Persatuan OKU Sentral (OKU Sentral) celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with song and dance at the ILHAM 2022 concert, which was held last night at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC). The concert featured some of the most talented stage performers amongst Malaysia’s community of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
YB Senator Datuk (Dr) Ras Adiba Radzi, president of OKU Sentral, said, “For persons with disabilities, our daily activities are always filled with challenges. The past two years has no doubt been a trying time for our PWD friends. We have lost a few of them, and many have also lost loved ones and suffered financially. It is time we celebrate them and experience their ‘magic’ first-hand as we commemorate the International Day of PWDs.”
Datuk (Dr) Ras Adiba, who is also a Senator representing the nation’s PWD community in the Malaysian Parliament, continued, “The ILHAM 2022 Concert today was a showcase of performances by our disabled friends. We are hoping to be able to uplift their spirits and empower them once again as this show is a platform for them to display their talents as stage performers. We hope more people will discover and appreciate the talent of our PWD performers.”
With composer Rafi Mohd as the music director, the ILHAM 2022 Concert featured performances by Datuk (Dr) Ras Adiba, Khai & Dinie, Umar Hasfizal, Reelmuniros, The Eyelitz, Anak Seni OKU Sentral, OS Wheelies, Permata Gemalai Sari, Adik Neranjan A/L Maniam from PPKI SMK Desa Perdana KL, Low Mee Li & Orange of OS/Beautiful Gate, and Tadika Istika Jaya.
Yayasan Hasanah Managing Director and Trustee, Dato’ Shahira Ahmed Bazari, said, “Yayasan Hasanah is committed in our mission in advancing Malaysia in areas of social and environmental impact, across all layers of society; extending to the Malaysian arts, heritage, and culture community. Through the Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) 2022 grant, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, we have made monumental impact by providing RM3 million in funds and economic opportunity for over 1,000 arts practitioners – and counting! By supporting a variety of impact-based projects like ILHAM 2022 Concert by Persatuan OKU Sentral, not only are we showcasing the rich multicultural legacy of our country, but also strengthening inclusivity in the lives we empower.”
As part of their on-going support of the PWD community and the creative industry, Mr Rafe Haneef, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation – the CSR arm of CIMB, said, “We are pleased to support the ILHAM 2022 event by OKU Sentral in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is important to support and showcase the work of these inspirational artists and performers. This is in line with our impact areas of Health and Community Well-being as well as Economic Empowerment, where we have also championed initiatives that promote inclusivity and enable persons with disabilities to shine. We hope Malaysians will be inspired by their resilience, creativity, and incredible talent.”
Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Hajjah Yatela Zainal Abidin, said, “Yayasan Sime Darby is in awe of the talent and tenacity of the PWDs who performed at the ILHAM 2022 concert, which was certainly an eye-opening experience for all. YSD’s sponsorship for this special concert under our Arts & Culture pillar is in addition to other important projects by OKU Sentral we have provided under our Community & Health pillar towards both arts empowerment and the promotion of the rights and well-being of PWDs. For the second year running, we are delighted to continue our support for these inspiring performances by PWDs.”
Dr Ken Lim, Executive Director of the European Credit Investment Bank Ltd. (ECIB), said, “Since their perceived limits are so great, people with disabilities experience discrimination and inequality. It is vital to inform and educate the public about different types of impairments as well as appropriate ways to interact with people who have disabilities. Campaigns and seminars can be used to carry out this civil education. With the right information, more people will be understanding and compassionate to those who have impairments, fostering a climate of respect. In addition, this awakening will result in more tolerant views across all fields, enabling more people with disabilities to contribute to societal advancement.”
Celmonze Wellness Corporation (CWC) Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tay Aik Meng, said, “Being in the beauty industry, we understand the importance of helping others to feel good about themselves which altogether boosts one’s self-esteem and confidence in themselves. And because as Malaysians, we are known for our generosity, our kindness, and our nature for giving. It is not a matter of the amount of donation but what matters most is the sincerity that comes with it. So, with that, Celmonze Wellness Corporation will keep continuing to organise fund-raising activities through the slogan of ‘The Charity Behind Beauty’, to help many more out there. We are happy to support Persatuan OKU Sentral – as a non-governmental organisation, they not only focus on helping the disabled but also lends a helping hand to the people in need, in times of disaster.”
Ms Izlyn Ramli, Director of Yayasan TM (YTM), said, “As a social impact foundation, Yayasan TM is committed to fostering the potential and talents of underserved communities, especially people with disabilities. YTM is proud to continue our support through OKU Sentral, which aligns with our pillars, Community & Nation Building, Education, and Tourism, Culture & Heritage, in building community resilience for better livelihood and well-being. In honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and recognition of their incredible qualities, we are thrilled to be part of the ILHAM Concert 2022. We hope this concert will inspire the PWD community to showcase their extraordinary musical talents and exceptional skills to the world. Congratulations to OKU Sentral for putting on such fantastic efforts.”
Extending her gratitude, Datuk (Dr) Ras Adiba said, “I am very thankful to the Almighty for being given this opportunity to carry out OKU Sentral’s mission in representing and empowering the disabled. I’m especially grateful to our talented PWD friends who agreed to come out to perform and showcase their talent as it is important for us to share their abilities and skills. Many thanks also to our able-bodied friends who worked tirelessly to support the show as backing musicians, backup singers and the entire production crew.
“I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our programme partners and supporters – Yayasan Hasanah, CIMB, CIMB Foundation, Yayasan Sime Darby, European Credit Investment Bank Ltd (ECIB), Celmonze Wellness Corporation (CWC), Yayasan TM, and Glenreagh Sdn Bhd.”
The ILHAM 2022 concert was organised by OKU Sentral at 3pm and 8pm on Monday, 19 December 2022, at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated worldwide on 3 December annually.
Last night’s show can be watched on OKU Sentral’s Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/okusentral/videos/1905244053149378