Foster, encourage, transform, cultivate and Harness mindsets
on Inclusion despite Diversities through Arts and Music be it among the
Abled or Disabled communities with Empathy!
To raise RM 500,000.00 to expand and scale up our Includes Academy
with arts and music schools to reach our vision of transforming both
the Education and Economic landscapes of the PWDs in our nation and
beyond GOD willing Meeting 3 UN SDGs of Equal Education and
Economic Opportunities Leading to 0 Poverty.
Patrick Teoh (born October 16, 1947) is a husband, father, grandfather, ex-radio deejay, actor, part-time writer and generally misunderstood person.
But he's mostly known as a prominent actor and radio personality in Malaysia. Having had a distinguished career in radio, TV, stage and movies spanning more than 3 decades, Patrick has earned the nickname "Voice Of Malaysia", bestowed by his fans and the Malaysian mass media.
Jamaliah was diagnosed with glaucoma 30 years ago. Over the years, her sight failed gradually and at the age of 60, she lost her vision completely. The spirited Jamaliah interacts wonderfully with strangers and this eagerness to explore, enables her to capture potraiture of people on the street, with ease. Her last assignemnt where she gained talent direction experience as an event photographer, was a huge success
Lim Chia-Chien gratudated with a degree in Environmental Engineering from Tungnan University.
Chia-Chien is the first certified female visually impaired barista in Taiwan. She has been invited to lecture in high schools, colleges and universities all around Taiwan. She has also spoke at events at Canon Inc. Taiwan, Taipei Inn Group, Lions Club, amongst others.
She is currently also a corporate trainer with the international social enterprise, Dialogue in the Dark based in Taipei.
Alex is an executive coach, socialpreneur and the founder of Avidity International and Invigorate International. He has been immersed in the Talent Development industry for almost 15 years, advocating for businesses to leave a positive impact on their talents, environment and social landscape.
His personal life came to grinding halt when he was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour in 2015 and was even rendered temporarily blind from the adversity. However, through pure grit, determination and courage, Alex prevailed and was even recently cleared of any residual brain tumour post-surgery.
However, as an after-effect from the ordeal, Alex now lives with a rare disorder called hypopituitarism, a condition in which the body does not produce sufficient natural hormones.
As a real-life hero who lives with a rare disorder and has undergone a major adversity in life, Alex is the most credible personality to talk about the concept of resilience. He now shares his story to inspire and drive others who have undergone tough ordeals to become better and stronger
Wan Jamila started drawing at the age of 4. She draws her own interpretation of people. She draws intricate patterns and human expressions based on her experiences and observations.
Wan Jamila was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the 13th of June in 2002, the elder of two sisters. She also has 3 other grown-up brothers. Jamila was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 4. She has difficulty in verbal communication and social interaction, however is fully aware of what goes on around her. She uses drawings as a way of revealing her feelings of happiness, sadness, anger and joy.
She went through early intervention program as soon as her condition was diagnosed. She went to a private primary school that provided a program to handle special children like her. There it was noticed that she was prolific in drawing people and events that involved people, in all her exercise books. In the school, she also showed her ability to dance. She could perform a complex dance after having observed a specific dance movement briefly. She could translate all the dance steps into drawings.
When she was about 10, Jamila became fascinated with the use of digital software that she installed herself. She used her forefinger to draw. She has produced thousands of digital drawings using this technique. At the age of 14, her mother decided to train her with proper drawing techniques with the help of a local artist.
Jamila drawings are a collection of her memories in terms of her emotions, her passions, and events. She draws intricate patterns and human expressions based on her experiences and observations. Her distinctive style shines through every piece of her work.
It may sound like a contradiction, but pianist Dr Azariah Tan’s hearing impairment has made him a better player.
“Many people often say that I really listen to what I’m playing,” he said, in a feature piece published in The Straits Times in Singapore. “When playing the piano, some people may not put enough emphasis on listening to the sounds that result. While I can’t hear everything, it makes me strive to listen to everything. It makes me listen more closely and respond to it.”
Diagnosed with congenital bilateral sensorineural hearing loss – a condition that has left him with only about 15 percent of his hearing – at the age of 4, Azariah has always bravely pursued his passion and career in music. Starting with keyboard lessons at the age of five, he went on to achieve Grade Eight when he was 13, skipping a couple of grades. His teachers also discovered that he had perfect pitch.
The only child of a former sound engineer and a university lecturer, who homeschooled him up to university, the National Arts Council-Conservatory scholar now has a doctorate in Piano Performance and a double masters in Music from the University of Michigan. Azariah, who would eventually become deaf, also previously graduated with first-class honours in Music from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
The 26-year- old has also received multiple full scholarships from the University of Michigan, the National Arts Council of Singapore, the Yamaha Music Foundation of Japan, and from prestigious music festivals such as the Kirishima Music Festival in Japan and the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Earlier in 2017, he was announced as the latest recipient of the Paul Abisheganaden Grant. The prize, in memory of Singapore music pioneer and Cultural Medallion recipient Paul Abisheganaden, is awarded to NUS students and alumni who have made significant contributions to the performing arts.
Now an staff accompanist who also conducts workshops and masterclasses worldwide, he has competed and performed in various festivals and competitions worldwide. A first-prize winner in competitions such as the 2010 Bradshaw and Bruno International Piano Competition, the American Prize 2012 and the 2009 National Piano and Violin Competition in Singapore, Azariah has performed at John F. Kennedy Center as one of the four recipients of the VSArts International Young Soloists Award, as well as at the Shakespeare Lansburgh Theatre in Washington DC as a guest artiste of VSArts. He has also performed with the Polish Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra in Japan, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and world-renowned pianist Kevin Kern at the Esplanade Concert Hall.
Azariah has admitted, in an interview, that his hearing impairment can be frustrating at times. Specifically, he pointed out that hearing aids cannot differentiate between noises and voices as well as human ears can.
“It can also be especially frustrating not being able to differentiate musical sounds and, more importantly, the subtlety of sounds. I have to imagine them and hear them in my head,” he said. He is holding out hope that researchers may one day discover a way to reverse his impairment. “But even if not, I try to view what I have as a gift and I try to make the most of it while I still have some hearing left.”
Awang Shahrizan is an Innovator and Founder in Malaysia who challenges himself to solve issues faced by the deaf in education via Flashcard & AR technology. He uses the technology to help normal people to learn sign language in an easy, fast and effective way.
Also known as ‘Socialize Thinker’, since 2016 he has already helped the deaf schools and Deaf Association around Malaysia to use this product. His creativity also makes the product impactful to use for learning sign language.
Apart from innovating and solving problems, he is also trained and coached in self-development topics towards personal, team productivity, coaching and mentoring for innovation, startup planning and many more. His creative style in approaching a subject matter is always well received amongst participants.
His past list of clients include, among others, MBPJ, MOSTI, National Science Center, Ministry of Education, CETREE, Majlis Belia Malaysia, Malaysian Innovation Foundation, Malaysian Astronaut Foundation, Petrosains, AELB Malaysia And Many More.
Rozella is an electronic pop artist originally from Borneo. Ever since she was a child, she was always humming random melodies and making up lyrics to her own songs. Her fear of the spotlight kept her from pursuing a career in music until 2013. She was the winner of Tiger Jams 2016 and her single 'Home to You' was handpicked for an exclusive remix by Scottish synth pop band Chvrches.
When she's not making music, Rozella is passionate about raising awareness of different health conditions, disabilities, and body image issues through her social awareness platform, True Complexion. Her latest achievement is winning the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia 2019 in the Arts and Culture category, and being the first Bornean to be accepted into the Eisenhower Global Fellowship Program.
Last year, Rozella was chosen as one of the "30 Pillars of Sabah" whereby her portrait was drawn on a pillar in her hometown, Kota Kinabalu. She is also a TEDx speaker, a recipient of the Outstanding Young Person of Sabah Award 2016, and a VIMA Music Awards 2016 nominee
Sristi K.C. grew up with a love of dance, until aged 16 she went blind.
On her first attempt to again dance she fell off the stage. Her school principal sent her back on and Sristi learned that she might fall but she should rise up.
She attained first class honors in a Bachelor in Humanities and Social Science, and realised blindness was her condition not her identity. She received many dance invitations but was shocked dancing schools refused to accept her. Based on the principle dance is an art without limits, and that no one should be excluded, Sristi founded Blind Rocks! in 2013 with the aim of empowering blind and visually impaired people.
She has traveled to more than twenty countries, empowering, performing and conducting dance, interpersonal skills, theatre, fashion and adventure workshops.
In 2012 she undertook a leadership course for social visionaries in Kanthari International in Kerala India where she still works as a catalyst. She did an International joint master’s degree in Dance Practice, Knowledge and Heritage in Choreomundus, where she studied in Norway, France, Hungary and the UK. She is a recipient of a WOW – Women Achievers Award 2018 in Social activism, a National Youth Award 2016 from the Youth Ministry Government of Nepal, a Youth Excellence Award 2013 in Kerala India, and in 2018 the Blind Rocks Movie based on her life and work to empower the blind was released across Nepal.
Zhariff Afandi is a life coach, public speaker and renowned motivator with a strong background in developmental psychology and an extensive work in personal and team development.
He has been intensively involved in the last 10 years with many CSR, humanitarian relief locally and in the international scene, and put together numerous community, corporate and entrepreneurship development programs. Zhariff was also a Group CMO and CEO of some amazing agencies and companies in Malaysia, but could not resist destiny’s call towards his true passion.
He dares to live life at its fullest, and believes that it is in fact his true calling to share his knowledge and wisdom to the world.
Yuri Azzari was diagnosed with autism at the age of 18 months. From an early age, he had shown deep interest in drawing. He began drawing with color pencils, crayons, watercolor and eventually, acrylic. He drew objects, animals and buildings with detailed and distinctive lines. He enjoyed scribbling things around him. He would always carry a pencil and a drawing book wherever he goes.
As he matures, Yuri started embracing abstract works and has extended his style into painting sceneries and landscapes with an impressionist styling. His paintings can be recognized through his use of bright and strong colours coupled with bold paint strokes .
Since then Yuri has exhibited his artworks in various local & international exhibitions and private viewings . He has has sold over 50 pieces paintings and sketches , with a major artwork being bought by a private corporation for their headquarter. Yuri has also branched into merchandising his prints and designs.
Andi is a young-at-heart Malaysian author who likes to draw, read, and play on the computer. Besides being diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Andi also had some degree of low muscle tone, so before the age of eight, he was never really excited to write, draw or colour as a young child, even though he was surrounded by art materials and comic books due to his brother’s interests.
So from age eight to about fifteen, his interest grew and grew and so did the number of comic strips he drew. It was interesting that for many years he continued to draw his characters in stick figures, only drawing them with hands and fingers after the age of fourteen. This development of a more full and complete image appeared to mirror his own cognitive development, as during this period he made many leaps forward in social abilities and a deeper understanding of himself as a person with autism.
At fourteen he announced that his latest creation, a comic character named Ned Dickens, who was about 13 years old, was going to be a full-fledged comic book. He also started talking about becoming a published author/illustrator and to the amusement of his parents, was even writing drafts of his “about the author” and “acknowledgments” pages. That was when his parents started researching ways to get his dream to come true.
In the end, his parents decided to self-publish his book. On the advice of a close friend who is a graphic designer, the book was kept in his original handwriting, crooked lines and all. It felt more authentic and also seemed to honour his development in penmanship, since until this very day, whenever he handwrites he forms the alphabets laboriously. It takes a great deal of effort for him.
Currently, Andi is writing the next book on Ned Dickens, titled “Ned Dickens: Where Are You, My Mother?”
Andi has also been interviewed by BFM and Lite FM radio stations about his comic books, and life in general.
Art Jamila started drawing at the age of 4. She draws her own interpretation of people. She draws intricate patterns and human expressions based on her experiences and observations.
Wan Jamila was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the 13th of June in 2002, the elder of two sisters. She also has 3 other grown-up brothers. Jamila was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 4. She has di culty in verbal communication and social interaction, however is fully aware of what goes on around her. She uses drawings as a way of revealing her feelings of happiness, sadness, anger and joy.
She went through early intervention program as soon as her condition was diagnosed. She went to a private primary school that provided a program to handle special children like her. There it was noticed that she was prolific in drawing people and events that involved people, in all her exercise books. In the school, she also showed her ability to dance. She could perform
Rozella is an electronic pop artist originally from Borneo. Ever since she was a child, she was always humming random melodies and making up lyrics to her own songs. Her fear of the spotlight kept her from pursuing a career in music until 2013. She was the winner of Tiger Jams 2016 and her single 'Home to You' was handpicked for an exclusive remix by Scottish synth pop band Chvrches.
When she's not making music, Rozella is passionate about raising awareness of different health conditions, disabilities, and body image issues through her social awareness platform, True Complexion. Her latest achievement is winning the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia 2019 in the Arts and Culture category, and being the first Bornean to be accepted into the Eisenhower Global Fellowship Program.
Last year, Rozella was chosen as one of the "30 Pillars of Sabah" whereby her portrait was drawn on a pillar in her hometown, Kota Kinabalu. She is also a TEDx speaker, a recipient of the Outstanding Young Person of Sabah Award 2016, and a VIMA Music Awards 2016 nominee
Janet started having uncontrolled and unpredictable seizures when she was 8 months old. Later, as she started school, it was evident that she also had learning difficulties. By the time she was 16, she was diagnosed as being intellectually disabled.
Nevertheless, Janet did not allow these challenges to prohibit her from being financially independent. She wanted to demonstrate that she is as good as many others, if not better.
While every art teacher she met felt that she was not talented, an art teacher whom she met in 2012 was prepared to give it a try to focus on just what she can do with colours than having her follow the traditional way of teaching art. This allowed her to pursue her passion.
However, Janet wanted more people outside of the art society to enjoy her paintings, so she expanded into artwork sales and into souvenir items and fashion wear/accessories, where all designs on the products are based on her artwork.
In August 2018, she successfully collaborated with Lewre Bespoke (a renown Malaysian shoe designer) where her painting and design is now available on his “art-on-high-heels” range.
On 4 July 2019, her second collaboration with HK Fashion Designer Annette Wong (Founder of ImageC Academy & Bee O’Deer brand) was showcased in FashionSZShow in Shenzhen as one of Annette’s fashion series.
The motive behind her art & #artbeyondthecanvas concept is to share with the world at large that people who are disabled or differently-abled are still able to earn a living.
Donating 10% of her sales to a children’s home is also her way to show that even the differently-able can contribute back to society.
Note: Due to her intellectual disability, her business is managed by Joyce Moi, her business partner (who is also her mum).
It is estimated that there are 55,000 children and youths with all forms of disabilities studying in 5,000 public special and mixed schools in our nation, Malaysia.
Globally, according to United Nations, it is estimated that there are 93 million of such children and youths.
By buying our Coffee Includes Signature Blend Gourmet coffee , you are helping improving the education and economic need of this targeted group of Disabled Children and youths in our nation with Goals of Equal Education and Economic and O poverty.
Siasitok Sign Language Augmented Reality (AR) Flashcard
Siasitok is a teaching aid produced to help deaf students learn sign language in an easy, fast, effective and fun way. The Siasitok Sign language AR Flashcard helps deaf students to improve their vocabulary of sign language. This AR Flashcard has been officially launched on 5th April 2018 at the Science Carnival, Malacca.
The objective of the production of this innovative product is to help ease the communication barrier that happens amongst families with deaf children. Communication barrier may result from a lack of understanding of sign language by family members as they may find it difficult to comprehend what the deaf child is trying to convey.
The Siasitok Sign Language Augmented Reality (AR) Flashcard currently consists of 5 modules :
Numbers and Alphabets; Food and Drinks; Animals; Places; and Basic Family
It is also the first teaching aid in the world that uses Augmented Reality to make the learning of sign language fun and interesting. It is also portable and can be used any time.
The Siasitok Sign Language AR Flashcard has been conferred several local and International awards including:
Inclusive Innovation – Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia
ASEAN Entrepreneurship Summit – Trailblazers Challenge
Startup Borneo Competition
Riff Off Startup
Ignite Pitch organized by Al Sharq Forum (an International Award conferred on 2nd May 2019)
We are honoured to also be representing Malaysia to Arab Saudi for the ‘Entrepreneurship World Cup 2019’ in November 2019
The Human Library™ is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. It’s a place where real people are on loan to readers. A place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered.
The idea behind The Human Library is to create a safe and positive learning environment where volunteers become ‘human books’ and share their personal stories with ‘readers’ wanting to learn more about that book title. Human Library is a mobile library set up as a space for dialogue and interaction.
Human books are varied in their experiences, appearances, abilities and cultural background. They come in all ages, shapes and sizes. Every book is different and each has a unique story for every reader.Human Library brings a wealth of volunteerism opportunities for young people. They can participate as either librarians, readers or even books.
Librarians play a crucial role as they are the connectors between the readers and books. They ensure that books are returned in the same condition they were borrowed, and that both readers and books have the best experience possible.
Having a variety of readers and books is equally important, as everyone has a unique story to tell. This gives young people a valuable platform to discover, share and learn in an open and respectful environment.
Invigorate International is a social enterprise that raises awareness and creates opportunities for marginalised communities.
At the core, Invigorate International caters to Heroes from the following categories:
We equip our Heroes with the skills to become professional speakers, life coaches as well as presenters for live events through the VOICE program.
We believe that these real-life Heroes have a story worth hearing and that with professional training, they are able to deliver their powerful messages on bigger platforms and, in return, deserve to be fairly compensated for their skills.
Aki Huang's works are unique in its characteristics ranging from passionate and quiet, to warm and sad, and is always an authentic narration on life. She gains her inspiration from the conversations that she has with her two 8 and 4 year old daughters, stories of the people in her life, be it a close friend or a mere passerby. She always uses the most candid way to explain her doubts and answers. In 2010, Aki Huang wrote the song “Love!" , performed by Hebe Tien that attracted everyone's attention to her once again. Then in 2017, Aki Huang returned to the music scene again with her solo album “Hey” and formed a band, ARVAN. Right now, she composes for her own band “ARVAN” together with Alu8khan and three other musicians, as well as co-wrote and published songs.
Listening to music is his keen hobby, with traditional, ethnic, classical, jazz, blues and rock music all coming in contact, because he also dabbles in a wide range of musical instruments, traditional and also modern instruments, including percussion, flute, strings instruments and other instruments. From imitating the structure of others to constantly creating, to building his own style; Alu8khan is an expert in rock music and he also studies of all kinds of rock genre. Formerly, he is a guitarist with the local famous band “LANG” and “Platform 11”. Currently, he is a guitarist for the band “ARVAN” and often plays in various art theatres.
Joie’s foray into the scene started in 2008 with her covers on YouTube. Her vocal-heavy takes on popular songs were met with tremendously positive reception, and her audience started to swell. From bedroom to live shows in Singapore, New York, London and Australia, the songstress dreams of sharing her stories through songs all over the World. She has crafted an iconic signature style and honeyed coo that uniquely intertwines with her personality, one that has been endorsed by chart-topping producers Avicii in his podcast and Kygo in billboard playlists and his Tomorrowland set in 2014. Her debut album (released 2018), Joie features 10 self-written tracks and is available for streaming on all major platforms.
Hossan Leong, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, is one of Singapore’s most loved and recognised entertainers. Affectionately known as ‘Singapore Boy’, Hossan is a consummate performer whose skills include singing, dancing, acting, piano playing, and stand- up comedy. He is actively involved in theatre, television, film and radio.
Hossan first rose to prominence following his appearances in major stage productions like Off Centre and Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress. But it was his knack for comedy that won the hearts of the public, showcased through such notable engagements as hosting the television gameshow, We Are Singaporeans.
His fluency in French has also led him to international fame, as his work on such shows as A Singaporean in Paris and No Regrets: A Tribute to Edith Piaf have enabled him to play an instrumental role in bridging cultural relations between Singapore and France. In 2010, Hossan was conferred Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication for his contributions toward bridging the Arts between France and Singapore.
In 2003, Hossan made his directorial debut in Sydney, Australia, with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song. More recent directing credits include Forever Young, Stephen Sondheim’s Company, Beauty & the Beast and Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.
In 2018, he directed the True Colours Festival Concert at the Indoor Stadium, and the Christmas pantomime, A $ingapore Carol. Starred in HBO Asia’s Drama series GRISSE, performed in play titled Souvenir, and made a web series called We The Citizens.
Hossan has performed in Melbourne, Dubai, Sydney, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Brunei, Shanghai, San Francisco, Boston, London, Chicago and New York
Hossan continues to delight audiences, whether starring in his production Hossanah!, or through his creative involvement with local theatre productions, television and film. He intends to nurture the next generation of actors by giving them a platform to showcase their skills through his companies, Double Confirm Productions (Singapore) and Double Confirm Arts & Media Sdn Bhd (Malaysia).
Rozella is an electronic pop artist originally from Borneo. Ever since she was a child, she was always humming random melodies and making up lyrics to her own songs. Her fear of the spotlight kept her from pursuing a career in music until 2013. She was the winner of Tiger Jams 2016 and her single 'Home to You' was handpicked for an exclusive remix by Scottish synth pop band Chvrches.
When she's not making music, Rozella is passionate about raising awareness of different health conditions, disabilities, and body image issues through her social awareness platform, True Complexion. Her latest achievement is winning the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia 2019 in the Arts and Culture category, and being the first Bornean to be accepted into the Eisenhower Global Fellowship Program.
Last year, Rozella was chosen as one of the "30 Pillars of Sabah" whereby her portrait was drawn on a pillar in her hometown, Kota Kinabalu. She is also a TEDx speaker, a recipient of the Outstanding Young Person of Sabah Award 2016, and a VIMA Music Awards 2016 nominee
Drawing inspiration from the many facets of modern life influenced by Malaysian and other Asian cultures, the music of WVC cuts across many musical genres and defies any kind of classification. Tunes such as “The Art of the Wind Up Alarm Clock”, “Found and Lost”, “Standing in the Rain on Euclid Avenue”, “Lost in Different Time Zone”, “Waiting for That Day” try to examine and express the human condition in modern life, using the art form known as "jazz" as its stylistic musical vehicle.
Formed in 2006 as a trio, WVC completed its quartet line up with the addition of saxophonist Julian Chan. The group has toured extensively in the region, heralding back the spirit being "on the road" of touring jazz bands of old. Through these regional tours, WVC has brought its music to many corners of Malaysia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Macau. In one of these tours, the quartet managed to travel extensively over 18 cities and performed 23 concerts within a month, using different means of transportation, playing in many different types of venues. In 2018, WVC traveled the west coast of Malaysia peninsula and completed a ten stops concert tour, fulfilling our aspirations of bringing the music to the people.
WVC has six instrumental albums - “WVC TRiO” (2008), “ELEVEN” (2009), “In the Dark, I See Her” (2011) and “Waiting For That Day” (2014) “Do Not Go Gently” (2016) and “Give Thy Ear” (2018) that explored different musical genres (while maintaining the spirit of jazz as its core) and combinations in its line-up. Most of the tunes recorded are original tunes written by the band members. In addition, the band also experiments with transforming unlikely pop tunes, Chinese classics, and much mainstream music into new jazz re-arrangements, in the spirit of the great jazz musicians of old. WVC has been spearheading a series of concert talks that combined Jazz music and Literature. “Listen to the Songs of Wind: Murakami and Jazz” explored the fiction world of renown Japanese writer Haruki Murakami’s works, and Jazz music. “If Music Be The Food of Love, Jazz On” is a series of concert talks linking the art of the Bard: William Shakespeare’s words and Jazz music. “Seketika Sebelum Merdeka” is a series of historical anecdotes of pre- independent Malaya and music from that era, reimagined with the unique WVC’s touch.
Working with various notable Malaysian and international Singers and Performers has given WVC the credentials as the best working partners, either in live performances, concerts or album production. Notably: Janet Lee (Restless Heart 2015, Cinnabar Rogue 2017), Lydia Chew (Songbook 2015, Jz8 2009), Chew Paulwah (Time 2010), Winnie Ho (Decadent Sound of Teresa Teng 2012, Bloom 2013), Yang Wei Han (Yao Min 2013), Yudi (Kopi Susu 2014, Kopi Susu Revisited 2017), Zyan (Brasileiro 2011, Traveling 2019), Various Singers (Listen to the Wind: Pay Fong Centenary Album 2013), Li Sasha from Taiwan (Taipei Stories, 2015), Jasmine Chen, Valtinho Anastacio, Michael Simon and more.
WVC has been invited to appear in many festivals in the region such as Taichung Jazz Festival, Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival, Phuket International Jazz Festival, UCSI International Jazz Fest, Tianjin International Jazz Fest, Macau International Jazz Week, Tianjin May Music Festival, KL Arts Fest, JB Arts Festivals, Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival, Borneo Jazz Festival, Singapore Hua Yi Festival, Chiangmai Jazz Festival, Hatyai Jazz Festivals, and many others. In addition, the band has played extensively in the Malaysian local jazz clubs, from No Black Tie, Alexis, Nero Fico, Bobo KL, (the now defunct) Venue, and more. WVC was invited to perform at the TedX Petaling Street in 2018 to standing ovation.
In 2015 WVC successfully hosted two nights of sold out concerts at KLPac on June 24-25, to critical acclaims. These concerts featured Malaysian talents from different art scenes: Photographer Wong Horng Yih, Videographer Tan Choo Harn, Master Calligrapher Tan Guat Bee, Odissi dancer Michelle Jueney, Performance Artist Chong Keat Aun, Contemporary Dancer Leo Yap, Choreographer Sae Min, and singers. These concerts marked another milestone for WVC in the Malaysian jazz scene, and garnered 10 nominations at the prestigious Boh-Kakiseni Cameronian Arts Awards, with Three wins:
BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE – INSTRUMENTAL BEST GROUP ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE – INSTRUMENTAL BEST ORIGINAL COMPOSITION
WVC was invited to appear in the Hollywood blockbuster: Crazy Rich Asians (2018) to play themselves: a real jazz band playing at the Mansion’s party scene. WVC was seen together with Shanghai chanteuse Jasmine Chen.
The present incarnation of the WVC consists of bandleader/composer/arranger/music director/pianist Tay Cher Siang, bassist AJ, drummer KJ Wong and saxophonist Julian Chan. The band remains one of the most active units in the Malaysian performance circuit and is one of the most sought after jazz bands in Malaysia for Hi-Fi recordings and live performances.
Flame Of The Forest [FOTF] is an Eclectic Instrumental World Music Band from the Sunny Island of Singapore. A smooth blend of instruments with a diverse range of influences.
Their unique blend of original compositions which aimed to explore new dimensions of musical experiences, concocting a refreshing blend of music that has a universal appeal.
FOTF as actually formed in 1986 by Kenny Tan, K.Subramanian & Nantha Kumar as a dynamic trio who shared the love of music. In time, the baton was passed down to his two sons, Krsna Tan and Govin Tan.
Despite facing many difficulties, new blood and fresh musical perspectives gained along their journey have reinvigorated the band and its music.
The current lineup consists of Krsna Tan (Sitar), Govin Tan (Tabla Kit), Jeffrey Tan (Violin), Caleb Koa (Keyboard), Andy Chong (Electric Guitar) & Arthur Adika Wiyono (Electric Bass).
FOTF aims to give an enhanced perspective on the musical alchemy that they have developed by showcasing the various combinations of World Music genres.
This sensory friendly production consists of a 2-part theatre performance. It starts off with a workshop where kids get to make certain props they bring into the show. The workshop runs for 30 minutes and the show for 45 minutes.
The objective of this sensory production is to provide kids with special needs an opportunit to attend a theatre production, and for their parents not to have to worry about their kids, as this sensory production was specially designed with these kids in mind. The sensory production itself works as a therapeutic experience for these kids.
Each session takes 12 - 15 kids depending on their functioning level. For kids with lower functioning, the numbers will be restricted to ensure more attention and care is provided.
Drawing inspiration from the many facets of modern life influenced by Malaysian and other Asian cultures, the music of WVC cuts across many musical genres and defies any kind of classification. Tunes such as “The Art of the Wind Up Alarm Clock”, “Found and Lost”, “Standing in the Rain on Euclid Avenue”, “Lost in Different Time Zone”, “Waiting for That Day” try to examine and express the human condition in modern life, using the art form known as "jazz" as its stylistic musical vehicle.
Formed in 2006 as a trio, WVC completed its quartet line up with the addition of saxophonist Julian Chan. The group has toured extensively in the region, heralding back the spirit being "on the road" of touring jazz bands of old. Through these regional tours, WVC has brought its music to many corners of Malaysia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Macau. In one of these tours, the quartet managed to travel extensively over 18 cities and performed 23 concerts within a month, using different means of transportation, playing in many different types of venues. In 2018, WVC traveled the west coast of Malaysia peninsula and completed a ten stops concert tour, fulfilling our aspirations of bringing the music to the people.
WVC has six instrumental albums - “WVC TRiO” (2008), “ELEVEN” (2009), “In the Dark, I See Her” (2011) and “Waiting For That Day” (2014) “Do Not Go Gently” (2016) and “Give Thy Ear” (2018) that explored different musical genres (while maintaining the spirit of jazz as its core) and combinations in its line-up. Most of the tunes recorded are original tunes written by the band members. In addition, the band also experiments with transforming unlikely pop tunes, Chinese classics, and much mainstream music into new jazz re-arrangements, in the spirit of the great jazz musicians of old. WVC has been spearheading a series of concert talks that combined Jazz music and Literature. “Listen to the Songs of Wind: Murakami and Jazz” explored the fiction world of renown Japanese writer Haruki Murakami’s works, and Jazz music. “If Music Be The Food of Love, Jazz On” is a series of concert talks linking the art of the Bard: William Shakespeare’s words and Jazz music. “Seketika Sebelum Merdeka” is a series of historical anecdotes of pre- independent Malaya and music from that era, reimagined with the unique WVC’s touch.
Working with various notable Malaysian and international Singers and Performers has given WVC the credentials as the best working partners, either in live performances, concerts or album production. Notably: Janet Lee (Restless Heart 2015, Cinnabar Rogue 2017), Lydia Chew (Songbook 2015, Jz8 2009), Chew Paulwah (Time 2010), Winnie Ho (Decadent Sound of Teresa Teng 2012, Bloom 2013), Yang Wei Han (Yao Min 2013), Yudi (Kopi Susu 2014, Kopi Susu Revisited 2017), Zyan (Brasileiro 2011, Traveling 2019), Various Singers (Listen to the Wind: Pay Fong Centenary Album 2013), Li Sasha from Taiwan (Taipei Stories, 2015), Jasmine Chen, Valtinho Anastacio, Michael Simon and more.
WVC has been invited to appear in many festivals in the region such as Taichung Jazz Festival, Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival, Phuket International Jazz Festival, UCSI International Jazz Fest, Tianjin International Jazz Fest, Macau International Jazz Week, Tianjin May Music Festival, KL Arts Fest, JB Arts Festivals, Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival, Borneo Jazz Festival, Singapore Hua Yi Festival, Chiangmai Jazz Festival, Hatyai Jazz Festivals, and many others. In addition, the band has played extensively in the Malaysian local jazz clubs, from No Black Tie, Alexis, Nero Fico, Bobo KL, (the now defunct) Venue, and more. WVC was invited to perform at the TedX Petaling Street in 2018 to standing ovation.
In 2015 WVC successfully hosted two nights of sold out concerts at KLPac on June 24-25, to critical acclaims. These concerts featured Malaysian talents from different art scenes: Photographer Wong Horng Yih, Videographer Tan Choo Harn, Master Calligrapher Tan Guat Bee, Odissi dancer Michelle Jueney, Performance Artist Chong Keat Aun, Contemporary Dancer Leo Yap, Choreographer Sae Min, and singers. These concerts marked another milestone for WVC in the Malaysian jazz scene, and garnered 10 nominations at the prestigious Boh-Kakiseni Cameronian Arts Awards, with Three wins:
BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE – INSTRUMENTAL BEST GROUP ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE – INSTRUMENTAL BEST ORIGINAL COMPOSITION
WVC was invited to appear in the Hollywood blockbuster: Crazy Rich Asians (2018) to play themselves: a real jazz band playing at the Mansion’s party scene. WVC was seen together with Shanghai chanteuse Jasmine Chen.
The present incarnation of the WVC consists of bandleader/composer/arranger/music director/pianist Tay Cher Siang, bassist AJ, drummer KJ Wong and saxophonist Julian Chan. The band remains one of the most active units in the Malaysian performance circuit and is one of the most sought after jazz bands in Malaysia for Hi-Fi recordings and live performances.
Sristi K.C. grew up with a love of dance, until aged 16 she went blind.
On her first attempt to again dance she fell off the stage. Her school principal sent her back on and Sristi learned that she might fall but she should rise up.
She attained first class honors in a Bachelor in Humanities and Social Science, and realised blindness was her condition not her identity. She received many dance invitations but was shocked dancing schools refused to accept her. Based on the principle dance is an art without limits, and that no one should be excluded, Sristi founded Blind Rocks! in 2013 with the aim of empowering blind and visually impaired people.
She has traveled to more than twenty countries, empowering, performing and conducting dance, interpersonal skills, theatre, fashion and adventure workshops.
In 2012 she undertook a leadership course for social visionaries in Kanthari International in Kerala India where she still works as a catalyst. She did an International joint master’s degree in Dance Practice, Knowledge and Heritage in Choreomundus, where she studied in Norway, France, Hungary and the UK. She is a recipient of a WOW – Women Achievers Award 2018 in Social activism, a National Youth Award 2016 from the Youth Ministry Government of Nepal, a Youth Excellence Award 2013 in Kerala India, and in 2018 the Blind Rocks Movie based on her life and work to empower the blind was released across Nepal.
Rozella is an electronic pop artist originally from Borneo. Ever since she was a child, she was always humming random melodies and making up lyrics to her own songs. Her fear of the spotlight kept her from pursuing a career in music until 2013. She was the winner of Tiger Jams 2016 and her single 'Home to You' was handpicked for an exclusive remix by Scottish synth pop band Chvrches.
When she's not making music, Rozella is passionate about raising awareness of different health conditions, disabilities, and body image issues through her social awareness platform, True Complexion. Her latest achievement is winning the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia 2019 in the Arts and Culture category, and being the first Bornean to be accepted into the Eisenhower Global Fellowship Program.
Last year, Rozella was chosen as one of the "30 Pillars of Sabah" whereby her portrait was drawn on a pillar in her hometown, Kota Kinabalu. She is also a TEDx speaker, a recipient of the Outstanding Young Person of Sabah Award 2016, and a VIMA Music Awards 2016 nominee
Aki Huang's works are unique in its characteristics ranging from passionate and quiet, to warm and sad, and is always an authentic narration on life. She gains her inspiration from the conversations that she has with her two 8 and 4 year old daughters, stories of the people in her life, be it a close friend or a mere passerby. She always uses the most candid way to explain her doubts and answers. In 2010, Aki Huang wrote the song “Love!" , performed by Hebe Tien that attracted everyone's attention to her once again. Then in 2017, Aki Huang returned to the music scene again with her solo album “Hey” and formed a band, ARVAN. Right now, she composes for her own band “ARVAN” together with Alu8khan and three other musicians, as well as co-wrote and published songs.
Listening to music is his keen hobby, with traditional, ethnic, classical, jazz, blues and rock music all coming in contact, because he also dabbles in a wide range of musical instruments, traditional and also modern instruments, including percussion, flute, strings instruments and other instruments. From imitating the structure of others to constantly creating, to building his own style; Alu8khan is an expert in rock music and he also studies of all kinds of rock genre. Formerly, he is a guitarist with the local famous band “LANG” and “Platform 11”. Currently, he is a guitarist for the band “ARVAN” and often plays in various art theatres.
Lim Chia-Chien gratudated with a degree in Environmental Engineering from Tungnan University.
Chia-Chien is the first certified female visually impaired barista in Taiwan. She has been invited to lecture in high schools, colleges and universities all around Taiwan. She has also spoke at events at Canon Inc. Taiwan, Taipei Inn Group, Lions Club, amongst others.
She is currently also a corporate trainer with the international social enterprise, Dialogue in the Dark based in Taipei.
Celebrating Diversities through Acceptance, Awareness and Adapting with Empathy
Registration for Conference
Dialogue in Silence and Dialogue Games
Experience Learning Workshops
1st Session
Tea Break
Dialogue in Silence and Dialogue Games
2nd Session
Lunch Break
Dialogue in the Dark Experiential Learning Workshops
Tea Break
Tour of Exhibition and Market Place
Arrival of Mr Nitesh Malani, Chairman of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia to launch Art Includes
Arrival of VVIP Minister to launch Art Includes
Launching Programmes
Tea Break
Opening Video message from Ms Christine Ha, Winner of 2013 USA Master Chef Series
Talk by Dr Azariah Tan, Hearing Impaired Pianist from Singapore
Talk by Ms Sristi, Professional Blind Traditional Dancer from Nepal
Talk by Puan Jamaliah, Blind Photographer from Malaysia
Lunch Break
Talk by Lim Chia-Chien, Blind Barista, Taiwan
Talk by Art Jamila, Autistic Artist from Malaysia and her mother
Tea Break
Forum Session with Sristi, Puan Jamaliah, Lim Chia-Chien, Art Jamila and Dr Azariah
Sharing on Resilience and True Grit by Rozella, Zhariff and Alex
Tea Break
Dialogue Session with Patrick Teoh, Voice of Malaysia
Lunch Break
Dance and Music session with Ms Sristi, Nepal and Dance Includes
Initiating SPPP collaborations through social enterpreneurship to meet UN SDGs (MED, Jeffrey Sachs' Centre on Sustainable Development, Acumen Academy, ThinkCity, AIM)
MOU Ceremony with City & Guilds
Dialogue Sessions at our Dialogue Includes Cafe with Human Library, Invigorate, Chia-Chien, Sristi and others
Exhibition
Market Place
Fine Dining in the Dark
Exhibition and Market Place
Concert in the Dark in partnership with Causeway Xchange Singapore
Exhibition and Market Place
Riley's Rain - A Sensory Friendly Production
by the School of Technology for the Arts,
Republic Polytechnic Singapore
Street Fiesta with Music, Dance, Singing, Drawing, Photo Taking, Eating and Drinking Coffee with our mix of Disabled and Abled Artists Performing together in 1 Inclusive Environment along Medan Pasar
Exhibition and Market Place
Riley's Rain - A Sensory Friendly Production
by the School of Technology for the Arts,
Republic Polytechnic Singapore
The organizers reserve the rights to amend or replace the abovementioned schedules and speakers due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check our Facebook Page 'Art Includes' / email artincludes@sosm.my / Whatsapp 014-3545124 for the latest updates and info
In kind partnership
Mention on all Online & Offline Marketing Collaterals
4x Art Includes Conference tickets
1x Cuisine Dining in the Dark Table for 10 Pax
10x Concert in the Dark tickets
Special Mention on all Online & Offline Marketing Collaterals
2x Art Includes Conference tickets
1x Cuisine Dining in the Dark Table for 10 Pax
4x Concert in the Dark tickets
Mention on all Online & Offline Marketing Collaterals
2x Art Includes Conference tickets
2x Concert in the Dark tickets
Mention on all Online & Offline Marketing Collaterals
1x Art Includes Conference tickets
