Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican is a highly accomplished and influential figure in the Malaysian theatre industry. Often referred to as the First Lady of Malaysian Theatre, Faridah has made significant contributions to the development and growth of theatre in Malaysia. With a career spanning over several decades, Faridah’s early acting credits include iconic plays such as ‘Lela Mayang’, ‘Tok Perak’, ‘Uda dan Dara’, and ‘Alang Rentak Seribu’. These plays not only showcased her exceptional talent as an actress but also shaped the direction that Malaysian theatre would take in the following years.

Chief among Faridah’s achievements is co-founding The Actors Studio in 1989 alongside her husband, Joe Hasham OAM. This renowned theatre company has played a crucial role in promoting and nurturing local talents, as well as fostering the growth of the Malaysian theatre scene. Despite the many challenges along the way including the devastating flood that destroyed The Actors Studio complex in 2003, Faridah’s determination and passion have never wavered.

Aside from her impressive acting career, Faridah has also been involved in various other fields. In the early 1960s, Faridah joined Radio and TV Malaysia, where she honed her skills in broadcasting. During the same period, she also played a pivotal role in the formative years of the Malaysian Advertising industry, serving on the board of Ogilvy & Mather for several years.