Based in Petaling Jaya, StART academy was established by Malaysia’s largest communications group, Foetus International, to nurture and cultivate creative talents among less fortunate children.

A brainchild of Foetus International group executive chairman Datuk Vincent Lee, StART has been operational since early April.

The arts academy provides continuous programmes in art, music, drama, dancing and performing arts to children of various orphanages, including Shelter, Ti Ratana, Agathians, Stepping Stone, WAO-CCC and Harvest Centre.

“I come from a similar background to many of the kids here today and I remember how art used to make me feel happy,” said Lee at the official launch recently which included guests such as Social Welfare Malaysia director- general, Datuk Meme Zainal Rashid and Toh Puan Ena Ling “I am appreciative of what art did for me and felt it was time to give the less fortunate the same exposure to art, music, dance and the chance at fulfilling their dreams and success,” Lee added.

Guests were captivated by the energetic and passionate performances of the children of StART, Miss World Malaysia 2008, Soo Wincci and guest artistes Ragged Tigers, who contributed to a festive atmosphere at the launch.

The evening ended with an auction of the children’s artwork, with proceeds of the sales being channelled towards society, which will be funded by Foetus International.

Lee hopes the academy will also provide the less fortunate children the same opportunity as middle class children who go for art and piano classes.

He also urged the public to direct underprivileged and arts-inclined children to the academy so that they will have the opportunity to explore their creative aptitude.

The inspirational academy hopes to nurture the children’s talent, assist them to get into creative colleges and become leaders in the communications industry by becoming directors, musicians and writers.

StART is all set to be a safe platform for children who are less fortunate to express and articulate their feelings through art by using their God-given talents.

With 150 children from six different homes, including the Myanmar Refugee Centre, the academy has already brought smiles to the children and is certain to give them more in the coming months.

With a support of six teachers, the academy has four rooms, comprising different aspects of the arts — including a keyboard room, guitar room, drum room, dance studio and music-drum studio.

Meme said: “The government recognises the right of every child to develop their cultural and artistic aspect and the Welfare Department looks forward to collaborating with for the betterment of underprivileged children.