Istana Budaya uses Green Technology in line with global aspiration towards environment

Its director-general, Zubaidah Mukhtar said one of the initial steps taken was to change its existing lights to energy-efficient LED lights last month (August).

She said it is also carrying out a study to change the mechanical system which is expected to reduce its electricity bill which is high especially when holding a stage performance.

"Istana Budaya, which has been around for 25 years, is also studying the use of more efficient cooling systems and cooling towers in addition to planning towards a more optimal and environmentally friendly operation," she told Bernama recently.

Additionally, she said that to restore Istana Budaya's glory as a world-class stage, Zubaidah said that several improvements involving the replacement of assets such as the overstage system and lighting system on the main stage of the Panggung Sari need to be implemented.

"Our existing state technology mechanism is among the best in the world. Therefore, the main goal of this improvement is to make Istana Budaya like new in line with its prestige," she said.

She said Istana Budaya also continues to empower its three main products, namely the Traditional Orchestra of Malaysia (OTM), National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), and Istana Budaya Dance Artists (Artistana) to develop artistic excellence in world-class performing arts.

She said as a group of performing arts professionals, she strongly encourages Artistana, through the Accreditation of Prior Achievement (PPT), to take the Malaysian Skills Certificate so that they become knowledgeable and highly skilled artists.

"This is because Istana Budaya plays an important role in providing services for performances for several mega projects in line with Malaysia assuming the chair of ASEAN 2025," she said.

In addition, she said, the division of performance slots at Istana Budaya is still the same, at a rate of 70 per cent for local and the rest for international each year, but the rental price rate will be announced later.

"We provide this space for all communities of various races that reflect the diversity of society. We also do not want to pursue profit, but rather give opportunities to all artistes, especially those who promote traditional arts and national heritage," she also said.

At the same time, Zubaidah added that Istana Budaya's participation in the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres (AAPPAC), since 2010, is an effort to expand the network, share knowledge, and introduce national art programmes and products at the international level.

-- BERNAMA