The Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC), which opened in August, aims to nurture Malaysian performing arts talent by providing world-class facilities and opportunities for international collaboration.
Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah said the centre, developed at Sunway Square at a cost of more than RM200 million, is designed to support artistic development, build sustainable careers and strengthen Malaysia’s creative economy.
Speaking at the centre’s launch last night, Cheah said the investment reflected the belief that the performing arts deserved the same commitment and resources as education and research.
He added that Malaysian artistes should have access to quality facilities and opportunities to showcase their talents internationally.
The launch featured Brand New Day: A Symphonic Broadway Celebration, involving 22 singers, eight dancers and the 73-piece Tutan Festival Orchestra under the direction of Kevin Field.
Cheah said JCPAC’s success would not be measured solely by the number of performances it hosted, but also by its ability to help young people discover their talents, support artistes in their careers and bring communities together through the arts.
First proposed in 2018, JCPAC forms part of the RM1.8 billion Sunway Square development. The centre was conceived to enhance the educational experience at Sunway University and serve the wider Sunway City community.
Cheah also emphasised the continued importance of arts and culture in education, saying that technology and artificial intelligence could not replace the wisdom and human connections fostered by the arts.
Inspired by the tin-mining landscape on which Sunway City was built, JCPAC features RM30 million worth of sound and acoustic technology.
Its 1,200-seat Grand Theatre is the first in Malaysia to combine L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound with Ambiance active acoustics. The technology allows sound settings to be adapted for orchestral performances, musical theatre and spoken drama without requiring changes to the venue’s architecture.
The centre also houses The Studio, which accommodates up to 150 people and features a portable stage and flexible seating for smaller performances, experimental productions and educational programmes.
Upcoming productions include Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical in late October, Dama Asia’s The Butterfly Lovers The Musical in November, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical in December.
-THESTAR
