There is a notable surge of enthusiasm among young people for new media and digital platforms 

by HAJAR UMIRA MD ZAKI 

THE local creative industry received a major boost this year when our very own Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh won the prize for the Best Actress category at the Academy Awards, the first Malaysian ever to win an Oscar. 

Her achievement was definitely remarkable and has set a benchmark for Malaysian actors and actresses. With so many reality programmes and auditions going on, young people are definitely attracted to join and develop their talent. 

In the visual arts industry — art forms such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, filmmaking, design, crafts and architecture — however, the awareness and interest in the country is not as great as in the Western countries yet. But based on the exhibitions planned for 2023, with the help of social media, the awareness is there and growing. 

Engaging Budding Young Artists

Claz’room College MD Tung Yan-Ning said the arts and creative industry is no longer a mere hobby, but a genuine passion that young people want to engage in. This was proven by 65,000 Comic Fiesta ticket purchases last year and these events attracted attendees who appreciate the artistic and creative aspects showcased. 

“According to data from the Ministry of Education (MoE), approximately 224,154 students out of the 373,943 high school graduates have chosen to pursue art and creative subjects in 2022. This substantial figure indicates a considerable interest and engagement in creative fields among Malaysian students,” she said. 

Tung says payment for famous celebrities in Malaysia to post on social media varies significantly from hundreds of ringgit to tens of thousands of ringgit per post

According to the Universiti Teknologi Mara’s College of Creative Arts senior lecturer Prinses Saliang, there is an enthusiastic inclination of interest among young Malaysians towards the arts and creative industry. 

“The country boasts a vibrant and dynamic arts scene, brimming with a plethora of art exhibitions, festivals and events that not only captivate a younger audience, but also actively engage budding young artists. 

“The emergence of the social media platforms has further served as an invaluable avenue for young talents to showcase their work and forge connections with like-minded individuals,” she said. 

However, the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) Faculty of Theatre dean Fasyali Fadzly Saipul Bahri told TMR that he noticed young people getting less interested in pursuing the traditional art fields. 

Fortunately, with the innovation of the Internet and technology, the creative industry has also significantly expanded. 

“While traditional art forms may be experiencing a decline in interest, there is a notable surge of enthusiasm among young people for new media and digital platforms. They are particularly keen on exploring these innovative mediums and embracing the opportunities they offer,” he said. 

Fasyali says the creative industry is becoming increasingly competitive worldwide and the local talent now also has to compete on the global platform

Well Paid? 

Sharing her insights on the arts industry, Prinses pointed out that the profitability and value of a painting for an artist differ widely according to the artist’s reputation, demand, the nature of the artwork and the market dynamics. 

“The size and complexity of a painting can also impact its value. Larger and more intricate pieces often require more time, skill and resources to create, thus increasing their value. 

“Established painters typically sell their artwork through various channels, including galleries, art exhibitions, online platforms, or by commission. These avenues allow them to reach a wider audience and attract potential buyers. 

“The prices of their paintings can range from a few hundreds to several thousands ringgit or more, depending on the aforementioned factors and the perceived value of their work in the market,” she explained. 

From the Claz’room MD’s point of view, Tung shared that the payment for famous celebrities in Malaysia to post on social media varies significantly. The payment can vary from hundreds of ringgit to tens of thousands of ringgit per post, depending on the celebrity’s level of popularity, she said. 

“However, achieving and maintaining popularity require a team effort, with individuals possessing different skill sets and professional backgrounds contributing to the celebrity’s sustainability. 

“Behind the scenes, professionals with different expertise, such as managers, agents, publicists, stylists and production teams, play a crucial role in shaping the celebrity’s brand and career path,” she said. 

For the theatre industry, Fasyali shared that they operate within the gig economy as more theatre practitioners work as freelancers than full-time. Hence, their income is based on a project, not monthly. 

“The payment for theatre work varies depending on factors such as the scale and duration of the project, as well as the specific company involved,” he said. 

Building a reputation as a reliable and professional creative professional enhances credibility and fosters trust among clients, colleagues and employers, says Prinses

Limited Funding 

As an educator in the arts and design, Prinses admits that the arts industry in Malaysia confronts numerous barriers and challenges that hold back growth and development. 

Among the challenges that she highlighted are limited funding and financial support, inadequate infrastructure and resources, restricted opportunities for exposure and recognition, and the prevailing perception of art as an unprofitable career choice. 

As for Tung, the shortage of individuals with creative skill sets poses a significant challenge as there is a constant misconception that it is not a viable career choice. Hence, for her, it is important to break the misconception and make the public aware of the possibilities in the industry. 

“By promoting the creative and art industry, we can showcase the diverse range in career paths, from filmmaking and animation to design and illustration, and emphasise the immense impact it has on society. 

“Through awareness campaigns, exhibitions and collaborations between education institutions and industry players, we can demonstrate the dynamic nature of the industry, highlighting the success stories of individuals who have thrived in this creative landscape,” shared Tung. 

Prinses opines that art education needs to be integrated into the national school curriculum. By incorporating art into the curriculum, Prinses said students can explore and develop their artistic abilities, fostering creativity and self-expression from an early age. 

“Other than that is promoting art appreciation through visits. Organise trips to galleries, museums and and art events to expose children to a wide range of artistic styles, historical masterpieces and contemporary artworks. This helps cultivate an appreciation for art and encourages dialogue and interpretation. 

“As for parental support, it’s important to educate parents about the importance of art in child development and encourage them to support their children’s artistic pursuits. By providing the necessary tools, materials and a supportive environment at home, we can greatly enhance children’s creative exploration,” she said. 

Art Appreciation 

Prinses also points out that young artists also need to be celebrated by organising exhibitions and competitions that is specifically for them. By doing so, this will boost their confidence and encourage their artistic growth. 

Similarly, the people should be encouraged to be more appreciative towards arts. By having talks or through write-ups, Prinses shares in that way, this would create a better understanding on the significance of arts by connecting the gap between the art world and the general public. 

As for Fasyali, he said the creative industry is becoming increasingly competitive worldwide and the local talent now also has to compete on the global platform. 

“Despite the abundance of talented graduates from local universities, job opportunities may be limited. To address this, we must prepare our local talent to compete globally and establish the creative industry as a global entity,” he said. 

At Aswara, Fasyali explained the creative academy offers a wide range of programmes such as theatre, dance, fine arts, multimedia, film and many more, which were created for the youth to develop their talent and refine their skills. 

“We firmly believe that the majority of art programmes offered in Malaysia are developed with a forward-thinking approach, aiming to be future-proof, sustainable and aligned with the evolving needs of the creative industry. 

“By enrolling in these programmes, students can gain valuable knowledge and experiences that will prepare them for a successful and fulfilling career in the arts,” Fasyali told TMR. 

Continuous Learning 

Sure to have talent and to be able to work using it is a blessing for those who possess it. But it is insufficient to only have talent in pursuing arts when to succeed requires more than just talent. 

One of the crucial points in pursuing a career in the creative industry is passion and unwavering dedication as the industry is no exception when it come to continuous challenges. Prinses said being passionate serves as the driving force to overcome obstacles and achieve longevity in the industry. 

“Creative industries are dynamic and ever-evolving. It’s crucial to actively engage in continuous learning to stay abreast of the latest trends, techniques and technologies. This can be achieved through workshops, courses, attending industry events and staying connected with industry resources,” he said. 

Another trajectory towards success is to build a network and collaboration within the industry. It is also important for artists to engage like-minded individuals and professionals who can provide guidance, support and potential collaborations that can propel one’s creative career forward. 

“Last but not least, to uphold professionalism is essential in the creative industry. Meeting deadlines, maintaining effective communication and demonstrating a strong work ethic are crucial aspects of professionalism. 

“Building a reputation as a reliable and professional creative professional enhances credibility and fosters trust among clients, colleagues and employers,” said Prinses. 

For Fasyali, dedication, sensitivity, passion, hardwork and discipline are criterias that are needed in whichever creative field one wants to pursue. 

“I believe that if a person has no talent but has these criterias, they are more likely to succeed — maybe not as an artist but in their respective fields, organisations and position,” he said. 

He said in order to encourage young people to be more interested in art and cultural activities, it’s important to engage them in discussions about their favourite films, novels and performances. 

As an educator in play, Fasyali opines that by embracing arts at an early stage, a society that values creativity will be developed. 

“Taking them to nearby galleries and exhibitions provides firsthand experiences that can stimulate their curiosity and appreciation for artistic expression. By encouraging them to share their perspectives and stories, we gain insights into their unique viewpoints and world views. 

“The value of art goes beyond monetary considerations. It is about nurturing imagination, fostering self-expression, promoting critical thinking and encouraging a deeper understanding of the human experience,” he said. 

Tung also emphasises the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. “They require dedication and a strong work ethic. Passion also plays a pivotal role in achieving success in the creative industry. It serves as the driving force that fuels motivation and determination,” she said. 

She further opines that by looking at successful individuals in the creative field, they are not solely defined on their talent — their unwavering passion and persistence in their works are more significant that talent alone. 

• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition