BY NURIN PATRA & DEZIREEN GALOH
KUCHING: The White Rajah of Sarawak animation project reflects St Joseph’s Private School’s belief that education extends beyond the classroom and places performing arts at centre of student development.
St Joseph’s Private Schools CEO Christopher Chua said the initiative builds on the school’s long-standing emphasis on holistic education through the arts.
He said participation in performing arts plays a key role in shaping students, not only in developing talent but also in building discipline, commitment, character, and the ability to accept feedback, whether positive or negative.
“We believe that education is not just confined to a classroom.
“This experience allows the students to learn to work together, to be responsible, and to grow into persons who are more confident, committed, empathetic, and more aware of the world around them.”
He said this in his speech during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony of Sarawak’s first animated musical feature film, the White Rajah of Sarawak, between Motion Foundry Sdn Bhd and St Joseph’s Private Education Berhad at the Borneo Cultures Museum here on Tuesday (May 5).
He added that the signing marks a significant step in expanding the project beyond its origins as a school stage production.
“We are very pleased with Motion Foundry’s shared vision of developing the White Rajah of Sarawak into an animated production.
“This gives the story a much wider reach and opportunity to connect with audiences beyond the school community, beyond Sarawak, and hopefully beyond Malaysia.”
Chua noted that the film carries an important historical narrative, highlighting Sarawak’s history and culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“In doing so, it helps our students better understand their roots, their identity, and their history. These are important elements for the broader process of nation building.”
He added that the project aligns with the growth of the animation industry, citing successful local productions such as Ejen Ali and Papa Zola as examples of content that have achieved both commercial success and social impact.
“We hope that the White Rajah of Sarawak will, in its own way, contribute meaningfully to this space.
“On behalf of St Joseph’s Private Education Berhad, I would like to thank Motion Foundry for this partnership. We look forward to working together and bringing this project to fruition.”
Present were Motion Foundry Sdn Bhd executive producer Amy Khiu and director Siew Chung Lee; senior assistant of St Joseph’s Private Secondary School and music director of the White Rajah of Sarawak, Benedict Lo; rector Father Stanley Goh, principal Yong Ing Thung and BorneoTalk chief commercial officer Ashley Pan.
