Latest news with #LifeLineAssociationMalaysia
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'GLHX The Musical' tackles emotional stress in society
ANOTHER theatrical production is set to debut in the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), 1 Utama E, Petaling Jaya, which zooms in on the topic of mental health awareness. 'Guo Li Hao Xi (GLHX) The Musical' is a live musical production which combines theatrical storytelling and a touch of Malaysian comedy. To be staged at 8pm and 3pm from Sept 26 to 28, it was created to highlight the growing emotional stress faced by people today. PAUSE In a recent interview, executive producer K.K. Wong said: "It invites us to pause, reflect, and realise that it's okay to not be okay. The production will be held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day." He added that the 100-minute musical which will be in Mandarin, Cantonese and English was a "call for empathy, awareness and connection." "It raises awareness of depression and mental health issues, and is to support Life Line Association Malaysia, an organisation that helps people who are affected." The story is about Fu Fan and Mike who run a drama company, Gao Li Hao Xi, which offers immersive performances to help customers express their emotions. When their first customer Mark asks for help reaching his emotionally distant fiancee, the team stages a custom drama to uncover what has been buried inside her. What starts as a quirky show slowly unravels into a deeper reflection on authenticity, emotional pressure and the power of storytelling. LIFE The musical stars Terry Ong, Richard Tan, KK Wong, Loo Aye Keng, Cheryl Lee, Orange Tan, Kopi Lim, Rickman Chia and Reno Lee, and is directed by Ryon Lee. Wong said: "The musical is about life and how one can overcome stress, depression, anxiety and other challenges by reaching out for help. "While it does feature mental health issues, Ryon wants to focus on love, hope and how there is no shame in asking for help. "We all face challenges, but tomorrow offers a fresh start and a chance to begin again. "Ryon and I are already in our early 50s. I feel that as I grow older, I want to help more. "At one point in my life I went through a really tough time emotionally and nearly fell into depression." "Now that I've come out on the other side, I want to give back in a small way, and I hope to be able to reach out to others through this musical." Ryon said: "I feel that the person who smiles the brightest and laughs the loudest usually carries the heaviest of burdens and deepest pain in their heart. "So it's important to treat everyone with care and respect as we never know what is going on in their lives. "I want to showcase that life is worth living. All you need is some help along the way." Ryon added that the characters are not based on any real persons. "They're shaped by a mix of stories we've read, heard, or seen in people we know." Wong said: "Live performances allow the audience to feel raw emotions, without any filters. "Through this musical, we hope people will disconnect from the illusions of screen life and reconnect with something more human." TALENTS It has been a long time since Ryon worked on a production. He said: "It's been 15 years since my last stage production, but I believe that telling a story through a musical can open hearts and minds. "It's a powerful way to raise awareness about mental health and to encourage empathy — reminding audiences to be more kind, more patient, and more understanding toward those who may be struggling." Wong said that some of the cast members had worked with Ryon and himself over the years. "For example, Cheryl and I have worked together on radio. The actors are all excited and are raring to showcase the stories and their talents." He added that one of the biggest misconceptions about mental health is the belief that those who struggle with it are "crazy" or somehow broken. "There's still a stigma around seeking help — like if you go to a counsellor, it means you are weird or something is seriously wrong. "But often, it's simply about needing someone to talk to, a shoulder to lean on, or even just someone to share a meal with." MOVIE Ryon said that the play might be made into a movie if audience feedback was good. "The musical will feature a combination of some specially written songs by Jiahui Wu, our music director, and also a collection of some familiar tunes." Producer Terry Ong said: "My team is here to bring greater awareness, not just to the story we're telling, but to the incredible talent we have in our local creative scene."
The Star
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
A musical with heart makes its debut
Producer and performer Terry Ong (far left), executive producer and actor KK Wong, scriptwriter and director Ryon Lee and executive producer Lai Cheng came together for a simple yet grand launch ceremony of Gou Li Hao Xi — a landmark original musical in Malaysia's Chinese entertainment scene. KUALA LUMPUR: The Chinese-language entertainment industry is set to welcome a landmark theatrical event with the debut of Gou Li Hao Xi, an original large-scale musical unlike any before. Helmed by KK Wong, this production brings together a celebrated ensemble cast to explore the topic of mental health in a way that is uplifting, accessible and deeply human. Blending moving melodies, dynamic choreography and compelling storytelling, Gou Li Hao Xi is more than just a stage performance — it is a timely and thoughtful response to the rising tide of emotional distress in modern society. The production seeks to raise awareness around issues such as anxiety, depression and burnout, which the World Health Organization has identified as some of the leading global health burdens. Yet, within many Asian communities, these emotional challenges remain stigmatised or unspoken. Courageously confronting these realities, Gou Li Hao Xi adopts a bright, positive tone — presenting difficult topics through a musical format that offers lightness and hope. At its core, the production delivers a simple yet powerful message: 'Take the first step and love will be there — every day is a new beginning.' It is a message of empathy and encouragement for anyone navigating emotional hardship. Gou Li Hao Xi is Wong's brand-new 2025 production and his first undertaking as executive producer. Not only does it feature Terry Ong, in the dual role of producer and cast member, it also marks director Ryon Lee's poignant return to the stage after a 15-year absence. The musical direction is helmed by renowned husband-and-wife duo Jiahui Wu and Chan Yi Yi, breathing new life into the production. Every song and every dance step deliver a message of encouragement, a gesture of comfort and a ray of light shining through the darkness. 'At a time when society is increasingly burdened by anxiety and emotional fatigue, we need a meaningful production that can both entertain and heal,' said Wong. 'Gou Li Hao Xi explores themes of depression and emotional health in a sincere yet accessible way. Through the expressive power of musical theatre, we hope to bring audiences closer together—with more understanding, empathy and hope.' In a gesture of social commitment, part of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Life Line Association Malaysia, a national mental health support hotline. The production aims to not only start meaningful conversations, but to also offer tangible support to those in need. Performance details: Show dates and times • Friday, Sept 26 | 8pm • Saturday, Sept 27 | 3pm and 8pm • Sunday, Sept 28 | 3pm Venue: Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre From June 26 to July 9 only, enter Promo Code: EB25 to enjoy up to 25% off. Ticketing website:
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Gou Li Hao Xi' – Groundbreaking musical explores mental health with warmth and heart
THE stage is set for a powerful and moving theatrical experience as Gou Li Hao Xi makes its much-anticipated debut at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) this September. A first-of-its-kind original Mandarin-language musical by KK Wong, the production boldly addresses mental health through uplifting music, dance, and heartfelt storytelling. Blending vibrant choreography, soul-stirring melodies, and human-centred narratives, Gou Li Hao Xi seeks to destigmatise emotional struggles such as anxiety, depression, and burnout—issues still often unspoken within Asian communities. Instead of a sombre tone, the musical embraces joy, compassion, and hope to encourage healing and connection. At the heart of the show lies a simple yet resonant message: 'Take the first step, and love will be there—every day is a new beginning.' This 2025 production marks KK Wong's first role as executive producer, and sees the return of acclaimed director Ryon Lee to the stage after 15 years. Music is helmed by celebrated duo Jiahui Wu and Chan Yi Yi, with each composition and movement crafted to offer solace and strength to those battling emotional turmoil. The star-studded cast includes Cheryl Lee, Orange Tan, Rickman Chia, Loo Aye Keng, Remon Lim, Wayne Cai, Kopi Lim, Reno Lee, and Terry Ong—who also co-produces the show. Adding fresh energy are four rising stars—Richard Tan, Olio Tan, Andrew Lim, and JY Lim—selected through a nationwide audition. 'In a time where emotional exhaustion is a growing concern, we need art that heals,' said KK Wong. 'Through musical theatre, we hope to spark conversations, deepen empathy, and offer audiences both entertainment and comfort.' In a show of social commitment, part of the proceeds will be donated to the Life Line Association Malaysia, a national mental health support hotline. Gou Li Hao Xi will run from 26 to 28 September 2025, with tickets priced between RM88 and RM228. A limited-time early bird promotion offers up to 25% off with the code EB25, valid until July 9 on
BusinessToday
08-05-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Life Line Association Malaysia Forms Strategic Tech Partnership to Launch SmartCounsel System
Life Line Association Malaysia has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Agmo Studio and NKH Solution to co-develop 'SmartCounsel', a next-generation helpline and data system poised to transform the nation's psychological support services. The MoU, witnessed by the association's honorary life president Datuk Eddie Heng Hong Chai, marks a pivotal step in the association's digital transformation and commitment to nationwide mental health support. This three-way partnership brings together Life Line's frontline counselling expertise with Agmo Studio's software innovation and NKH Solution's infrastructure know-how. The jointly developed SmartCounsel platform will address longstanding challenges in the association's helpline system — including outdated architecture and data instability — by enabling 24-hour support, enhanced case tracking and big data-driven mental health initiatives. 'This collaboration with Agmo Studio and NKH Solution is a vital step toward delivering round-the-clock, secure and professional counselling services. 'It also reflects our belief that every call for help deserves a reliable response, backed by technology that ensures care, consistency and compassion,' Life Line Association President Choon Lee Meng said. He added that the system's capabilities include decentralised helpline integration, high-risk case response protocols, advanced case management and a dedicated analytics hub, laying the groundwork for Malaysia's mental health ecosystem to evolve with digital precision and scale. The signing also precedes the official launch of Malaysia's national counselling helpline '15995' on May 20. Branded with the message 'Love me, save me', the number is designed to be easily remembered in moments of emotional crisis, reinforcing that seeking help is a courageous and vital step. Since its establishment in 1993, the association has provided emotional support to over 44,000 individuals, standing alongside them during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. At the same time, Choon urges the public to prioritise their mental well-being. 'If facing emotional distress, individuals are encouraged to speak to trusted family members or friends, or contact the helpline at 03-4265 7995. 'All calls are strictly confidential, providing a safe space for callers to express their thoughts and feelings freely,' Choon said. Related
