Malaysian humour on show

IF YOU really want a good laugh, catch the return of Comedy Central Asia's original stand-up series, Comedy Central Stand-Up, Asia!, this time featuring 16 comedians from around the region.
The two-night show will be taking place at HGH Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, on July 13 and 14, starting at 8pm, with eight comedians performing each night live on stage.
A recorded version of the show will also premiere on both Astro Go and HyppTV on Aug 22 at 8.55pm.
Three of the comedians taking part in the show are Malaysians – Dr Jason Leong, Shamaine Othman, and Keren Bala Devan. They will each have seven minutes on stage to tickle their audience with their jokes.
Jason Leong
One of Malaysia's fastest rising comedy stars, Leong, 32, left a career in medicine six years ago to pursue stand-up comedy full-time.
In 2013, he became the first Malaysian comic to win the 7th Annual International Hong Kong Comedy Competition, and has performed at Laugh Factory in Hollywood and the Gotham Comedy Club in New York.
He runs The Jason Leong Show on his YouTube channel, as well as records and produces comedy videos for corporations.
"I have always been clowning around since [I was] young," says Leong.
When asked what advice he would give to youngsters who want to try their hand at stand-up comedy, he replies with a laugh: "Don't do it!
"Just give up on your dreams to be a stand-up comedian. I do not need another competitor!"
Leong feels extremely proud to be in Comedy Central Stand-Up, Asia! and has no doubts that Malaysian comedians will shine at the event.
With so many talented comedians at the show, one wonders if there will be some friendly competition among them.
Leong says: "I am sure we are not going to kill each other. The show is more like a collaboration of Asian comedians.
"Of course, the best result will be if I shine the [most]!"

Shamaine Othman
Since the age of seven, Shamaine, the daughter of famed film director Othman Hafsham, has acted in popular Malaysian TV sitcoms such as 2+1, Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu, and Nick & Nina.
In 2011, she decided to join the world of stand-up comedy and has been performing regularly around Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the region.
The 33-year-old often shares her life experiences, especially on her relationships with her former boyfriends.
She sees her stand-up comedy act as therapy, where she can rant about what is buried in her heart.
"I feel good after my stand-up acts," she says with a laugh.
Her jokes can be racy at times. As the show will be aired on television, she has to tone down on her language.
"A good comedian must learn to adapt to the situation," she says.
There have been instances where some stand-up comedians recycle their jokes.
But Shamaine is quick to add that she makes it a point to write new material every year. "In fact, I am starting my own library of jokes."
She laments the fact that there are more men than women in stand-up. "Some people have the impression that women cannot be funny."
Shamaine is determined to prove them wrong.
Keren Bala Devan
Keren has been a professional stand-up comedian for the last five years.
The 31-year-old's specific brand of comedy stems from years of observing how ridiculous everyday life can be.
"We can learn from other stand-up comedians," he says. "But we must [be careful] not to mimic them."
He believes the audience does not want to see "carbon copies" of other famous comedians.
"You should put your own twist to the jokes," he adds. He admits there have been times when his jokes fall flat but adds that "even the most experienced comedian goes through that".
"All you can do is to move on and learn from your mistakes. There is a saying that you cannot become good if you only put on good shows."
Keren feels shows like Comedy Central Stand-Up, Asia! are a great platform for comedy talents around Asia to gain greater exposure.

For more, visit the Comedy Central Stand-Up, Asia! website.