Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday, 20th March 2024 – A groundbreaking alliance was forged today as the International College of Management & Sports (ICMS), DrSound Productions, and Megastar Arena united in a historic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony. This momentous occasion marks the advent of the innovative TVET Train2Place scheme, set to redefine vocational education with a blend of innovation, practicality, and enjoyment.
The ceremony, held at the prestigious Megastar Arena, saw esteemed guests from the industry, government, and media come together to witness this transformative initiative.
“In the dynamic landscape of Malaysia’s post-COVID recovery, the audiovisual and lighting (AVL) industry has emerged as a beacon of economic revival. However, a critical challenge has surfaced amidst this success – a shortage of skilled professionals across various levels within the industry,” shared Dr. Sound Productions’ Technical Director Anthony Chow Chee Ming during his welcome address.
Dato’ Swaminathan Mahalingam, Managing Director of ICMS Education Group Sdn Bhd, underscored the significance of the partnership and the transformative potential of the TVET Train2Place scheme. Dato’ Swaminathan emphasized the critical role of vocational education in Malaysia’s economic growth, highlighting the initiative’s aim to bridge the gap between education and employment.
“The TVET Train2Place scheme stands out for its fusion of innovation and practicality. By providing students with cutting-edge facilities and an engaging curriculum, the initiative aims to create an environment where learning is not only enriching but also enjoyable,” expressed Dato’ Swaminathan.
Dr. Paul Wong, Founder and Chairman of Megastar Arena, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s impact on Malaysia’s AVL industry. With over 150 concerts scheduled in Malaysia for 2024, Dr. Wong emphasized the need for a skilled and comprehensive workforce to meet the industry’s rising demands.
“As we embark on this exciting endeavor, we invite all stakeholders to join us in shaping a future where aspirations know no bounds and where individuals are empowered to turn their dreams into reality,” concluded Dato’ Swaminathan.
Dr. Sound, also known as Anthony Chou, shared his insights during the ceremony. “For 40 years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of audio engineering, and today, I find myself not just tinkering with sound systems but shaping the minds of the next generation as a lecturer and serving as the Technical Director at Megastar Arena.
“My current endeavor involves a partnership with ICMS to craft a TVET program, honing the skills of aspiring engineers through HRD Corp courses. It’s fascinating to see the evolution in the industry—the technical crew I once knew have ascended to become expert engineers in sound, lighting, and visuals. Yet, we face a gap; the new generation to take over the foundational roles is thin on the ground.
“People often view this field as glamorous and lucrative, and they’re not wrong. But what captivates me most about audio engineering is its vastness. From one title, you can branch into myriad roles—front of house, monitor, systems, broadcast engineers, and more. However, my focus is on cultivating the ground crew, the bedrock of our industry.
“My vision has always been to integrate this field into public education, reflecting the clubs and societies I cherished in high school—a dream slowly turning into reality.”
Dr. Paul Wong, the visionary behind Megastar Arena, reflected on his journey and the significance of the initiative. “I remember standing in the middle of what would eventually become Megastar Arena, surrounded by the echoes of a dream I was determined to realize. ‘Why dream small when dreaming is free?’ I used to ask myself. So, I dreamed big, embracing my love for music, not just as a listener but as someone who wanted to delve into its very essence.
“Financing this dream wasn’t easy. I learned about private equities, fundraising, and the art of valuing a company. I diluted my shares, securing the majority but inviting others to join me on this journey. It was a lesson in trust, in sharing a vision, and in the power of collaboration.
“There was one concert, in a local school’s Chinese hall, where the acoustics were so poor, the echoes lasted more than ten seconds. It was then I truly understood the importance of my mission. To control sound, to master it, so every artist could shine without hindrance.
“My love for music wasn’t just confined to sound engineering. I ventured into composing, exploring the realms of fusion jazz, and even organized concerts for international artists like Rain, The Rose, CNBlue, and even PSY with his infectious ‘Gangnam Style.’ Each event was a learning curve, a step closer to my dream of more than 150 concerts, a testament to my unwavering vision.”
– Humans of Kuala Lumpur
