Malaysia’s most anticipated celebration of the performing arts returned in spectacular style with the 20th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (20BCAA), held on 4 May 2025 at Stage 1 Theatre, Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC). Marking two decades of creative brilliance, the Cammies honoured outstanding achievements in theatre, dance, music, and musical theatre, celebrating a vibrant legacy while spotlighting the next generation of Malaysian talent.
With this year’s theme, “20 Years of Legacy: Igniting Inspiration for Tomorrow”, the evening was both a tribute to the pioneers who laid the groundwork for the industry and a promise to the dreamers shaping its future. It was a night filled with reflection, pride, and artistic splendour – a true celebration of passion, resilience, and the power of performance.
Among the standout moments of the night were the major wins by Randai “MacBeth” – an evocative reimagination of a Shakespearean classic by Pusat Seni Pentas Tradisional (PuTRA), ASWARA – which bagged seven awards, including the coveted Best of 2024. Also recognised were The Bee, and Teater Persiapan Seorang Aktor by Studio Sedar Ruang, along with Spice, Magic and Mystique by The Young KL Singers, which captivated the audience and judges alike.
In the Dance category, Geetha Shankaran-Lam made history by winning Best Featured/Lead Performer for her role in Samskara – Past Reflections, Present Expressions. At 56, her powerful performance was not only a display of artistic excellence but also a testament to longevity, discipline, and legacy in the performing arts.
The Music segment saw celebrated talents like Dr. Bernard Tan honoured with Best Musical Direction, and Dr. Poom Prommachart awarded Best Solo Performance – Instrumental, proving that the line between performer and educator can be one of enrichment and elevation.
In Musical Theatre, Teater Muzikal Sakti Merong Mahawangsa stood tall, taking home four accolades for its ambitious production, imaginative staging, and compelling narrative.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Dr. Tan Sooi Beng of Universiti Sains Malaysia. As a pioneer in ethnomusicology, her decades of scholarship and mentorship have profoundly shaped the performing arts landscape in Malaysia. Her legacy continues to inspire and uplift.
Reflecting on this milestone, Caroline Russell, Executive Chairman of BOH Plantations, shared, “It has been BOH’s privilege to walk alongside Malaysia’s evolving arts scene for the past 20 years. We’ve witnessed countless ‘Ummph’ moments that celebrate passion, creativity, and innovation.”
Low Ngai Yuen, President of Kakiseni, added, “The Cammies is more than an awards night – it’s a celebration of who we are, of how far we’ve come, and what we can still become. Each name announced honours not just the individual, but our collective spirit as a community.”
Over the past two decades, the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards has become a beacon for excellence, growth, and hope in Malaysian performing arts. As we look to the future, we carry forward the stories, memories, and impact of those who came before – to spark new dreams, forge new paths, and nurture a more inclusive, united, and extraordinary creative future.
Explore the full list of recipients and relive the magic at www.kakiseni.org/awards. Follow the journey on social media @kakiseni.