Kuala Lumpur recently witnessed an extraordinary evening of musical theatre with Musical Treasures, a captivating production by renowned producer and choreographer Farah Dato' Seri Sulaiman. Held on the 18th and 19th of January 2025 at The Platform, Menara KEN TTDI, the event left audiences enchanted.  

The spectacular production transported attendees into the magical world of Broadway, featuring timeless favourites from beloved musicals such as Mamma Mia!, Hamilton, Hello Dolly!, and The Sound of Music. With over 50 talented performers, including children and adults, the stage came alive with vibrant music, dance, and storytelling.  

More than just an evening of entertainment, Musical Treasures was also a celebration of art and philanthropy. Proceeds from the event were donated to Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY), supporting their vital work in advancing cancer research, improving early detection, and ensuring better access to treatments for Malaysian families affected by cancer.

Read more: Charity Comedy Night by Cancer Research Malaysia: Life is Funny

Table of Content

1. Musical Treasures Gala Night
2. Producer Farah Sulaiman
3. Collaboration with Musical Treasures
4. Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY)
5. Tax Benefits for Donors
6. Join the Fight Against Cancer

Supporting Cancer Research Malaysia: Musical Treasures Broadway in Kuala Lumpur

Supporting Cancer Research Malaysia: Musical Treasures Broadway in Kuala Lumpur

Musical Treasures Gala Night

Held on 18 January 2025, the gala night was an unforgettable celebration of art, philanthropy, and hope. Featuring two legendary Malaysian entertainers, Ning Baizura and Dato' Leonard Tan, the event left an indelible mark on attendees while raising vital funds for Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY).

Ning Baizura, renowned for her soulful and powerful vocals, graced the stage with her captivating presence, reinforcing her commitment to supporting impactful causes like cancer research. Meanwhile, Dato' Leonard Tan, a multi-talented performer celebrated for his acting, singing, and hosting skills, brought charm and versatility to the production.

Their participation amplified the night’s significance, transforming it into a heartwarming tribute to the unwavering pursuit of better cancer care. With their star power, the Gala Night succeeded in uniting the arts and science communities to champion CRMY's mission of advancing cancer research and improving access to life-saving treatments for Malaysian families.

Ning Baizura, known for her soulful vocals, graced the Musical Treasures Gala Night, supporting impactful causes like cancer research.

Producer Farah Sulaiman

Producer Farah Sulaiman’s commitment to the fight against cancer is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Over the years, she has faced the heartbreaking loss of several friends and loved ones to this devastating disease. These profound losses have inspired her to channel her grief into action, using her talent and resources in the arts to support life-saving cancer research.

For Farah, organising productions like Musical Treasures is more than a professional endeavour - it is a heartfelt tribute to the memories of those she has lost. "Organising cancer research fundraisers such as Musical Treasures is a way for me to honour their loving memory," Farah shares. Through these efforts, she hopes to rally the community in support of those affected by cancer and contribute to improving treatments and survival rates.

Musical Treasures is a reflection of Farah’s unwavering dedication to making a difference. By combining her expertise in the arts with her passion for philanthropy, she continues to create events that resonate deeply with audiences while driving crucial support for Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY).

The stage came alive at Musical Treasures, showcasing breathtaking performances in aid of Cancer Research Malaysia.

Collaboration with Musical Treasures

Musical Treasures marks the second successful collaboration between Farah Sulaiman and Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY). Their first partnership, the Get On Your Feet musical in September 2023, drew over 1,000 attendees and was widely celebrated for its impact. Proceeds from that event funded the operational expenses of two mid-level researchers at CRMY for an entire year, demonstrating the tangible difference such initiatives can make.

With nearly 70 researchers working tirelessly to advance cancer research, fundraising events like Musical Treasures are vital to sustaining CRMY’s groundbreaking efforts. This year’s production set an ambitious target of raising RM300,000, a goal that reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving cancer survival rates for Asian patients.

The funds generated from Musical Treasures will directly support CRMY’s initiatives, including pioneering research, early detection tools, and innovative treatments. By building on the success of previous collaborations, Farah Sulaiman and CRMY continue to inspire hope and drive progress in the fight against cancer.

Musical Treasures brought Broadway to Kuala Lumpur, uniting talent and purpose for a noble cause. Photo by Musical Treasures.

A celebration of music, dance, and hope at Musical Treasures, raising vital funds for cancer research. Photo by Musical Treasures.

Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY)

This year, CRMY aimed to raise RM300,000 through Musical Treasures to advance its mission of improving cancer survival rates for Asian patients. Relying entirely on grants and donations, CRMY collaborated with multiple stakeholders to achieve several significant milestones, including:

MeMoSA®: Early Oral Cancer Screening

Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health, CRMY launched the MeMoSA® (Mobile Mouth Screening Anywhere) mobile app designed for early screening of oral cancer. This innovative app enables users to capture images of suspicious oral lesions and receive assessments from healthcare professionals, facilitating timely referrals and treatment. CRMY's trained healthcare volunteers have screened nearly 2,000 individuals in rural areas of Sarawak using this app. Oral cancer is prevalent in Malaysia, often diagnosed at late stages due to limited access to early screening. MeMoSA® empowers individuals, especially in remote areas, to detect potential issues early, improving survival rates and reducing treatment costs.

Oral Cancer Vaccine Made in Malaysia

CRMY has developed a peptide-based cancer vaccine aimed at treating oral cancer by training the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. This vaccine has demonstrated the ability to control tumour growth by up to 97% in pre-clinical studies and will progress to entering First-in-Human clinical trials. Oral cancer is prevalent in Asia, with Malaysians being significantly affected. The development of this vaccine offers hope for more effective and less invasive treatment options, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

Breast Cancer Care

CRMY's Patient Navigation Programme (PNP), a structured framework led by nurse and community navigators, eliminates barriers to treatment and provides comprehensive support for breast cancer patients, especially those from the B40 community. In October 2024, CRMY's PNP was recognised by the World Health Organisation for its exemplary breast cancer care management, making it a global benchmark for comprehensive breast cancer management and a source of Malaysian pride.

Pink Ribbon Centres in Malaysia

Building on this success, CRMY has been actively expanding the reach of its Pink Ribbon Centres. In 2020, three additional centres were established in Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar (Seremban), Hospital Umum Sarawak (Kuching), and Hospital Queen Elizabeth II (Kota Kinabalu), strategically chosen for their availability of breast and endocrine surgeons. Collectively, these four Pink Ribbon Centres have supported over 4,700 breast cancer patients as of 2024.

The momentum continues in 2025, with CRMY signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with four government hospitals to establish new Pink Ribbon Centres: Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (Kota Bharu), Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (Ipoh), Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim (Sungai Petani). These centres are expected to become operational by the end of the first quarter of 2025, further expanding the reach of CRMY's comprehensive breast cancer care services.

These new Pink Ribbon Centres will become operational by the end of the first quarter of 2025, further expanding CRMY's reach in providing patient-centred breast cancer care and support services. With nurse and community navigators guiding patients through their treatment journey, these centres will eliminate barriers to care, especially for those from underprivileged communities.

Tax Benefits for Donors

Donating to Musical Treasures and supporting Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause while enjoying tax benefits. For donations above RM50, CRMY provides tax-exemption receipts, allowing individuals and corporations to optimize their tax relief.

This tax incentive makes it easier to give back and support CRMY's pioneering efforts in advancing cancer research, improving early detection, and providing better access to treatments. By taking advantage of the tax exemption, donors can make a meaningful impact on the lives of Malaysian families affected by cancer while reducing their overall tax burden.

Corporate donors, in particular, can benefit greatly from this tax incentive. By supporting Musical Treasures and CRMY's initiatives, companies can demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility while enjoying tax savings. This win-win situation allows businesses to contribute to a noble cause while aligning their values with their financial objectives.

For individuals, the tax exemption provides a compelling reason to donate generously. Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a difference in the fight against cancer. By taking advantage of the tax benefits, donors can maximize the impact of their donations while potentially reducing their personal tax liabilities.

Overall, the tax-exemption receipts offered by CRMY for donations above RM50 represent a valuable opportunity for individuals and corporations alike to support life-saving cancer research while enjoying financial benefits. This incentive not only encourages philanthropy but also helps to ensure that CRMY has the resources necessary to continue its vital work in improving cancer survival rates for Asian patients.

An unforgettable night at Musical Treasures, where art and philanthropy came together to support cancer research in Malaysia.

Join the Fight Against Cancer

Musical Treasures is more than just a dazzling Broadway-style production; it's a powerful opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless Malaysians affected by cancer. Contributions, whether through ticket purchases or additional donations, will directly fuel CRMY's groundbreaking research initiatives, bringing us closer to a future where cancer is no longer a death sentence.

Musical Treasures brought together performers, philanthropists, and the wider community to create meaningful change. Guests not only revelled in a dazzling evening of Broadway-inspired performances but also contributed to a cause that promises to save countless lives.

The funds raised during the gala night will enable CRMY's dedicated researchers and healthcare professionals to continue their vital work. From developing cutting-edge technologies to providing compassionate care, the impact of Musical Treasures will resonate far beyond the stage, offering hope to Malaysian families affected by cancer.

This remarkable night underscored the power of art and community in driving meaningful change, ensuring that the legacy of Musical Treasures lives on in the lives it has touched and the futures it has transformed.