Starlight Institute Launches Open House Event and New Film ‘Bola dan Impian
Petaling Jaya, 22 October 2025 — The creative spotlight shone bright this October as the Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media officially launched with an open house event at Starlight Arena, Plaza 51. The institute marks a major milestone for Malaysia’s emerging filmmakers, performers, and storytellers, bridging professional industry training with real-world production experience.
Guests, aspiring talents, and media partners were given an exclusive look into the institute’s state-of-the-art training facilities, curriculum pathways, and upcoming mentorship programs under the Performing for Camera Academy and Screen & Stage Creative Department.
VIPs attending the event included Andrew Teok, Chairman of Starlight; Kenny Piong, Managing Director; Aaron Lim, CEO of Starlight Institute; and Joseph Tan, Group Managing Director of Chek Hup (M) Sdn Bhd.
The highlight of the launch was the announcement of the upcoming Malaysian feature film, “Bola dan Impian”, which tells the inspiring story of an underdog all-girl Under-18 football team rising from a small town to compete in the national championship. Blending high-energy sports drama with heartfelt storytelling, the film celebrates courage, teamwork, and the dreams of young Malaysians who defy the odds.
The film introduces three rising stars discovered through the Project Starlight talent development program: Seri Nur Adriana Elisa (18), Lucinda Lew Xin Yee (16), and Aarhthi Sivenesan (16). They are joined by a cast of experienced industry actors, ensuring a balance of fresh talent and professional guidance.
Aaron Lim, CEO of Starlight Institute and producer of Bola dan Impian, shared in his opening address:
“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.”
From over 100 submissions during the Project Starlight Audition 2025, 30 hopefuls were shortlisted, with only three earning lead roles in the film. Bola dan Impian represents a strategic partnership between Starlight Institute and Chek Hup, a brand established in Ipoh, Malaysia in the mid-1900s, known for blending local coffee culture with premium roasting. The partnership also coincides with FIFA 2026, highlighting Malaysia’s growing presence in Southeast Asian cinema.
To celebrate the collaboration, a jersey signing ceremony was conducted by Aaron Lim and Joseph Tan, marking the union between Bola dan Impian and Chek Hup. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed with strategic education and industry partners:
Falcon TVET University US – APAC CEO Calvin Chong
Aotu Theatre – Director Noel Neoh
Antplus Entertainment – Director Ash Lu
Synergy Media Entertainment – Yvonne Lee
JM Music – Michael Kek
The film is directed by Rayson Ng, an accomplished filmmaker with over 17 years of experience, who has directed and produced more than 1,500 projects including commercials, documentaries, and dramas. His collaborations include top brands such as Hong Leong Bank, Medico, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). A founder of Seed Entertainment and Brain Your Brand Sdn Bhd, Rayson is known for sports-related productions and large-scale campaigns such as AFC “Beyond the Field” referee documentary series. Bola dan Impian is his first full-length feature film.
Aaron Lim, the film’s producer, is also an award-winning Malaysian filmmaker and writer, best known for C144: Human x Nature (2022), which won Best Writer (Alternative Film Festival, Canada) and Best Feature Film (Eastern Europe Film Festival). Beyond filmmaking, Lim is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creatives, mentoring aspiring filmmakers and performers, and spearheading initiatives like the Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media.
Filming for Bola dan Impian is scheduled from November to December 2025 on location in Johore, with a theatrical release planned for May 2026.
About Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media
Starlight Institute is a creative education and production hub under the Starlight Screen & Stage Academy. Located at Starlight Arena, Plaza 51, it offers professional training in film acting, media performance, and production arts, connecting Malaysia’s emerging talent with global industry opportunities.
About Project Starlight
Project Starlight is a visionary initiative by Starlight Institute, aiming to discover, develop, and showcase Malaysia’s next generation of screen and stage talents. Through collaborations with film producers, performance academies, and entertainment partners, the project offers structured mentorship, professional workshops, and real-world exposure, bridging aspiring artists to the international entertainment stage. The 2025–26 edition featured the Starlight Trainee Audition, a nationwide search for young talents who undergo six months of professional training in acting, dance, and media performance, leading to feature film and live production opportunities.
