One of the sponsors receiving a memento from Masidi (third left). Also seen here is Azharina (left).
KOTA KINABALU: The first registered artiste club in Sabah, Kelab Artis 1Malaysia (KA1M), was officially launched on Thursday, providing a platform for young artistes to improve their career in the entertainment industry.
“It is a platform for young artistes to work together, share resources, and help each other to work towards achieving their dreams in the industry and expand their career,” said its president, Azharina Azhar.
To date, the club has 50 members and is aiming to get as many members as possible, focusing on artistes aged 15 to 45.
According to Azharina, KA1M is set to organise activities on a monthly basis while helping its members to generate income through various means relevant to their vocation.
Meanwhile, Azharina has expressed her opinion that the quantum of payment or salaries for artistes in Sabah should be reviewed.
Launching the club on Thursday was Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun, who encouraged the committee and members of KA1M not to take the club for granted.
“Often clubs or associations, especially those involving locals or natives, are short-lived, but I hope that KA1M is not one of those clubs and not become just another passing fancy,” said Masidi.
He added that in order for local artistes to improve, they should also change their attitude especially towards matters involving payments or fees and urged KA1M members to be generous to help the club’s sustainability and improvement.
On a separate note, Masidi expressed the hope that more hotel lounges and clubs will give opportunities for local artiste bands to perform which he hoped would help to promote Sabahan music industry better.
To assist the club in its management and administration, Masidi announced a RM20,000 grant for KA1M. In gratefully accepting the grant, Azharina said that such an amount is considered a big help and will definitely assist the club in its activities.