14 Nov – Malaysians have cause to rejoice as Malaysian-born international actress, Datuk Michelle Yeoh's contributions and achievements on the international stage, has been recognized with the Lifetime Arts Achievement Award. The award was presented to her personally by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah during a Royal Arts Gala dinner. The event was also attended by the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah as well as the Information, Communications and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim. According to reports by Berita Harian, during the event, Rais had called out for all parties to come together to foster better cultural promotions for Malaysia, as well as contribute and support the local performing arts industry. He added that under the Short Term Catalyst Projects to Boost Creative Industry, funds will be collected to help finance the performing arts sector to carry on their activities on a continuous basis.
"The involvement and commitment from all parties will help spread the Government's efforts in encouraging growth in the country's creative industry to help push national economy," said Rais. At the same time, Rais said that the Government had agreed to tax exemptions for all private sectors that contribute to programs under the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry. All efforts taken towards raising funds to generate an investment return will be deposited in the culture trust account that will be funneled for performing arts activities held in the future. This is in line with the aspirations and strategy under the National Creative Industry policy.