Country: Kuala Lumpur / Malaysia
Completion: May 2026
Capacity: 1200
Technology: Traditional Drapery, Over Stage Engineering, Under Stage Engineering
Venue & Usage: Performance Venue, Education, Events, Exhibitions and Conferences, Stage Shows, Traditional Theatre
Overview:
Following a successful tender award, J&C Joel worked closely with Systems Electronic & Engineering. Together, the teams delivered a complete range of over-stage and under-stage engineering systems and equipment. The installation was for the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre at Sunway Square in Kuala Lumpur.
Valued at £2.1 million, the project was a significant technical undertaking. It also required close coordination between the client, main contractor, specialist trade contractors and project partners.
J&C Joel has worked with Systems Electronic & Engineering on numerous projects over several decades. Therefore, this established relationship provided a strong foundation for the successful delivery of the Sunway University project. We were also pleased to work alongside our Malaysian partner, Gai Long Engineering. The company carried out the fabrication and installation of the associated structural metalwork.
By combining this expertise, the project team delivered a comprehensive technical solution. At the same time, the team maintained a strong focus on quality, coordination and programme requirements.
The installation included an extensive range of stage engineering systems. These included an 18.9 metre wide by 9.5 metre high fire curtain. It also featured 43 ASM TwinMaster winches and 4 ASM JR winches, controlled by the ASM Genesis control system and manually-operated Proscenium tormentor panel tracks.
It also included mid-stage curtain tracks and a cord-operated cyclorama curtain track. Together, these systems give the venue the flexibility needed to accommodate a wide range of productions.
One of the project’s key technical features is the Serapid orchestra lift. The lift measures 15 metres in width and 3.5 metres in depth. It also features a curved front edge and provides 3.10 metres of travel. As a result, its scale and functionality make it an important part of the venue’s stage infrastructure. It allows the performance space to be configured efficiently for different production requirements by having preset positions at Orchestra pit, Auditorium seating rake, Auditorium flat floor and Stage level as a stage extension.
J&C Joel also supplied and installed a comprehensive range of stage textiles. As a global leader in stage drapery and related theatre products, the company provided stage blacks, a cyclorama, scrim and a front-of-house velvet curtain. These textiles complement the mechanical stage systems. In turn, they provide the essential production infrastructure needed for professional touring and resident performances.
Throughout the project, all stakeholders maintained a coordinated and collaborative approach. Communication and project management remained effective from commencement through to completion. This included the client, main contractor, specialist trade contractors and installation teams.
J&C Joel completed its scope on schedule. All systems were successfully commissioned, tested and handed over to the client on time. The successful completion of the project demonstrates J&C Joel’s ability to deliver complex and integrated theatre engineering solutions internationally. More importantly, it highlights the value of combining long-standing industry partnerships with local expertise.
As a result, the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre now offers one of the most technically advanced performance environments in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. The state-of-the-art systems support both touring productions and in-house performances. In addition, they provide the flexibility, reliability and technical capability expected of a modern, multi-purpose performing arts venue.
