A spectacular night of celebration unfolded on 4 May 2025 as the 20th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (20BCAA) took centre stage at Stage 1 Theatre, Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC). Commemorating two decades of honouring Malaysia’s finest talents in theatre, dance, music, and musical theatre, this landmark edition of the awards recognised the excellence, innovation, and dedication of the country’s performing arts community. With the theme “20 Years of Legacy: Igniting Inspiration for Tomorrow,” the 20BCAA paid tribute not only to the pioneers who shaped the local arts landscape but also looked ahead to the next generation of artists who will carry the torch forward.
In the spirit of this celebration, the spotlight was cast on the outstanding nominees of 2024 – each representing the passion, resilience, and brilliance that defines Malaysian performing arts today. Leading the theatre category were The Bee and Randai “MacBeth”, with the latter emerging as the biggest winner of the night, sweeping seven awards across multiple categories. A powerful blend of traditional Randai and Shakespearean drama, this production by Pusat Seni Pentas Tradisional (PuTRA), ASWARA stood out for its originality, cultural depth, and contemporary relevance.
In dance, the audience was moved by the emotional victory of Geetha Shankaran-Lam, who took home Best Featured/Lead Performer for her role in Samskara – Past Reflections, Present Expressions by GSD Performing Studio. At the age of 56, her win marked not just a celebration of enduring excellence and discipline, but also a legacy of inspiration for younger performers to follow.
The music category recognised two remarkable figures: Dr. Bernard Tan, who received Best Musical Direction, and Dr. Poom Prommachart, who was awarded Best Solo Performance – Instrumental. Both are renowned not only for their exceptional performances but also for their contributions to the academic field, helping to elevate the standard of Malaysian music both on and off the stage.
In musical theatre, Teater Muzikal Sakti Merong Mahawangsa shone brightly with four wins, captivating audiences through its imaginative storytelling, rich cultural context, and compelling performances, reaffirming the genre’s growing importance in the Malaysian arts scene.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Best of 2024 Awards to three productions that captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike: Randai “MacBeth” by PuTRA, ASWARA; Spice, Magic and Mystique by The Young KL Singers (presented by TAS Seni Teater Rakyat and klpac); and Teater Persiapan Seorang Aktor by Studio Sedar Ruang. Each production represented the pinnacle of creative excellence, cultural relevance, and artistic courage.
A moment of deep reverence was shared when Professor Dr. Tan Sooi Beng of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, was honoured with the BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award. As a pioneering ethnomusicologist, Professor Tan has dedicated her life to preserving and expanding the study and practice of traditional music in Malaysia. Her tireless efforts in education, research, and community engagement have shaped generations of artists and academics, and her influence will continue to resonate for years to come.
Reflecting on this milestone, Caroline Russell, Executive Chairman of BOH Plantations, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community: “It has been our privilege to walk alongside Malaysia’s vibrant and ever-evolving performing arts community over these two decades. We’ve witnessed countless ‘Ummph’ moments – powerful expressions of artistry, innovation, and heart. Our warmest congratulations to all who continue to uplift the soul of the nation through the arts.”
She added, “As we celebrate this extraordinary milestone, let us raise a cup of BOH Cameronian Gold Blend to honour the legacy and toast to a future full of tenacity, creativity, and pride in artistic expression.”
Low Ngai Yuen, President of Kakiseni, reinforced the vision behind the awards, stating: “The BOH Cameronian Arts Awards is not only a celebration of excellence, but a platform that uplifts, discovers, and connects. Every name called is not just a winner – it’s a reflection of where the Malaysian arts scene stands today, and where it can go from here.”
As the curtains closed on this landmark celebration, the message was clear: over the past 20 years, we’ve seen talents grow into icons, grassroots productions ignite national conversations, and local stories take centre stage. Moving forward into the next two decades, the mission remains to nurture a space where bold ideas are welcomed, where creativity thrives, and where the arts continue to be a catalyst for unity, reflection, and progress.