The creative spotlight shone brightly this October as the Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media made its official debut with a grand launch and open house event held at Starlight Arena, Plaza 51. The event marked an important milestone for Malaysia’s growing creative industry, symbolizing a new chapter for aspiring filmmakers, performers, and storytellers. The Starlight Institute aims to bridge academic learning with hands-on industry experience, nurturing a new generation of screen and stage professionals ready to take on the global entertainment landscape.
Guests, media representatives, and aspiring talents were treated to a first-hand look at the institute’s creative training facilities, curriculum pathways, and mentorship programs under the Performing for Camera Academy and the Screen & Stage Creative Department. The launch was graced by several distinguished guests, including Starlight Chairman Andrew Teok, Managing Director Kenny Piong, CEO Aaron Lim, and Chek Hup Group Managing Director Joseph Tan, all of whom expressed their shared vision to elevate Malaysia’s creative arts education to international standards.
The highlight of the event was the official announcement of the upcoming feature film “Bola dan Impian”, a Malaysian sports drama that tells the uplifting story of an underdog all-girl Under-18 football team from a small town striving to reach the national championship. The film embodies themes of courage, teamwork, and perseverance, showcasing the dreams of young Malaysians who defy the odds. It also introduces three promising new actresses Seri Nur Adriana Elisa, 18, Lucinda Lew Xin Yee, 16, and Aarhthi Sivenesan, 16 who were discovered through the Project Starlight talent development initiative.
According to Starlight CEO and producer Aaron Lim, the institute is not just an academic center but a bridge connecting education with real-world film production. He emphasized that Starlight provides an opportunity for emerging talents to train, perform, and shine on screen, reflecting the institute’s mission to foster creativity and industry readiness. From over 100 nationwide auditions held during Project Starlight Audition 2025, only 30 were shortlisted, and three were ultimately selected for the lead roles in “Bola dan Impian”.
Aaron further shared that the film is a collaborative effort between the Starlight Institute and Chek Hup, one of Malaysia’s most beloved homegrown coffee brands. The partnership aims to promote young and rising stars across the Southeast Asian film landscape, aligning with the global excitement surrounding FIFA 2026. A symbolic jersey-signing ceremony between Aaron Lim and Joseph Tan took place to commemorate the collaboration between “Bola dan Impian” and Chek Hup.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Starlight Institute and several key education and industry partners, including 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, and JM Music represented by Michael Kek. These partnerships are expected to strengthen Starlight’s creative ecosystem, providing students with access to international collaborations and industry-driven opportunities.
“Bola dan Impian” is directed by Rayson Ng, a seasoned commercial and drama filmmaker with over 17 years of experience in media production. As the founder of Seed Entertainment and Brain Your Brand Sdn Bhd, Rayson has directed more than 1,500 projects spanning commercials, documentaries, and dramas. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable brands such as Hong Leong Bank, Medico, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Known for his expertise in sports-related productions and passion for empowering young talent, “Bola dan Impian” marks Rayson’s debut as a feature film director.
Producer Aaron Lim, meanwhile, is an award-winning filmmaker and writer best known for his acclaimed mystery thriller “C144: Human x Nature” (2022), which won Best Writer at the Alternative Film Festival in Canada and Best Feature Film at the Eastern Europe Film Festival. Beyond his achievements in filmmaking, Aaron is deeply involved in nurturing new creative talent, having established the Starlight Institute to provide structured mentorship, hands-on production experience, and professional training for Malaysia’s next wave of film and performance artists.
Filming for “Bola dan Impian” is scheduled to take place in Johor from November to December 2025, with its theatrical release set for May 2026. The production aims to blend powerful storytelling with authentic sports action sequences, offering audiences an inspiring portrayal of determination and teamwork.
The Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media, located at Starlight Arena in Plaza 51, functions as both an education and production hub under the Starlight Screen & Stage Academy. It offers professional programs in film acting, media performance, and production arts, empowering Malaysian talents to connect with international opportunities in film and media.
Through initiatives like Project Starlight, the institute continues to discover and nurture emerging talents through nationwide auditions, structured mentorship, and real-world production experiences. The 2025-26 edition of Project Starlight features the Starlight Trainee Audition, a six-month professional program in acting, dance, and media performance that leads directly to film and stage opportunities.
The launch of the Starlight Institute and the announcement of “Bola dan Impian” mark a bold step forward for Malaysia’s creative landscape. It stands as a testament to the growing collaboration between education, industry, and artistrypaving the way for a new generation of storytellers to take the stage and shine on screen.