Meet The Profile: Dato' Dr. Faridah Merican

Presented by The Living History Project

The Living History Project (TLHP) is Malaysia's pioneering digital museum dedicated to preserving the stories, memories, and lived experiences of everyday Malaysians and local icons.

We believe that history is not just found in textbooks, historical dates, or political milestones, it lives in the people who experienced it. Through interviews, documentaries, community archives, and public programmes, TLHP documents the voices that have shaped our nation across arts, culture, sports, public service, and exploration.

By creating an accessible archive of these personal journeys, TLHP ensures that the sacrifices, choices, values, and triumphs of our people are preserved to inspire future generations.

Meet The Profile: Real Conversations, Real Malaysia

This Merdeka season, The Living History Project presents an exclusive, intimate session of Meet The Profile featuring Dato' Dr Faridah Merican, national cultural icon and the First Lady of Malaysian Theatre. Hosted inside the historic colonial house of Badan Warisan Malaysia, step into the room for an unvarnished conversation following the release of her long-awaited memoir, “Me, Mamak.”

Join us as Dato' Dr Faridah Merican dives directly into the stories, candid reflections, and life events documented in her book, from breaking social barriers to laying the permanent foundations of local performing arts. Discover how decades of artistic vision, courage, and building community arts spaces have shaped Malaysia's creative landscape, and take part in a rare, direct Q&A session with the woman behind the spotlight.

About the Speaker: Dato' Dr Faridah Merican

Known as the ‘Mother of Malaysian Performing Arts’ and the ‘First Lady of Malaysian Theatre’, Dato' Dr. Faridah Merican is one of Malaysia's most celebrated theatre pioneers. Across more than five decades, she has helped shape the country's performing arts landscape through acting, directing, producing and arts advocacy. As co-founder of The Actors Studio and the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), she has played a significant role in nurturing generations of Malaysian performers and championing local storytelling.

Chief among Faridah's achievements is co-founding The Actors Studio in 1989 alongside her husband, Joe Hasham OAM. This renowned theatre company has played a crucial role in nurturing local talents, as well as fostering the growth of the Malaysian theatre scene. Aside from her impressive acting career, Faridah has also been involved in various other fields. In the early 1960s, Faridah joined Radio and TV Malaysia, where she honed her skills in broadcasting. During the same period, she also played a pivotal role in the formative years of the Malaysian Advertising industry, serving on the board of Ogilvy & Mather for several years.

Faridah's many accolades and honorifics include the Ahli Mangku Negara in 1973, the Darjah Johan Negeri in 2001, the Johan Setia Mahkota in 2004, the BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2024 Merdeka Award. In 2018, Faridah was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in the Arts by Taylor's University. She is currently the Adjunct Professor & Programme Development Director of TUTAS, Malaysia's first performing arts conservatory degree programme by The Actors Studio and Taylor's University.

Session Details & Agenda

• Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Format: Registration & Networking (15 mins), Moderated Conversations (30 mins), Audiences Q&A (15 mins) 
• Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia (2, Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur)

Seating Capacity

• Capacity: Intimate setting strictly limited to 30 to 50 seats.
• Seating: Free seating (first-come, first-served basis).

Ticketing Information

Note: Every ticket purchased includes 1 complimentary drink.  

• Ticket Price (Normal): RM 20.00 
• Ticket Price (Students): RM 15.00 

⚠️ Important Event Rules

• Punctuality: Doors open 20 minutes before the session (10:40 AM). Late arrivals will only be admitted during appropriate pauses to avoid disturbing the speaker or recording.
• Student Tickets: Student ticket holders must bring and present a valid student ID at registration. Failure to provide valid proof will require upgrading to a Normal ticket at the door.  
• Recording Restrictions: Audio and video recording during the 40-minute talk are strictly prohibited. Photography without flash is permitted. (For the safety and privacy of our profiles)
• Age Limit: Recommended for attendees aged 12 and above.
• Heritage Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia is a preserved heritage site. Attendees are kindly asked to respect the house and grounds.