nominations, Kakiseni and BOH Plantations presented the ‘Category Awards’ to individuals or groups in recognition of their excellence in the areas of performance and technical production. The names of the Recipients were a closely guarded secret held by PwC Malaysia, BCAA Ballot Partner, only to be revealed on the Awards Night itself. The Recipients of these Awards received a commemorative trophy in addition to a RM1,000 cash prize.
“The quality of talent from our local performers never ceases to amaze us. As Ballot Partner, we hope the Awards will continue to inspire more Malaysian artistes to strive towards excellence,” says Hew Chooi Yoke, Assurance Partner, PwC Malaysia.
Caroline Russell added, “The BOH Cameronian Arts Awards is pleased to pay tribute to the beginnings of performing artists who have made their mark in the industry. We are also eager to see young talent follow suit and take the performing arts industry ever higher. The BOH Cameronian Arts Awards serves as a platform to nurture the arts, drive excellence and recognise talent.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the Nominees, artists and show producers who have excelled in their craft. We look forward to seeing more inspiring talent on stage as we encourage artists to journey on in their pursuit of the arts.”
MPH Promotion
Additionally, MPH Bookstores will be having a limited-time promotion to commemorate this year’s Awards. When you purchase a copy of “The Girl Who Loves To Dance” or “Shadows”, two children’s book titles co-published by Kakiseni and MPH Publishing, you are entitled to redeem ONE Limited Edition BOH Cameronian Gold Blend Canister for free. This offer is valid from 1 May till 31 July 2019 at selected MPH stores.
The BOH Cameronian Arts Awards is proudly endorsed by The National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia and supported by our valued partners at BOH Plantations, PwC Malaysia and Capri Communications.
Stay in touch by following @kakiseni on Twitter and Instagram or @mykakiseni on Facebook and join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #16BCAA.