The creative spotlight shone bright this October as the Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media officially launched with a vibrant open house and launch event at the Starlight Arena, Plaza 51.
This launch marked a significant milestone for Malaysia’s next generation of filmmakers, performers, and storytellers. The institute was introduced as a new creative education hub designed to bridge industry training with real-world production experience. Guests, aspiring talents, and media partners were given an exclusive preview of the training facilities, curriculum pathways, and upcoming mentorship programs offered under the Performing for Camera Academy and the Screen and Stage Creative Department.
The launch was graced by distinguished guests including Andrew Teok, Chairman of Starlight; Kenny Piong, Managing Director of Starlight; Aaron Lim, CEO of Starlight; and Joseph Tan, Group Managing Director of Chek Hup (M) Sdn Bhd.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the upcoming Malaysian feature film “Bola dan Impian.” The film tells the inspiring story of an underdog all-girl Under-18 football team who rise from a small-town setting to compete at the national championship. Blending high-energy sports drama with heartfelt storytelling, the film captures the themes of courage, teamwork, and the pursuit of dreams by young Malaysians who strive against all odds.
“Bola dan Impian” will introduce three fresh talents: Seri Nur Adriana Elisa, 18, Lucinda Lew Xin Yee, 16, and Aarhthi Sivenesan, 16. These young stars were discovered through the Project Starlight talent development program and will be supported by a cast of seasoned actors from the local film industry. From over 100 audition submissions in September 2025, 30 hopefuls were shortlisted, with only three ultimately chosen for lead roles in the film.
Speaking at the launch, Aaron Lim, CEO of Starlight Institute and producer of “Bola dan Impian,” expressed his vision for the academy. “We’re not just launching an academy — we’re building a bridge between education and professional film production. This is where young talent gets to train, perform, and ultimately shine on screen,” he said.
The film is a partnership between Starlight Institute and its long-time collaborators and main advertisers, Chek Hup. The collaboration aims to promote new Malaysian stars to the Southeast Asian cinema landscape in conjunction with FIFA 2026. As a symbolic gesture, a jersey signing ceremony was conducted between Aaron Lim and Joseph Tan to celebrate the partnership.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Starlight Institute and several strategic 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.
“Bola dan Impian” is produced by award-winning filmmaker Aaron Lim and written and directed by experienced commercial and drama director Rayson Ng. With over 17 years in the film and media industry, Rayson has directed and produced more than 1,500 projects, including commercials, documentaries, and dramas. His work with brands such as Hong Leong Bank, Medico, and the Asian Football Confederation has established him as a creative force in the region. Known for his expertise in sports-related productions, “Bola dan Impian” will be his first full-length feature film.
Aaron Lim is best known for producing “C144: Human x Nature” (2022), a mystery thriller inspired by the discovery of a World War II aircraft crash site. The film received international acclaim, winning Best Writer at the Alternative Film Festival in Canada and Best Feature Film at the Eastern Europe Film Festival. Beyond his achievements in film, Lim is committed to nurturing young talent through mentorship and education, making the Starlight Institute a natural extension of his advocacy for the local creative industry.
The shooting of “Bola dan Impian” is scheduled to take place between November and December 2025 in Johore, with its cinema release targeted for May 2026.
The Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media, located at Starlight Arena, Plaza 51, serves as a professional center for training in film acting, media performance, and production arts. It is a creative education and production hub under the Starlight Screen and Stage Academy, connecting Malaysia’s emerging talent with global opportunities.
As part of its initiatives, Project Starlight aims to discover, develop, and showcase the next generation of Malaysian screen and stage talents on the international stage. Through collaborations with producers, academies, and entertainment partners, the program provides structured mentorship, workshops, and real-world exposure opportunities, preparing young artists for careers in film and performance.
With its launch, the Starlight Institute has positioned itself as both a platform for creative education and a bridge to professional film production. The announcement of “Bola dan Impian” reflects this dual mission — empowering aspiring performers while contributing to Malaysia’s growing presence in the global entertainment industry.
