Ilham Seni Diraja Brings New Hope To B40 Students

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Adi Shah Putra Noor Izwan previously spent much of his free time playing on his mobile phone for hours, but that routine has now changed after he was selected to participate in the Ilham Seni Diraja programme, opening a new chapter in his life.

Excited to be part of the programme, initiated by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, the Form Two student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Desa Petaling described the opportunity as a platform to develop his interest in singing, under the guidance of professional instructors.

Expressing gratitude for being selected from among 200 students for the pilot project, the 14-year-old said that his participation in the programme has enabled him to learn vocal techniques not offered in school, free of charge, while also helping to boost his self-confidence.

“At least now, when there are choir practices, my free time is better utilised, whereas previously I spent a lot of time playing on my mobile phone at home.

“I am also an average student academically, and I have now found something that suits my interests,” he told Bernama, after the launch of the Ilham Seni Diraja Programme at the Dewan Santapan Utama, Istana Negara.

The inaugural initiative opens opportunities for the development of artistic talent and character-building among selected school students around Kuala Lumpur, by providing opportunities to students from the B40 group who show potential in the arts.

Those identified will be exposed to creative workshops, mentoring sessions with professional instructors and comprehensive exposure to cultural and creative arts, broadening their perspectives on the world of art.

To ensure effectiveness, participation in the pilot project has been capped at 200 students, to allow for more focused guidance and meaningful exposure throughout the programme.

Therefore, Form Two student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dato’ Ibrahim Yaakub, Kepong, Genelia Wilson, 14, hopes the programme will serve as a catalyst for other B40 students to be brave enough to try and explore the arts.

For her, the experience of participating in the programme has not only expanded her social circle, but has also inspired confidence to continue expressing her creativity, as she is determined not to waste the opportunity given to her.

“I feel this programme proves that students like us also have the opportunity to grow, if we are given the right space and guidance,” she said.

Meanwhile, Form Two student of Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih (SBJK), Chow Kit, Iqram Khan Abdullah, 14, described his participation in the programme as an unexpected opportunity.

“I never imagined being part of such a large choir and being taught by Datuk Syafinaz Selamat… it is truly an unexpected opportunity. This programme made me realise a talent that I never knew I had,” he said.

Throughout the implementation of the programme, participants will undergo training and learning across six main arts clusters, namely the Voice and Instrument Cluster, Dance Cluster, Production and Stage Management Cluster, Artistic Cluster, Acting Cluster, and a social cluster - the Research and Counselling Guidance Cluster.

The programme will culminate in all participants being directly involved in the production of a theatre performance, scheduled to take place in December.

Meanwhile, Ilham Seni Diraja programme coordinator Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini said the initiative reflects Her Majesty’s concern for nurturing the potential and character development of students from the B40 group.

Azuan Effendy, who is also the Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara, said the students were selected on a pilot basis from several schools around Kuala Lumpur, including 40 from Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih (SBJK), without disrupting the existing curriculum or school calendar.

“The programme is not only about discovering talent in singing or acting, but also provides opportunities in other artistic fields, such as set design, graphics and visual arts, while instilling discipline, commitment and values of togetherness among the students,” he said.

He added that positive exposure to the arts can help steer students away from negative influences, including excessive social media use, while also playing a key role in shaping identity and self-confidence, ultimately contributing to the development of a generation with strong potential for nation-building.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, one of the programme’s sponsors, described the initiative as an important platform which provides B40 students with opportunities to explore and develop their talents in the arts.

“This programme is highly commendable, as students from the B40 group rarely have the opportunity to learn singing, music or dance, compared with those from more affluent backgrounds. This initiative offers them a more equitable platform to nurture their talents and potential,” he said.

-- BERNAMA