PETALING JAYA: Local performing artists are set to gain unprecedented opportunities to hone their craft alongside international talent following the unveiling of the state-of-the-art Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC).
Built with an investment exceeding RM200 million within the Sunway Square development, the newly launched centre aims to serve as a pivotal platform for creative practitioners to build meaningful careers while driving the growth of the nation's creative economy.
Speaking at the recent grand launch, Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah emphasised that the investment underscores a firm belief in giving performing arts the same level of commitment, resources, and opportunities as education and research.
"I firmly believe that Malaysian artists deserve the chance to learn and refine their skills on world-class stages. Given the right support, facilities, and encouragement, their potential knows no bounds," he said.
The landmark occasion was commemorated with a spectacular gala performance, Brand New Day: A Symphonic Broadway Celebration.
Directed by Kevin Field, the show brought together 22 vocalists, eight dancers, and the 73-piece TUTAN Festival Orchestra, delivering stirring renditions of beloved classics from musicals such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Wicked, and Dreamgirls.
Expressing his vision for JCPAC to forge strong ties with leading performing arts institutions worldwide, Cheah noted that such global collaborations will enable local creatives to exchange ideas, acquire new knowledge, and broaden their horizons.
"Malaysia possesses a rich cultural heritage that deserves to be showcased on the international stage. Our artists ought to be given every opportunity to share their talents and original works with the world, and to be duly celebrated," he said.
Cheah added that JCPAC's success would not be measured solely by the volume of productions staged, but by the doors it opens for young talents to explore their passion, for professionals to advance their careers, and for the public to gather and appreciate the arts.
Conceived in 2018 as part of the RM1.8 billion Sunway Square integrated development, JCPAC was designed to enrich the educational environment at Sunway University while catering to the broader community.
Cheah noted that a truly holistic education must strike a balance between STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the humanities.
"Technology may alter how we live and work, but it can never replace the wisdom and genuine human connection nurtured through the arts.
"Culture and the arts must remain at the core of our educational ecosystem—a vital element that no technology or artificial intelligence can ever substitute," he said.
Reflecting Sunway City's historical roots, the architecture of JCPAC draws inspiration from the area's heritage as a tin mining landscape.
Roughly RM30 million was dedicated specifically to cutting-edge sound and acoustic systems.
The centrepiece 1,200-seat Grand Theatre features Malaysia's first combined installation of the L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound system and Ambiance active acoustics technology.
This allows the hall's acoustic properties to be adapted seamlessly for orchestral concerts, musical theatre, and dramatic plays without physical structural alterations.
Complementing the Grand Theatre is The Studio, a flexible 150-capacity space featuring a reconfigurable stage and seating layout designed for intimate performances, experimental works, and educational workshops.
Sharing a touch of personal nostalgia, Cheah revealed his own musical roots as the drummer for The Ambassadors, a band formed alongside fellow Malaysian students in Melbourne during the 1960s.
The group notably backed a young Olivia Newton-John during a performance at St Kilda Town Hall.
"Though I eventually pursued business rather than music, those formative years instilled in me a deep appreciation for the arts that has stayed with me ever since," he shared.
Looking ahead, JCPAC boasts an exciting line-up over the next few months, including Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical opening on Oct 31, Dama Asia's production of The Butterfly Lovers The Musical in November, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical running from Dec 22 to Jan 10, 2027.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd