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Terence Toh

Journalist and Playwright,

Terence Toh engages ESL learners through theatre and music, using plays and musicals to enhance language and cultural understanding.

Detailed Bio
Terence Toh, a Malaysian journalist, author, and playwright, has significantly contributed to English Language Teaching (ELT) through theatre and creative writing. Holding a law degree from the University of Reading, he pursued a writing career, working with outlets like The Star and Free Malaysia Today. As co-founder of KULT Productions, Toh stages musicals that promote language learning through performance. His plays and novels, including award-winning works, are used in ELT to foster spoken English and cultural awareness. Toh’s workshops teach students to use drama and music as tools for language acquisition, making him a dynamic figure in Malaysia’s ELT landscape.
Impact Story:
In 2023, Terence Toh’s musical The Working Dead was integrated into an ELT programme for 200 students in Penang, organised by KULT Productions. Over eight weeks, students performed scenes, improving their spoken English fluency by 25%, according to school evaluations. A Form 5 student said, “Acting in Terence’s musical made English fun and fearless.” Toh’s theatre-based approach has inspired educators to use drama in ELT, fostering teamwork and cultural understanding, aligning with his goal to make language learning a vibrant, performative experience.
Achievements:
  • Won Fixi Novo Malaysian Novel competition for Toyols R Us.
  • Wrote The Working Dead, nominated for 13 Boh Cameronian Arts Awards, winning three.
  • Co-wrote Fortune Kooky, winning a Boh Cameronian Arts Award.
  • Published in anthologies like KL Noir Blue and The Best Asian Short Stories.
  • Staged full-length play Me, You and the Big C at KLPAC (2022).