The Perak Menteri Besar at the Perak Arts Awards (ASN) 2025 Night.

IPOH, 27 September 2025 – The Perak Arts Awards (ASN) 2025 was held in a lively atmosphere at the Travelodge Hotel in Ipoh last night, honouring 19 recipients in various cultural art categories.

The prestigious biennial event was officiated by Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, with an attendance over 500 guests, including dignitaries, artists, NGOs, government agency representatives, educational institutions and the media.

In his speech, Dato’ Seri Saarani stressed that cultural arts are not merely entertainment but a reflection of the nation's soul and an important asset that unites society and strengthens the state's identity.

 “Efforts to preserve, empower and develop cultural arts are a shared responsibility. The state government will continue to support initiatives that enrich Perak's cultural heritage.

 “The digitalisation of cultural arts is also very important so that it is easily accessible to the younger generation, thereby strengthening cultural education in schools, universities and communities,” he said.

Also present were State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) Cultural Arts Enhancement Division Director Saiful Khairi Ahmad, JKKN Perak Director Hisham Mat Husien, Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah, as well as heads of state and federal departments.

The Perak ASN 2025 crowned Rashidi Abdul Kharis as the Tokoh Sepanjang Zaman, while Mannan Miah Wabulah was honoured as the Tokoh Seni Negeri Perak 2025.

The other recipients were Muhammad Azhahar Omar (Theatre Arts), Mohamad Ramdan Misnon (Young Theatre Talent), Mohd Dawan Wasidin (Dance Arts), Pakkia Letchumi Paramasivam (Young Dance Talent), Ramasubain Pulogasingam (Music Arts), Noorhidayah Halim (Young Music Talent), Noor Azman Samsudin (Fine Arts), Amrie Zakaria (Young Fine Arts Talent) and Mohd Nadzri Khalid (Backstage).

In addition, Badan Budaya Perak received the Perak NGO Supporter Award, while Kelab Kesenian Kompang & Gamelan (Noreasy), Perak Nam Hoi Association, Persatuan Kebudayaan Sri Agni Teluk Intan and Persatuan Kebajikan dan Adat Masyarakat Orang Asli Semai dan Temiar Perak Tengah were also given recognition.

In other categories, SMK Raja Chulan, Ipoh was named the Promising School for Cultural Arts, Malaysia Gazette Perak received the Media Award, while the Perak Public Works Department (JKR) was announced as the recipient for the Government and Corporate Agency category.

Each recipient received a cash prize ranging from RM1,000 to RM5,000 along with a plaque, certificate and mock cheque as a token of appreciation.

The awards night was further enlivened with art performances and special screenings that reflected the commitment of the state government, JKKN and Perak Cultural Council in upholding cultural arts as an eternal heritage.

The Perak Arts Awards (ASN) will continue as a biennial event in line with the National Culture Policy (DAKEN) which emphasises arts and culture as the foundation of national civilisation, a medium for social unity and a driver of the creative economy.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.