KUALA LUMPUR, 14 June 2013 – The performing arts scene in the country has been given a tremendous boost with Yayasan Sime Darby’s (YSD) RM3 million funding for The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac).

The sponsorship, over three years from May 2013, follows a widely-publicised SOS funding plea sent out by klpac in late 2012. YSD’s sponsorship is a lifeline to keep the arts industry alive with klpac continuing its acclaimed work as a champion for creative arts in the country.

In his speech after presenting a mock cheque to klpac this morning, YSD’s Chairman Tun Musa Hitam applauded the efforts undertaken by the centre to ensure the arts could continue being enjoyed by people from all segments of society, with tickets for performances kept affordable and programmes accessible.

“As a supporter of the arts, we are aware that it is difficult for klpac to be self-sustaining, much like other performing arts centres in Singapore or even in European countries with a long history in the performing arts. They do need assistance as revenue from ticket sales of staging world-class performances by homegrown talents is just not enough.

“klpac has done a wonderful job over the last eight years as the only arts centre of its kind providing space, content, education and training for all. Since its inception, klpac has produced many world-renowned talents, bagging many notable awards for its productions and talents. We are honoured to be klpac’s Premier Partner and with YSD’s sponsorship, klpac will be able to focus on its core mission to develop and grow the performing arts industry of Malaysia further,” Tun Musa said.

klpac co-founders Dato’ Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham OAM said, “klpac was born out of tragedy when floods destroyed our Plaza Putra complex and, to many, it is a symbol of hope. Last year, we had no choice but to turn to the community for funding help which was met by a public outcry fearing that klpac will be no more. We are relieved that our appeal has been answered by YSD through this generous sponsorship and people can rest assured klpac can continue. For that, we thank Tun Musa and everyone at YSD.

“As the single largest cash contribution to sustain an arts centre in the Malaysian history, this augurs well for the rest of the industry as YSD has set a precedent and sent a strong message that not only is the arts worth supporting, but worth supporting in a major way. We hope other corporations and foundations will follow suit as there are many in need of such assistance. We have a vibrant scene which is seeing tremendous growth but the support needs to match that growth.”

A major chunk of YSD’s fund will go towards the replacement of costly technical equipment such as lighting and sound consoles which have outlived its usual five-year lifespan. The rest will go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the 70,000 sq. ft. facility, IT management and utilities.

The sponsorship is in line with YSD’s guidelines under its arts and culture pillar which supports initiatives to strengthen arts institutions to develop cultural knowledge and resources.

Other arts and culture projects supported by YSD include the recently staged award-winning “Broken Bridges” by The Actors Studio, ASWARA Dance Company: Connecting Communities, “Yao Lee - The Legendary Rose Musical”, the 9th JB Arts Festival 2012, the 6th Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival 2012 and the 4th Marketplace of Creative Arts.