The Teacher Appreciation Banquet

On Malaysia’s voting day in 2018, Lee Kok Kee hopped aboard a KTM train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. As he journeyed, his mind wandered back to a cherished memory from his high school days in 1987 – a performance of Dream of the Red Chamber put on by the Chinese language society. He vividly remembered the talented cast, including the unyielding Ruiyin, the quick-witted Xiaohui, the loud but shallow Anping, and the domineering student chairman. Above all, he thought of Teacher Liu, the mentor whom everyone revered.

It was hard to believe that the once-unbreakable bond between Teacher Liu and his star pupil Lee had eventually frayed, leading to conflicts and distance. Was it a mere generation gap, a clash of principles, or simply because Teacher Liu had replaced Lee with Anping as the male lead in the play?

Now, 32 years later, the group would be reunited at a teacher appreciation banquet held that very evening – a chance to reconcile after years of grievances and conflicts. Life had dealt each of them a different hand, some sweet, but mostly bitter. Would they be able to let go of the past and move forward? Only time would tell. 

Covering three decades of major historical events in Malaysia and Singapore, The Teacher Appreciation Banquet offers a multi-dimensional exploration of its characters’ lives and inner worlds. It delves into their personal growth and challenges against the backdrop of significant historical shifts.

The Teacher Appreciation Banquet

In Mandarin with English Surtitles
Presented by Jayon Inc

Show Venue
Nero Event Space, PJPAC, 1 Utama E
1 Utama Shopping Centre
47800 Petaling Jaya
Selangor, Malaysia
map

Show Date & Time
14～17 September 2023
14-16 Sep 2023 @ 830pm
16-17 Sep 2023 @ 3pm

Ticket Price
RM 200  VIP
RM 98 Adult
RM 83 Early Bird (200 seats, before 23-07)
RM 68 Student, Senior, Disabled (150 seats only)
Ticketing Site: onetix.com.my

** senior citizen: 60 years old and above
** kids above 7 years old are allowed

Contact
PJPAC: 03 7732 4788
Website: www.ttab.my
Inquiries: 014-266-7908

Creative Team
Story: Dr Lai Kok Fung
Playwright: Eden Wan / Seng Soo Ming
Director: Seng Soo Ming
Dramaturge: Ammi Soon
Producer: Pam Lim

Cast
Niko Hugh, Zizi Hau, Anthony Lee, Ng Yuan Ci, Tan MayJune, Miau Miau, Tammi Tam, Amelia Tan, Fai Chen, Fred Chan, Lee Woei Zhong, Koek Peik Yong, Phua Yau Choy

Design & Production
Live Music: Chang Sang Teck
Set Design: Ziying Chua
Lighting Design: Nicxon Tan
Sound Design: Tan Jia Jian
Image Design: Kenzo De Tuan
Projection Design: Bryan Chang Kee Khoon
Stage Manager: Reyes Tan

Graphic: Tan Hoay Khim
Publicity: Lee Hong Lian
Ticketing: Loh Chu En
English Script Translation: Jason Ng
Assistant Stage Manager: Koay Sze Jye

Trailer Design: Niko Hugh
Photography: Pam Lim
Set Production: Maroon Arts & Design
Backstage Crews: Alice Tay, Kok Ming Jing, Tan Ming Kiet

Original Music
Composer: Chang Sang Teck
Lyrics: Yew Kok Hong

Story：Dr Lai Kok Fung
Hailing from northern Malaysia, Dr Lai Kok Fung obtained his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1994. He founded BuzzCity in 1999 and grew it into a global mobile advertising network before the company was acquired in 2016.  He currently serves as an adjunct professor at the School of Computing, National University of Singapore, where he teaches digital marketing and mentors start-up companies. Besides his entrepreneurial ventures, Dr Lai is an accomplished author and songwriter. In 2016, he launched www.fukan.my, an online community focused on Chinese arts and culture enthusiasts in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. In his free time, Dr Lai volunteers at the Dover Park Hospice, playing the piano.

Playwright：Eden Wan
From a young age, Eden was drawn to the world of storytelling, starting with his explorations in theatre during high school. He went on to study film in National Taiwan University of Arts before eventually finding his calling as a script development executive at a film company in Beijing. Throughout his career, Eden has remained captivated by the charm of storytelling, firmly believing that it has the ability to move and inspire people. Eden has participated in the screenwriting and directing of several Malaysian films, including Show Me Your Love, The Dream Boyz, and A House of Happiness. His recent directorial works include the segment Love In the Air in the film “Best Story” and the first locally produced original series by iQiyi in Malaysia, My Ofis.

Director: Seng Soo Ming
Seng Soo Ming is a full-time theatre practitioner and mentor, encompassing the roles of playwright, director, and actor. In 2008, he graduated from the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore, where he received training in modern and Eastern traditional theatre. His works include Lai Shengchuan’s A Village in Treasure Island (over 250 international tours since 2008) and the play The Puppeteer’s Memoirs (2020, in collaboration with Taiwan’s “Shan Wan Ran Puppet Theatre”). In 2012, he established the first professional theatre troupe in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, called “Pitapat Theatre”. Over the next seven years, he vigorously promoted the art of theatre in the local community. Actors trained in his troupe have won the Best Actress award at the Malaysia Theatre Awards in 2017 and 2018. Soo Ming has also received accolades, including Best Director and Best Actor, at the Malaysia Theatre Awards.

Dramaturge：Ammi Soon
Ammi Soon is a drama and theatre educator with 30 years of experience. She served as a lecturer in the Drama Department of the Malaysian Institute of Arts from 1988 to 1995 and headed the Drama and Visual Department of New Era College from 2004 to 2010. Between 2008 and 2014, she produced several Community Arts Carnivals in various “kampung baru”, including Kajang, Hulu Langat 14 Miles, Cheras 11 Miles, and Serdang. After reaching the age of sixty, she embarked on a quest for the truth of life and occasionally engages in theatre.

Producer: Pam Lim
Pam studied art and design at the Malaysian Institute of Art and received her diploma in 1993. After that, she went to the U.S. to pursue degree studies in the same field. On graduation, she worked in Chicago until her return to Malaysia in 2001. She then founded the interior design consultancy firm Niche Design. In 2008, she worked on her first set design for Jewel of Tibet. Since then, she has designed the sets for The Six Graduates and Red Demon. In 2013, Pam staged Double Punctum, combining her photography work with a dance performance as a crossover collaboration project. Her recent stage design works were The Six Graduates and Red Demon 2015, also a producer for The Swordfish, Then The Concubine 2016, The Tragicomedy of Errors 2018 and The Tale of Dreams in 2022.

Niko Hugh
Niko is a graduate of the New Era University College in 2015 with a diploma in Drama & Visual. He has actively participated in numerous theatre performances and visual productions. With professional training in editing, directing, and video shooting, he brings a wealth of experience in documentary filmmaking. Niko’s remarkable talent has been showcased in various theatre productions such as Three Children in Petaling Street, The Wozard of Oz, Dragonland, The Swordfish, Then The Concubine, and What A Fuxxing Happiest Life. Notable recent works include Mending the Broken Sky, RESTART, and When the Dark Hits Me. In 2023, Niko formed a duet band called Saniman.

Zizi Hau
Zizi is an actress from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. She graduated from the Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) in Singapore in 2018. Since 2013, Zizi has received training and performed in various productions at the renowned Pitapat Theatre in Sabah. Her outstanding performance in Kakak earned her the Best Actress award at the 15th Asli Drama Awards. Her acting works include When We Dead Awaken, Between Heaven and Earth and Memoirs in Taiwan, Singapore and India. Zizi hopes to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and artistic forms, exploring how art can find harmony amidst differences.

Anthony Lee
Anthony Lee is a versatile artist currently working as a director, actor, screenwriter, curator, and production manager at Good News Artspace. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the National Taipei University of the Arts. Anthony previously served as the artistic director of drama education at Shanghai RuiAi Education Company. His directing credits include Homecoming, Our Town, and Media at Taiwan’s Godot Theatre, as well as The Lost of Tradition, Bunny Adventure, Wake Up Please, No Cover Up, Discrimination, Rashomon, and The Taste of Red Apples. His works have been performed in various cities. In 2022, he curated the month-long IGNITE: Solo Performance Festival 2022, featuring 31 performances. Anthony received the Best Actor award at the BMW Shorties Film Festival in 2012 for his role in Murdered and the Best Supporting Actor award at the ADA Drama Awards for his performance in Richard III.

Ng Yuan Ci
Yuan Ci is a theatre practitioner who graduated from the Drama and Visuals Department (Theatre Major) at the New Era University College in 2017. She further honed her skills at the Singapore Intercultural Theatre Institute in 2022. With a focus on performance, direction, and design, she has dedicated three years to freelancing both onstage and backstage. Passionate about the arts, she believes in its profound ability to comfort our souls. Through her work, she aspires to touch, unite, and inspire people while embracing opportunities to explore the world.

MayJune Tan
Since winning the Star Idol Malaysia award in 2007, MayJune Tan has established herself as a versatile artist in the film and television industry, excelling as both an actress and producer. She has collaborated with renowned directors like Woo Ming Jin and Edmund Yeo. In 2020, MayJune took on the dual role of producer and actress in the Malaysian-Japanese co-production Malu. In addition to her work in film and television, MayJune has also ventured into stage plays, including notable productions such as Pekingman directed by Deric Gan, The Tragicomedy of Errors by Kok Man, and Thunderstorm by Dato’ Faridah. Despite lacking formal training in acting, MayJune’s commitment to her craft is evident. Over the past decade, she has actively participated in various acting workshops conducted by esteemed instructors, continuously refining her skills and pushing her boundaries.

Miau Miau
Miau Miau hails from Penang and wears multiple hats, including actress, spokesperson, host, anchor, life sharing speaker, and professional tour guide in Malaysia. She studied at the MSC International College and graduated in 2003 with a Diploma in Performing Arts Drama and Theatre. Since 2001, she has been involved in numerous stage plays, TV dramas, and films. In 2006, Miao Miao was honoured with the Best Actress award at the Malaysia Drama Awards for her performance in Fox Speaks. She has also been nominated for Best Actress at the Golden TV Awards and Asian Television Awards. Her notable film work includes the movie First Love Red Bean Ice directed by Ah Niu. In recent years, she has ventured into online live streaming and hosting. Miao Miao’s greatest aspiration in life is to become a full-time actress and makes her mark globally. Her relentless pursuit of her dreams is characterised by her unwavering determination and her faith in God.

Tammi Tam
Tammi Tam received her theatre training from The Dramatic Arts Society in 1991 where she now serve as the Vice President. She is active as an actor and drama coach.

Amelia Tan
Amelia is currently the Artistic Director of ACX Productions. As a full-time theatre practitioner, lecturer, actor, stage director, lighting designer, drama and dance instructor, Amelia graduated from the Malaysia Institute of Art, Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) in Singapore, Shanghai Normal University and Universiti Malaya Master of Dance. Her personal expertise including lighting design, actor training, physical training, voice training and acting. In the ADA Drama Awards, she won the “Best Stage Practitioner”, “Best Supporting Actress”, “Best Actress” and “Best Lighting Design” awards. She also won “Best Lighting Design” and “Best Director” in the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards . Amelia has represented Malaysia to perform in Shanghai, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Macau, Korea and Japan. She was involved in directing and lighting like The Son, The Glass Menagerie, Aku Cinta XXX, Nana and Ah Lu, Just Kidding, The Tapir, Aku Cinta Jarak1 Meter, Hoong Siamang Hooong, The Daughter of The Regiment, Madame Butterfly, Magic Flute, Carmen, and La Serva Padrona.

Fai Chen
Fai Chen graduated from the Malaysian Institute of Art in 1990 and pursued a successful career as a commercial photographer, graphic designer, and printing coordinator for over a decade. He collaborated with influential directors in Chinese stage dramas, performing across Tokyo, Shanghai, Wuzhen, Nanning, Guangzhou, Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore. Fai’s dedication has earned him multiple awards in the drama circle, including two Best Actor Awards and one Best Supporting Actor Award. Fai actively participates in numerous local and international TV and film projects. Notably, the short film My Ba’s Radio won Best Short Film at the Mantova Lovers Short Film Festival in Italy in 2019. In 2022, Fai contributed to the success of the Chinese New Year advertisement The Worst Feng Shui Master for Julie’s Biscuit, winning the Bronze Award for Best Script at Spike Asia. Currently, he works as a freelance actor and also provides ride-hailing services.

Fred Chan
Fred is a passionate enthusiast of performing arts. In 2021, he made a bold decision to leave his 12-year teaching job and pursue a career in acting. Although he did not receive formal training at a performing arts school, he has been actively engaging in performing classes and workshops in recent years to enhance his knowledge and skills. He is an accomplished capoeirista and a regular participant in Pitapat Theatre’s acting classes. Additionally, he has recently been accepted into the training programs of KL Shakespeare Players and Asia Music Production. Fred has showcased his talent in notable works such as Pendatang, Mama Looking For Her Cat, Mama Mau Jodoh, the So Pure series, and various advertisements. Despite his unconventional training background, Fred’s dedication and commitment to his craft shine through in his performances.

Lee Woei Zhong, Samuel
As a versatile filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor, Samuel has worked on numerous film, TV, and theatre productions across different genres. Some notable works include The Journey, Hua Hee Everyday, New Village, Namewee MV our talents, Yakurt Advertising, and S POP Mediacorp Program. He has also directed and written telemovies like Red Lantern and the documentary Ghost Festival. Samuel was a finalist nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the Physicist. Other notable theatre performances include Beckett Shorts, A Letter to Montgomery by Wilder, Medicine Buddha, and The Other Story of Ah-Q.

Koek Peik Yong
Peik Yong is a theatre newcomer who graduated from the Drama and Visuals Department at the New Era University College in 2022. During secondary school, she fell in love with theatre through a school celebration performance. In university, she majored in drama and tried various roles both on and off stage. While in school, she served as an actor in the online theatre production The Outbreak (2021) and as a director for the online staged reading Celebration (2021). After graduating from university, she has participated in theatre productions such as Dream • Beetle’s Dream, children’s play Be Careful! Don’t Be Fooled, and stage play The Lower Depths, TV film Dream Stage. She strives to move towards theatre creation and performance while working in copywriting.

Phua Yau Choy
Yau Choy started his formal training in graphic design in the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) Kuala Lumpur. In 1990, he established YC Creative SB, where he has held the position of Creative Director. Yau Choy is also an active participant in the performing arts realm, having undergone diverse performing arts training. Since 1990, he has actively engaged as a radio drama voice artist for Malaysian Chinese radio stations. Notably, Yau Choy’s achievements led to his inclusion in the 2019 edition of Successful People in Malaysia, a publication by Britishpedia.

Live Music: Chang Sang Teck
Sang Teck is a musician, songwriter, and trailblazer in the Malaysian music scene. His compositions have been performed by renowned artists like Ah Niu and Fish Leong. His magnetic vocal style in the mid to low range, combined with lyrics and melodies deeply rooted in the local culture, has received widespread acclaim.

Set Design: Ziying Chua
Ziying, a graduate of New Era University College with a Diploma in Drama and Visual, furthered her studies at Chinese Culture University (Taiwan) in 2019, specialising in scenery design. Since 2013, she has been actively involved in theatre performances, contributing as a set designer and stage manager. In 2021, she founded Nori.y_Artwork, a versatile workspace encompassing set design, floristry, installation art, and decorative design. ZiYing has toured with Onz Production to Macau, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou as a stage manager. She has also collaborated on numerous theatre productions in Taiwan, including Godot Theatre, Ifkids Theatre, and Sun Son Theatre. ZiYing is a part-time lecturer at New Era University College and a freelance theatre professional.

Lighting Design: Nicxon Tan
Nicxon Tan is a passionate individual involved in various aspects of theatre, such as backstage management, lighting design, teaching, sharing, and continuous learning. His works have toured to various destinations, including Adelaide (Australia), Taiwan, China, Singapore, and East Malaysia.

Sound Design: Tan Jia Jian

Image Design: Kenzo De Tuan
Kenzo is a performing artist with multiple roles. He has always been wholeheartedly dedicated, with an unwavering passion for the performing arts.

Stage Manager: Reyes Tan
Reyes developed a passion for stage management while studying design in Malaysia. He pursued Arts, Events & Stage Management at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) in 2010. Honored with the title of “The Best Stage Manager of the Year 2013”, Reyes has spent the past decade honing his skills in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia, working with premier brands and companies. His extensive and unique professional experience has elevated his talents in design, creativity, and productivity, as well as his expertise in stage, event, and project management.

Publicity: Angeline Lee Hoong Lian
Angeline graduated from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Chengchi University in Taiwan. Currently, she works as a freelance Creative and Marketing copywriter, specializing in feature writing and translation. Previously, she served as a contributing editor for a magazine. Notably, she participated in the Pentas Project as a copywriter for the stage plays A Modern Woman called Ang Tau Mui (2018) and 阿Q外傳 The Other Story of Ah-Q (2021). Additionally, Angeline has authored two books: TEDXPetalingStreet: Beyond the 18 Minutes—Things You Don’t Know (2018) and The Three Whisperer: The Official Biography of Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, Founder of IOI Group (2021).

Graphic Design: Tan Hoay Khim
Khim has experience in book typesetting, book design, logo design, brochure design, and poster design. Her clientele spans across various sectors, including educational institutions, non-profit organizations, publishing houses, commercial enterprises, and individual clients.

Projection Design: Bryan Chang Kee Khoon
Bryan Chang is a versatile designer whose expertise spans across graphic design, scenography, and media arts. He has collaborated with notable clients such as The Bangkung Row Restaurants, British Council Malaysia, KLPAC, Theatresauce, and The Cooler Lumpur Festival. Noteworthy recent projects in his portfolio include Mixtape for Maz, A Listening Body, Switchblade Operation: The Longing, Dari Pinggiran vol.1: SK Danau Perdana, Langkawi Walk The Doc 2022, Kaleidoscope Japan: Every Thought I’ve Ever Had, Hubs For Good Toolkit, MayWe Exhibition: Belas Masa, and Unity (1918). Bryan is also a co-founder of sans collective, an interdisciplinary art and design collective that showcases innovative works across various fields.

We are thrilled to present to you a unique and captivating sponsorship opportunity for The Teacher Appreciation Banquet. As we prepare to bring this breathtaking production to life, we believe that your esteemed brand could be the perfect partner to join us on this exciting journey.

As a sponsor, you will receive the following benefits:

Increased Brand Exposure
Your brand will gain extensive exposure during the performance. We will showcase your brand logo and information on promotional posters, official websites, social media platforms, and other channels, ensuring that your brand is recognised by a large target audience.

Enhanced Brand Image
Through our collaboration, your brand will be associated with high-quality performances, showcasing your support for art and culture. This will establish a positive brand image and complement the excellence of the performing artists.

Guaranteed Reach
The show will attract a large number of high-quality viewers, including theatre enthusiasts, art professionals, and influential figures in the cultural industry. As a sponsor, your brand will directly reach these audiences and receive their high attention and recognition, thereby expanding your market share and influence.

We look forward to working together with you to create an unforgettable theatre extravaganza.

To request for a copy of our sponsorship kit, please submit the form below: