Sunway University, Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) and Zag Studios have teamed up for Reach Alzheimer’s With Kindness (Rawk 4.0), a charity musical celebrating the power of music in dementia care.
This event will take place from 4pm to 6pm on Dec 8 at Sunway University.
It aims to bring hope and awareness to individuals and families affected by dementia across Malaysia.
Supported by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Rawk 4.0 is a team-up between healthcare and music professionals and the university.
Speaking about the initiative, ADFM project director Gan Chong Shyan said, “We are thrilled to collaborate on this unique project which raises awareness among younger audiences.”
Sunway University has played a pivotal role in this initiative.
In contributing their expertise, the School of Performing Arts (Music and Events Management), and the School of Medical and Life Sciences have shown how academic institutions can drive change via community engagement.
The project had begun with music therapy sessions at the ADFM care home.
These were led by Sandra Cheah, a board-certified music therapist and licensed counsellor who also serves as the president of the Malaysian Music Therapy Association.
For this event, she composed original songs inspired by accounts of individuals living with dementia.
The lyrics of these songs reflected their emotional journeys through the early, middle and late stages of the disease.
Cheah said: “As a therapist, I am deeply passionate about my clients’ stories.
“Even when memories fade, the joy in their eyes when we play their favourite music is unforgettable.”
She explained that music could evoke memories, helping people with dementia reconnect with their past as a way to improve their overall well-being.
Music therapy in Malaysia still faces significant challenges such as limited awareness and a shortage of trained therapists, said Cheah.
“Rather than recognising it as an evidence-based clinical method for rehabilitation, many people see it merely as a tool for relaxation.
“In countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore, music therapy is recognised as an allied health profession with services available in most hospitals.”
She said collaborations like Rawk 4.0, were vital for raising awareness to ensure more people experience the clinical benefits of music therapy.
Among the event highlights are original songs inspired by music therapy sessions conducted at the ADFM care home.
Audiences can also better understand the disease by participating in an immersive experience of what it is to have dementia.
Individuals with dementia will perform in a display of the transformative power of music therapy.
String ensemble and dance routines set to beloved classics will be performed by various age groups as a way of connecting audiences across generations.
Event proceeds will directly support ADFM’s efforts to support people living with dementia as well as their families across Malaysia.
Donations for tickets are RM70 and can be reserved via this link: https://forms.gle/69Hvoh4XQGejWpoT9
