KUALA LUMPUR and PENANG, Malaysia, Aug. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- It was a night full of laughter at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival held in Kuala Lumpur and Penang recently, hosted by the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO) for South East Asia.
Helen Rowell, VGBO's Executive Director welcomed the 100-over strong crowd, "Melbourne's arts scene is brimming with ideas and satire which transcend borders. It's wonderful to see so many friends here." This is the second year the VGBO is hosting the event for its Victorian Connection members.
The cream of five stand-up comedians included some of the best names in the scene, including Phil Wang (UK), Ivan Aristeguieta, Bob Franklin, Sam Taunton and Singapore's Sharul Channa who brought non-stop laughter to the audience with their quick wit and sharp puns.
The 135-minute show took stage in all Australian city capitals, before taking its bag of tickles to Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
"The comedy acts were hilarious yet able to hint at how similar we are despite our cultural differences and that at the core of it, human nature is the same everywhere. A timely reminder of why Melbourne will always hold a special place in my heart," said Fong Wai Hong, co founder of Storehub and University of Melbourne alumni. He was also nominated as one of the top 100 influential people in Melbourne by The Age Melbourne Magazine.
I am glad to have had the opportunity to connect with our friends from Melbourne -- and find others with whom we can relate common experiences," It reminded us of our best times in Victoria, said Dr Selvakumar, an alumni from Victoria University.
"A comedy powerhouse treat from Melbourne! I was laughing from start to finish," said Michelle Kum, an alumni from University of Melbourne who had studied and lived in Melbourne for a couple of years.
Victoria is currently the destination of choice for Malaysians furthering their academic interests in Australia. There are currently about 10,417 Malaysians pursuing their tertiary studies at Victoria's world class universities, colleges and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutes.
Comedians' Profile
Sharul Channa (Singapore) is a stand-up comic with razor sharp wit. She was the hit of Comedy Zone Asia 2016 at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and on the Roadshow across Australia.
Phil Wang (UK) performed on The John Bishop Show (BBC1), Russell Howard's Stand Up Central (Comedy Central) and appeared as a regular character in BBC3's acclaimed new sitcom Top Coppers.
Ivan Aristegueita became a full time comedian after having a successful career as a Brew Master and Food Technologist in his home country of Venezuela. He offers hilarious observations of Australian culture.
Bob Franklin is an award-winning comedian, writer, director, author and actor. Some of his greatest comedy achievements include appearances in Please Like Me, Worst Year of My Life Again, Talking 'bout Your Generation and Thank God You're Here.
Sam Taunton is emerging as one of the most charming acts and in-demand hosts in the country.
For photos: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B2Y7MXWl43_JZHVXcGZxT1BXdlE&usp=sharing
About Victorian Connection - Malaysia Chapter
The Victorian Connection is a networking group that connects professional Victorian expatriates, repatriates, alumni and those interested in doing business with Victoria, Australians who live outside of Australia, as well as Victorians in Australia who are interested in export or trade.
About the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO)
Established in 2009, the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO) in South East Asia is operated by the State Government of Victoria to help promote Victorian trade and investment in the region. Through a variety of programmes and business initiatives, the VGBO assists Victorian exporters and provides assistance to South East Asian regional companies and organisations to source products and services, business introductions and investment opportunities with Victoria. For information, please visit www.invest.vic.gov.au.
