Dear Readers,
Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior Arts Education Expands to All 16 States, Engaging 480 Students in Nationwide Arts Education Programme
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| Panelists of the Day - Teachers Discussing Their Experience With Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior Art Incubation 2025 |
What happens when art walks into a classroom? It doesn't just decorate the wall but it opens minds, builds confidence and connects hearts.
That is exactly what they witnessed through the inspiring journey of Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior, a nationwide arts education programme that recently expanded to all 16 states in Malaysia through the engagement with 480 students in a celebration of creativity, culture and community.
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| Day 1 Briefing Session And Artist Presentation |
From 19 to 23 June 2025, the team had the privilege of observing the vibrant initiative unfold in Kuala Lumpur where 32 new teachers and 16 professional artists gathered for an intensive five-day training.
But this was not just another workshop but it was a movement that believes every child deserves access to the art no matter where they live.
A National Effort Rooted In Passion
The Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior programme is a collaboration between Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and Kakiseni that is designed to bring performing and visual arts into public schools.
This year's edition was made possible with the support of the MADANI Government through the Belanjawan 2025 matching grants which allowed the programme to scale up and reach more communities than ever before.
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| Joining The Dance Floor! Live Art by Resident Artists from 16 States |
The goal was set clear to equip teachers and artists with the tools, resources and mentorship skills to run arts clubs in their schools. This includes creating safe, expressive spaces where students can explore their creativity and grow as individuals.
From Training Rooms to Classrooms
The five-day training in Kuala Lumpur was nothing short of transformative.
Teachers and artists were immersed in hands-on sessions led by some of Malaysia's most respected creatives including Gangsapura, Geetha Shankaran-Lam, KL Shakespeare Players, Fairuz Sulaiman and industry experts like Zaifeeda Zainul Abidin and Lok Shi Shuen.
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| Vice President of Kakiseni, Lylatul Qadrina with Odissi trainer, Geetha Shankaran-Lam |
They explored everything from storytelling and movement to visual arts and collaborative learning.
All participants received access to a comprehensive set of teaching materials including syllabi, teacher manuals and student handbooks, all available for free on the Kakiseni Junior website.
This ensures that the programme is not only impactful but also sustainable and replicable.
480 Students, 16 Schools, One Vision
While the initial target was to engage 450 students, the programme exceeded expectations with 480 students actively participating across 16 new schools.
These students are now part of a growing network of young Malaysians who are discovering the power of art and not just as a subject but as a way of thinking, feeling and leading.
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| Day 2 Ending Group Photo After Kenny Shim, Gangsapura and Fairuz Sulaiman Session |
Through weekly arts club sessions, students are learning to express themselves, collaborate with peers and develop leadership skills.
They are painting, performing, composing and most importantly, they are being heard.
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| Cikgu Helna binti Liliton from SMK Salapin, Kota Merudu, Sabah Sharing Session |
Participating School Nationwide (2025)
- SJK Chi Wen (W.P. Labuan)
- SK Bachang (Melaka)
- SK Balik Pulau (Pulau Pinang)
- SK Beserah (Pahang)
- SK Bukit Marak (Kelantan)
- SK Guar Nangka (Perlis)
- SK Jalan Bintang (Sarawak)
- SK Putrajaya Presint 8 (1) (Putrajaya)
- SK Senaling (Negeri Sembilan)
- SK Tengku Bariah (Terengganu)
- SK Wangsa Maju Zon R10 (W.P. Kuala Lumpur)
- SMK Bukit Gambir (Johor)
- SMK Lahat (Perak)
- SMK Methodist (ACS) Klang (Selangor)
- SMK Paya Kemunting (Kedah)
- SMK Salaping (Sabah)
When Artists Enter The School Ecosystem
When professional artists become part of the school ecosystem, creativity becomes a daily language. Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior fosters not just appreciation for the arts, but a fundamental shift in how students and teachers engage with learning, making every subject more imaginative, connected and alive. This expansion aims to reach more teachers and students to expose them to the arts at its core, cultivating a generation that learns, thinks and expresses with creativity at heart. said Low Ngai Yuen, President of Kakiseni.
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| Kakiseni President, Low Ngai Yuen Leading The Ceremony |
Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior fosters not just appreciation for the arts but a fundamental shift in how students and teachers engage with learning.
Art became more than an activity as it also became a bridge between people, ideas and cultures.
A Field Trip To Remember
As part of the training, participants visited the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) for an arts excursion that included performances, backstage tours and interactive sessions with industry professionals.
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| Live Art by Artists - Art Session |
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| Live Art by Artists - Dance |
It was a reminder that the arts are not confined to the galleries or theaters as they live in every community, every classroom, every child.
The programme will culminate in a final student showcase on 30 October 2025 where students will present their creative works from theater pieces to visual installations, to the public.
Indeed, this is something that I can't wait to see and share with the world.
Building A Lasting Ecosystem
Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior has successfully nurtured a sustainable ecosystem that brings teachers, artists, and students together through the power of the arts. With the support of the MADANI Government, we are not only expanding our reach but also deepening our long-term impact on Malaysia's arts education landscape. said Dr. Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, CEO of Yayasan Sime Darby.
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| Dr. Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, CEO of Yayasan Sime Darby Delivering Her Speech |
By empowering educators and creative practitioners, we are fostering a new generation with soft skills and critical thinking that values creativity and cultural identity.
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| Ending The Afternoon With A Group Photo |
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| Attending Guests Having A Wonderful Morning At The Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior Expansion 2025 Media Announcement Event |
About Sime Darby Foundation
Yayasan Sime Darby or Sime Darby Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad and Sime Darby Property Berhad.
Established in 1982, the foundation revolves around five pillars which are Education, Environment, Community & Health, Sports, and Arts & Culture.
Led by an independent Governing Council, the foundation is managed by a dedicated team who works closely with the three (3) YSD donor companies in areas of mutual interest.
Since its inception, the foundation has expanded its wings from offering scholarships to outstanding and deserving individuals to funding impactful conservation, outreach and development programmes.
For more information, visit www.yayasansimedarby.com.
About Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior
Kelab YSD-Kakiseni Junior is an artist-in-school education programme that empowers students and teachers in Malaysia to use art as a medium of learning.
As part of the process, participating teachers and artists undergo a week-long incubation in Kuala Lumpur.
Learn more at www.kakisenijunior.com/kelabysd.
Signing Out For Now And Take Care Till We e-Meet Again On My Next Post.
For Collaboration or Any Inquiry, Feel Free To Email Me At kitkatnelfei@gmail.com.
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