Diploma in Mass Communication students from INTI International College Subang recently organised a programme to recognise veteran artistes and learn more about the people who helped shape Malaysia’s entertainment industry.
Dato’ Zahim Albakri, Director of Split Gravy on Rice, and film critic Shah Rubio speak with INTI International College Subang students during a dialogue session on the film and Malaysia’s entertainment industry.
Titled Celebrating the Malaysian Film Industry and Recognising Veteran Artists in Malaysia, the student-led programme combined industry sharing, film appreciation, and community outreach. It was led by the School of Business and Communication in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), the Malaysian Veteran Artistes Welfare Association (PKAVM), and MYDIN.
As part of the outreach component, students prepared food baskets for veteran artistes. Before the main event, they joined representatives from FINAS and PKAVM in visiting the homes of veteran actor Papa Rawi, veteran singer and songwriter Mamu Abass, and veteran singer Maria Kamal to deliver the care packages.
The remaining food baskets were distributed by FINAS and PKAVM to other veteran artistes, including Tony Tuah, Shariza Mahmood, Hafizuddin Fazil, and Ibrahim Akir @ Pak Yob Kidal, who were also present during the event.
INTI International College Subang students, together with representatives from FINAS and PKAVM, visit veteran actor Papa Rawi and his wife, Zarela Abdul Kadir, at their home in Bukit Antarabangsa.
The home visits gave students a closer look at the lives and experiences of artistes whose work has shaped Malaysia’s creative industry. They listened as the artistes spoke about their careers, the changes they had seen, and the challenges faced by performers over the years.
Papa Rawi reflected on his journey in Malaysia’s film industry, while Mamu Abass spoke about how songwriting continues to inspire him. Maria Kamal welcomed the students into her home and shared memories from her years as a performer.
The programme also included a screening of the 2002 film Split Gravy on Rice, followed by a dialogue with its director, Dato’ Zahim Albakri, and film critic Shah Rubio. The session allowed students to better understand the film’s themes, creative process, and place within Malaysia’s film landscape.
Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Chief Executive Officer of FINAS, said initiatives like this help ensure veteran artistes are recognised for their contributions while also drawing attention to their welfare.
“Our veteran artistes have dedicated their lives to building Malaysia’s entertainment industry, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure their contributions are remembered while continuing to look after their welfare,” he said.
Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Chief Executive Officer of FINAS, and Sandakiah Azez, President of the Malaysian Veteran Artistes Welfare Association, discuss the welfare of current and veteran artistes in Malaysia during a panel session.
He added that FINAS hopes more universities and colleges will take part in similar initiatives involving students and veteran artistes.
Addison Low Chee Ren, a fifth-semester Diploma in Mass Communication student who led the project’s photography and videography efforts, said the experience changed how he viewed Malaysia’s entertainment industry.
“Before this experience, I saw Malaysia’s entertainment industry mainly through its films, music and performances. After listening to the stories shared by the veteran artistes, I realised the industry was built on years of hard work, passion and perseverance,” he said.
“Their experiences gave me a much deeper appreciation of their contributions to Malaysia’s creative industry and completely changed the way I see it. It is also just as important to preserve our culture, history and the people who made it possible.”
Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Chief Executive Officer of FINAS; Eric Lee, Academic Dean of INTI International College Subang; and Sandakiah Azez, President of the Malaysian Veteran Artistes Welfare Association, with veteran artistes who attended the event.
A video documenting the outreach initiative was later shown during the event, allowing guests to see the interactions between students and the veteran artistes they visited.
Eric Lee, Academic Dean of INTI International College Subang, said the programme gave students a learning experience that was both practical and personal.
“When our Mass Communication students meet industry leaders and veteran artistes face to face, they gain something that cannot be taught through textbooks alone,” he said. “They learn from real experiences, real stories, and the people who have contributed to Malaysian cinema over the years.”