GSC and Taylor's University ink MoU to nurture future Malaysian film talent

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GSC and Taylor's University ink MoU to nurture future Malaysian film talent

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Writer: Michelle Tan

Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of School, School of Media and Communication, Taylor's University; Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management; Ms. Koh Mei Lee, CEO, GSC and Ms. Shirley Low, CMO, GSC

24 Sep - Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and Taylor's University's School of Media and Communication have announced a collaborative partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This alliance aims to nurture future talent in the film industry, building upon GSC's ongoing efforts to champion local films through their #GSCKeepingitREEL initiative. The partnership will provide the students in Taylor's University's Bachelor of Mass Communication (Digital Media Production) programme, with valuable industry exposure and opportunities.

Ms. Koh Mei Lee, CEO, GSC: GSC remains committed to empowering and uplifting the pool of potential talents who represent the future of our local movie industry

Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management: Taylor's University and GSC have a shared vision aimed to cultivate a new generation of media professionals.

The collaboration encompasses a range of initiatives designed to equip students with practical skills and industry insights. These include mentorship sessions and interactive workshops led by GSC spokespersons, guest lectures by industry partners, screening opportunities for student films at GSC locations, and internship placements at GSC.

To kick off the partnership, a panel session titled "Elevating Malaysian Cinema: Nurturing talent, quality and opportunity for the Next Gen" was held. It featured prominent industry leaders who shared their experiences with students and provided invaluable insights on the real workings of the industry.

Panellists (from left) Mr. Tung Yow Kong, CEO, GSC Movies; Mr. Kok Jia Wern, Programme Director, Taylor's University; Ms. Shamin Yusof, Producer; Mr. Adrian Teh, Director-Producer, Mr. Rahmat Adam, Associate Senior Manager, Acquisition and Co-Production, GSC Movies

Tung Yow Kong and Adrian Teh shared some insights on the real workings of the industry

GSC's commitment to fostering local talent extends beyond this partnership. The leading cinema exhibitor has been actively involved in co-producing, investing in, and advocating for local films.

In June 2024, GSC provided a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their work during the Taylor's University Film Festival at GSC Starling Mall. Additionally, GSC International Screens launched the Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF) in 2023, offering local animators an opportunity to present their creativity on the big screen. The festival is returning for its second edition and will run from 3 - 30 October at selected GSC locations nationwide

Both GSC and Taylor's University express enthusiasm for this partnership, viewing it as a significant step towards cultivating a new generation of media professionals. The collaboration aims to blend academic rigor with industry exposure, preparing students not only with creative skills but also with an understanding of the financial and entrepreneurial aspects of filmmaking. Through this joint effort, both institutions hope to shape the future of the Malaysian film industry by nurturing innovative and financially savvy professionals.