BANGSAWAN NUSANTARA SYMPOSIUM 2025, MALAYSIA

Ipoh, Perak – September 27, 2025 — Opera Academy Singapore was honoured to be an invited guest speaker at the prestigious Bangsawan Nusantara Symposium, hosted by Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UNIKL RCMP). The symposium brought together academics, cultural leaders, and practitioners from across Malaysia and the wider region to exchange ideas on the future of Bangsawan, the traditional Malay opera art form. Indonesia was also represented as a guest speaker, contributing valuable perspectives on the shared cultural heritage of the Nusantara.

Representing Opera Academy, CEO Noor Azhar Mohamed delivered an inspiring presentation on the Academy’s work in regenerating interest in Bangsawan among the younger generation. He shared how Opera Academy’s children and youth focused programmes, interactive performances, and contemporary storytelling techniques have sparked renewed appreciation for this centuries-old art, positioning it to thrive in modern Singapore.

“Our strategy is to uplift Bangsawan by engaging the young, allowing them to experience the richness of our heritage while making the art form relevant for today’s audiences,” Noor Azhar explained.

The symposium also featured speakers from prominent Malaysian universities, each offering unique perspectives on Bangsawan’s resilience and the challenges it faces in today’s fast-changing cultural landscape. Discussions highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration and the need for innovative approaches to preserve and promote this shared heritage.

Opera Academy’s participation underscored the growing regional dialogue on sustaining traditional performing arts, while reinforcing Singapore’s commitment to cultural exchange within the Nusantara community.