Latest news with #Maniam
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Legacy Alive' keeps the flame going for three late Malaysian creatives
Project Future Malaysia, a community arts initiative, presents Legacy Alive – a tribute showcase honouring three visionary Malaysian figures: novelist K.S. Maniam (1942–2020), musician and drummer Lewis Pragasam (1957–2023), and visual artist Nirmala Dutt (1941–2016). Through this programme, Project Future Malaysia aims to inspire a new generation of artists by celebrating the enduring impact and creative legacies of these trailblazers. The showcase, to be held at Five Arts Centre, GMBB in Kuala Lumpur on June 28, features original works by Melizarani T. Selva (literature and theatre), Blank Malaysia (visual art), and Stan Calvin (music), fostering intergenerational dialogue through contemporary expression. Project Future Malaysia founder Kevin Bathman, who conceptualised the show, drew inspiration from his work with Australian arts NGO Diversity Arts Australia, where he worked on projects spotlighting culturally diverse artists. 'That experience made me reflect on how, in Malaysia, we often overlook our own creative figures until after they are gone. Even then, their names are rarely mentioned and their works quickly fade from public memory,' says Bathman. 'Over the years, other than Nirmala Dutt's retrospective exhibition at Ilham Gallery (in KL) in 2023, I have seen how easily these three artists' legacies have been forgotten, despite their significant and sometimes award-winning contributions to Malaysia's creative scene. This project is a way to honour their work and keep their stories alive,' he adds. Last year, Maniam's posthumous novel The Cry , published by Maya Press, was finally released. Bridging generations In Legacy Alive , writer and performer Melizarani reinterprets Maniam's 1990 play, The Sandpit: Womensis , through a theatrical playlet. 'I was drawn to the women in Maniam's writing. This piece lets them speak to each other, and to us, across time. It is a chance to rescue themselves from what once seemed inevitable,' she says. Maniam, best known for his novels The Return and In A Far Country , was also a founding member of the arts collective Five Arts Centre. His The Sandpit: Womensis is considered a significant contribution to the Malaysian performing arts canon, alongside The Cord (1983) and The Skin Trilogy (1995). Melizarani will reinterpret Maniam's 1990 play 'The Sandpit: Womensis' through a theatrical playlet. Visual artist A.J. Roberts, better known as Blank Malaysia, will unveil a new installation inspired by Nirmala's ecological concerns. 'Nirmala challenged systems and aesthetics. I want to echo her urgency for environmental justice, but in the language of today's climate crisis,' says Blank Malaysia. In music, Calvin continues the legacy of the immensely talented Pragasam, blending Carnatic drumming with contemporary bass lines. 'Lewis was a rhythm innovator. This piece is my way of keeping that pulse alive, by remixing heritage into something new,' says Calvin. Digging deeper Supported by the 2024 Hai-O Arts and Culture Grants, the project also received support from Cipta Seni Incubator, which provided mentorship and feedback to the artists during the development of their pieces. The Cipta Seni Incubator is part of the British Council's 2023–24 'Connections Through Culture' initiative. Bathman says that the involvement of the incubator programme really benefited the three artists. 'It gave them the space to experiment with new mediums and explore themes they may not have previously worked with. The feedback sessions allowed them to refine their ideas and push their work further. 'That kind of structured support is rare, and it made a real difference in shaping the direction and depth of their final pieces,' he says. Blank Malaysia notes that the lessons gained from this project have laid a strong foundation for his continued research-based approach to art. 'The advice given by the team helped refine ideas and find new approaches that would be a better fit to convey the information needed in a research-based art project,' he says. For Melizarani, the feedback and perspective from Cipta Seni Incubator founders Tom Curteis and Sharmilla Ganesan were valuable to her writing process. 'They were able to see how the playlet could live beyond being solely a tribute. Their feedback inspired me to consider the possibility of turning it into a full length play and flesh out the characters' even more,' she says. Remembering local talents Malaysia often fails to recognise its own talents until it is too late, says Bathman. 'Even after a veteran artist passes on, there is rarely a moment of collective reflection on the body of work they have contributed. We tend to look abroad for inspiration or chase the next big thing, without pausing to acknowledge the Malaysians who have spent decades working within local communities or highlighting issues that matter to Malaysians, he says. Despite its modest beginnings in an experimental theatre space, the Legacy Alive showcase stands as a significant platform for sparking dialogue and encouraging reflection. 'I hope this project serves as a call to commemorate and spotlight our local talent. It is about appreciating the work that has already been done, often quietly and without much recognition, but with lasting impact,' he concludes. Legacy Alive takes place at Five Arts Centre, GMBB, KL on June 28, 3pm-5.30pm. Free admission with RSVP (there are limited seats available). Open to ages 18 and above. The venue is wheelchair accessible; refreshments will be provided. Instagram: @projectfuturemalaysia.
The Star
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Maniam continues to shine as he receives honorary membership from WSF
Major (rtd) S. Maniam. —LOW BOON TAT/The Star. PETALING JAYA: From a humble beginning to being honoured by the world body in squash - the journey sums up Major (rtd) S. Maniam's limitless love for the sport over four decades. On Saturday, Maniam was thrilled to receive the honorary membership from the World Squash Federation (WSF) for his tireless service and dedication to promote the game in his different capacities. The 71-year-old has done it all - as a player; a coach of junior and senior groups at home and abroad; sports administrator from the lower to higher levels; and as an advisor. Maniam, who stepped down as Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) national coaching director at the end of last year and took up an advisory role, is honoured over the recognition. "I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the honorary membership from the WSF," said Maniam. "This recognition is not just about me—it reflects the many people, both in Malaysia and around the world, who have walked this journey with me. "I have been fortunate to serve the sport I love for over four decades, from grassroots development to the international stage. Along the way, I've had the privilege of working with passionate individuals, dedicated administrators, and countless young athletes who continue to inspire me. "This award is a reminder of the value of service and the power of sport to unite and uplift. I hope it encourages others to give back to the game and the community that has given us all so much. "I am grateful to WSF, SRAM, the Asian Squash Federation, and all my colleagues and friends who have supported me through the you for being part of this journey," added Maniam. Maniam was among those who fought hard for squash's inclusion in the Olympics for the first time in 2028. On his hopes for the sport in Malaysia, Maniam said: "The dream of all Malaysian squash enthusiasts, not just me, is to get the elusive gold medal in the Olympics through squash for the country. "I also hope to see Malaysian Squash be top four in the world in all categories (senior and junior men and women). "Finally, I also want to see squash becoming a premier racket sport in every state in the country."
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Malaysian squash looks beyond 2028 Olympics after grant boost
The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) has always had successful long-term development plans. That is how the likes of Datuk Nicol David, Ong Beng Hee, and Mohd Azlan Iskandar reached such dizzying heights on the world stage. The tradition continues through S. Sivasangari, the women's world No. 7, and men's world No. 12, Ng Eain Yow. Aifa Azman and Aira Azman are ranked world No. 42 and 21, respectively. All four are in the government's Road to Gold programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Another player, Rachel Arnold, is ranked No. 19. SRAM is now looking beyond 2028 and aims to double or even triple its grassroots base. This follows its selection as one of eight sports chosen by the Youth and Sports Ministry to receive part of an RM20 million grant. The grant is aimed at enhancing training and development for Olympic medal prospects. Besides squash, the other sports are athletics, archery, badminton, cycling, diving, swimming, and taekwondo. 'We have development plans for the elite and back-up players, but we can now ramp up the development of the grassroots thanks to the government grant,' said SRAM advisor, Major (rtd) S. Maniam. He was previously SRAM's director of coaching. 'For 2028, we have already identified the players who will lead our Olympic Games challenge. But we must not rest on our laurels. 'We must look at the 2032 and 2036 Olympic cycles. Now is the time for us to intensify our talent search.' Maniam, who was at the helm when David, Ong, and Azlan came through the ranks, said SRAM hopes to help the state associations by getting more involved in their development. 'With this extra funding, we can help by giving them extra funds, more assistance with coaching, and access to facilities,' said Maniam. 'We are looking at doubling or tripling the number of players at the base. If the base is large, the growth will improve, and we will have a wider pool of players. 'We hope to have young players – aged 13-15 – start producing results in the country and the region. We hope to see them shine in the next four years.' Separately, Maniam said he hopes the national elite players can resume training at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, by the middle of the year. The National Squash Centre, built for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, was closed in October 2023 for renovations. Since then, the national players have been training at the National Sports Council Squash Centre in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur.
