Stand up against hate and intolerance
SETIA ALAM: Thousands of Malaysians are expected to show up at the Setia City Convention Centre today to make a stand against hate and intolerance at the country’s first-ever Kindness Concert.
The free indoor event will feature performances and appearances from top Malaysian artistes including Lisa Surihani, Harith Iskander, Kyoto Protocol, Man Bai, and Jinnyboy, as well as a video showcase of the inspiring student-led #StandTogether National Kindness Week movement.
“We want to spread kindness to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. If there’s a baby in the audience, we’ll show the baby how to be kind!” said Takahara Suiko, lead singer of The Venopian Solitude, who will also be performing.
The idea for the concert came from the award-winning R.AGE impact journalism team and property developer SP Setia, who collaborated to kick off the #StandTogether movement that has spread to schools all across the country, reaching thousands of students.
SP Setia CEO Datuk Khor Chap Jen has taken a personal interest in the movement, visiting his hometown and alma mater in Parit Buntar to raise awareness.
Khor said the company’s ethos of helping families and communities “stay together” is what drives their commitment to the kindness movement.
“When people stay together, all problems can be solved, and that’s where kindness and loyalty come in,” said Khor.
Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai has also been a keen supporter of the movement.
“As a columnist, I know a thing or two about conflict and disagreements, especially when it comes to politics. But we must never let that descend into hate, and that’s why I am supporting this movement.
“I will stand with all the students at the concert to pledge to be kinder, and I hope all Malaysians will do the same,” said Wong.
Admission to The Kindness Concert is free, with no registration required. Members of the public can enter the hall as early as 2pm.
There will also be a sharing session at the foyer with all the celebrity ambassadors at 2pm, after which fans will have a chance to meet the celebrities and have photos taken.
Those who cannot make it to the concert can support the event by downloading and sharing the campaign’s “blue hashtag” symbol at standtogether.my/concert, as a sign of solidarity with the movement.
For more information, go to fb. com/KindnessConcertMY.