“Titian Budaya Malaysia-Singapore”, a cultural extravaganza, will be staged in Singapore from 8 to 11 May 2008. It is a four-day event with arts and cultural activities organised by the Malaysian Ministry of National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage (MUCAH) and supported by the Singapore Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA).

2 The Malaysian delegation is led by MUCAH Minister, YB Datuk Haji Mohd Shafie Haji Apdal, and Secretary-General, Dr Muzahet Masruri.

3 The highlight of “Titian Budaya Malaysia-Singapore” is the Gala Cultural Evening on Friday, 9 May 2008. Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, and YB Datuk Haji Mohd Shafie Haji Apdal, MUCAH Minister, are the Guests of Honour at the evening’s programme.

4 The show will feature Malaysian talent and artistes together with some Singapore artistes. A host of glittering stars are lined up, including multi-talented emcee Mahadzir Lokman, Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor, dancers from Artistana Istana Budaya, Singapore’s Suria celebrity Surianny Sulaiman, Maiya Rahman, and Andrew Lum & New Asia. The audience will also be treated to a fashion show featuring batik and performances from a traditional Malay orchestra. The public can catch the free performance at the Esplanade on Saturday, 10 May 2008.

5 “Titian Budaya” also features a visual arts exhibition, ”The One Kilometre World” – the World’s Longest Pen Drawing on Canvas”, by Mr S. Amin Shahab at the National Museum of Singapore and a Malaysian Film Week. The films include Evolusi KL Drift, Congkak, Duyung and Cuci.

6 During his visit to Singapore, YB Datuk Haji Mohd Shafie Haji Apdal will call on Dr Lee Boon Yang on 9 May 2008. On 10 May 2008, Dr Lee and YB Datuk Haji Mohd Shafie Haji Apdal will also visit the visual arts exhibition, “The One Kilometre World” – the World’s Longest Pen Drawing on Canvas”, at the National Museum of Singapore. Following this visit, YB Datuk Haji Mohd Shafie Haji Apdal will tour the newly opened Peranakan Museum.

7 “Titian Budaya”, which means “cultural bridge”, exemplifies the warm and friendly ties between Singapore and Malaysia. Singaporeans will get an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the diversity of Malaysian arts, culture and heritage.

8 The fact sheet on “Titian Budaya Malaysia-Singapore” and the programme line-up are attached in the Annex.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS

8 MAY 2008

ANNEX

 FACT SHEET ON “TITIAN BUDAYA MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE”

The idea of “Titian Budaya” took root in 2005, when the Malaysian government decided to cultivate and ehance bilaterial ties with strong cooperation between Malaysia and ASEAN member countires, especially in culture, arts and heritage. The then-Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage was charged with the responsibility of organising “Titian Budaya”. The first Titian Budaya was held in Brunei from 24 to 26 March 2006 and the second in Indonesia from 16 to 18 December 2006. Singapore is the travelling multi-modal cultural extravaganza’s third stop. This programme will continue with other ASEAN member states.

2 “Titian Budaya” enhances deeper understanding and information / expertise sharing in the areas of arts, culture and heritage. “Titian Budaya Malaysia-Singapore” has been conceptualised to promote craft demonstration, culture diversity, arts and heritage. It will comprise stage performances (such as the Malay traditional orchestra), a visual arts exhibition, batik fashion shows and a Malaysia Film Week. The programme provides an excellent opportunity for Singaporeans to explore, understand and embrace Malaysia’s cultural diversity, arts and heritage.

3 “Titian Budaya Malaysia-Singapore” is organised by the Malaysian Ministry of National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage (MUCAH) in close collaboration with the Singapore Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), together with the High Commission of Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia in Singapore.

PROGRAMME LINE-UP

4 “Titian Budaya Malaysia-Singapore” will be held from 8 to 11 May 2008, featuring the events below:

“Titian Budaya Malaysia-Singapore” Cultural Evening

• 9 May (Friday) – by invitation only
• 10 May (Saturday) – free public performance (admission by tickets)

5 The Cultural Evening promises to delight with Malay songs, dances and music highlighting the cultural traditions of Malaysia and Singapore. Audiences can catch popular artistes such as Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor and Singapore’s Maiya Rahman present a new take on traditional Malay favourites. They will be joined by accomplished dancers from the Artisana Istana Budaya of Malaysia performing the dances of Borneo as well as a traditional Malay Orchestra presenting “Bunyi Gitar”, “Kuek Mambo” and “Hula Hoop”. The multi-cultural sounds of Singapore’s AndrewLum & New Asia also promise to be a real treat for all. A fashion show featuring batik will also be incorporated into both night’s performances.

“The One Kilometre World” visual arts exhibition

• 8 – 11 May (Thursday to Sunday)
• National Museum of Singapore, Glass Atrium

6 Visitors will get the unique opportunity to witness art in the making with Mr S. Amin Shahab’s ‘live’ drawing of “The One Kilometre World”, as the pop lyricist cum artist continues his work on the world’s longest pen drawing on canvas. From Kinabalu to the Himalayan ranges, Egypt, Greece and Rome, the artist’s work depicts both a physical and inner journey. With 300 metres of canvas left in his 1 km long canvas, visitors can observe Mr Amin in the next stage of his momentous work.

Malaysian Film Week

• 9 – 11 May (Friday to Sunday)
• Golden Village Marina, Marina Square, Theatres 1 and 2

7 The Malaysian National Films Development Cooperation will put up a Malaysia Film Week which will be held at Golden Village Marina Square. Films that will be screened include Evolusi KL Drift, Congkak, Duyung and Cuci, among others. There will be a premiere film screening of Congkak on 10 May 2008 (Saturday). There will be a meet-the-fans session 15 minutes before screening time, where actors and actresses such as Erra Fazira, Awie, Aaron Aziz, Hans Isaac, Ady Putra, Afdlin Shauki, Maya Karin and others will be present.

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