The creative spotlight shone bright this October as the Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage celebrated its official launch and open house at the Starlight Arena, Plaza 51.
Marking a new milestone for Malaysia’s next generation of filmmakers, performers, and storytellers, the institute aims to serve as a dynamic hub for creative education — bridging the gap between industry training and real-world production experience.
Guests, aspiring talents, and media partners were given an exclusive tour of the institute’s facilities, curriculum pathways, and upcoming mentorship opportunities under both the Performing for Camera Academy and the Screen & Stage Creative Department.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Andrew Teok, Chairman of Starlight; Kenny Piong, Managing Director of Starlight; Aaron Lim, CEO of Starlight; and Joseph Tan, Group Managing Director of Chek Hup (M) Sdn Bhd.
The event’s highlight was the announcement of an upcoming Malaysian feature film, Bola dan Impian, which tells the inspiring story of an underdog all-girl Under-18 football team rising from a small-town dream to the national championship.
Blending high-energy sports drama with heartfelt storytelling, Bola dan Impian celebrates courage, teamwork, and the unyielding spirit of young Malaysians who dare to dream.
The film will introduce three rising stars — Seri Nur Adriana Elisa (18), Lucinda Lew Xin Yee (16), and Aarhthi Sivenesan (16) — discovered through the Project Starlight talent development program, supported by a cast of seasoned industry actors.
“We’re not just launching an academy — we’re building a bridge between education and professional film production,” shared Aaron Lim, CEO of Starlight Institute and producer of Bola dan Impian.
“This is where young talent gets to train, perform, and ultimately shine on screen.”
From over 100 submissions in the Project Starlight Audition 2025, 30 hopefuls were shortlisted, with only three ultimately selected for the film’s lead roles.
Aaron Lim also revealed that Bola dan Impian is a collaboration between Starlight Institute and Chek Hup, aimed at promoting Malaysia’s emerging stars across the Southeast Asian cinema landscape — in conjunction with FIFA 2026.
Founded in the mid-1900s in Ipoh, Chek Hup remains a symbol of local heritage, combining traditional Malaysian flavors with premium roasted coffee. To commemorate the partnership, a jersey signing ceremony was held between Aaron Lim and Joseph Tan.
The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Starlight Institute and its strategic education and industry partners:
Falcon TVET University US, represented by APAC CEO Calvin Chong
Aotu Theatre, represented by Director Noel Neoh
Antplus Entertainment, represented by Director Ash Lu
Synergy Media Entertainment, represented by Yvonne Lee
JM Music, represented by Michael Kek
Produced by award-winning filmmaker Aaron Lim and written and directed by Rayson Ng, Bola dan Impian will begin filming in Johor from November to December 2025, with its theatrical release slated for May 2026.
About the Filmmakers
Rayson Ng
Creative Director | Filmmaker | Founder of Seed Entertainment & Brain Your Brand Sdn Bhd
With over 17 years in film and media, Rayson has directed and produced more than 1,500 projects spanning commercials, documentaries, and dramas. His clients include AFC, Hong Leong Bank, Medico, and various government agencies.
Notable works include the AFC “Beyond the Field” documentary series, KPDN ReDI Digital Payment Campaign, and ALOF Foundation corporate video. Bola dan Impian marks his debut feature film as writer and director.
Rayson is known for his expertise in sports-related productions, having worked on numerous international football tournaments and promotional campaigns. He is passionate about storytelling, visual innovation, and nurturing young creative talent.
Aaron Lim
Producer | Writer | Educator
Aaron Lim is a Malaysian film producer and writer best known for C144: Human x Nature (2022), an internationally acclaimed mystery thriller that earned multiple awards including Best Writer (Alternative Film Festival, Canada) and Best Feature Film (Eastern Europe Film Festival).
A strong advocate for talent development, Aaron founded Aaron Lim Cinematics and the Performing for Camera Programme (certified by the International Performer Association). He has mentored emerging filmmakers at institutions such as UiTM, SEGi College, INTI International University, IACT, UNITEN, Equator College, and TAR UC.
Aaron also served as Producer of Hollywood Tribute® Malaysia (2017), showcasing Malaysian films on the global stage.
About Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media
Located at Starlight Arena, Plaza 51, the Starlight Institute operates under the Starlight Screen & Stage Academy. It provides professional training in film acting, media performance, and production arts — connecting Malaysia’s emerging talents with global opportunities in creative media.
About Project Starlight
Project Starlight is a signature initiative of the Starlight Institute, designed to discover, develop, and showcase the next generation of screen and stage performers. Through partnerships with production houses and performance academies, the program offers structured mentorship, workshops, and hands-on exposure to professional projects.
The 2025–2026 edition includes the Starlight Trainee Audition, a nationwide talent search offering six months of intensive training in acting, dance, and media performance — leading to opportunities in feature films and live productions.
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