ACTOR and producer Datuk Aaron Aziz is giving former prisoners a second chance by inviting them to audition for roles under his company, Aaron Aziz Production.
Aaron said the initiative was aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and proved that they, too, deserved opportunities.
“Some have talent, some don’t — but that doesn’t mean they can’t do it.
They just need to work harder.
I realised many of them genuinely want chances like this,” he said.
He acknowledged that ex-convicts often struggled to find jobs due to limited education and skills, and hoped this platform could ease their reintegration.
Encouraged by positive feedback, Aaron plans to expand the programme to other states, including Johor, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak.
He also urged the public to change their perception of former prisoners, often unfairly labelled as addicts or criminals.
“Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is giving them the space to change, rather than pushing them aside,” he said.
Apart from acting opportunities, Aaron — now a Star Mentor for the SocialCeleb talent platform — is also championing activities such as mixed martial arts (MMA) and film projects for former bullying victims, designed to instil discipline, boost confidence and promote self-control.
The SocialCeleb launch, held at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre, also introduced fellow Star Mentors Datuk Afdlin Shauki, Nabila Huda and Nabil Ahmad, alongside Star Celebs Bella Astillah, Harszan, Satthiya Kandi and Hubert Lee.
