THE world famous Japanese idol group AKB48 has finally unveiled its Malaysian chapter or "satellite".
Named KLP48, the new Kuala Lumpur-based sister group of AKB48, has seven Malaysian members comprising KL girls Amanda Wong, 17, Lucine Chin Yi Ling, 20 and Khalies Tan Zi Tong, 16, Salwa Sunanda, 17 of Klang, Tiffany Donaldin, 15 of Sibu, Foo Yi Shyan, 20 of Ipoh and Tey Ann Drea, 16, of Subang Jaya.
Amanda, Lucine, Khalies, Salwa, Tiffany, Yi Shyan and Ann Drea are joined by Japan's Yurina, Cocoa, Suzuha and Haruka, Indonesian Devi and Hong Konger Hillary in the 13-member girl group.
DANCE MOVES
At the recent launch of KLP48 in LaLaPort, Jalan Hang Tuah, Kuala Lumpur, the seven Malaysian members admitted that becoming singers had always been their childhood dream.
Salwa said: "Since I was a kid I would watch idols performing and would try to copy them as well as make my own dance moves. I have always told myself that one day I hope it is me up there."
Ann Drea said: "I was in a four-member girl group when I was in primary school but never really had a chance to expand as we only performed at small events and after the MCO the group disbanded.
"Although studying is my main priority in life, I still want to pursue something related to music part-time."
BIG STAGE
Each of the girls grew up listening to different musical genres, but they all enjoy "energetic dance music" on the big stage.
Amanda said: "The type of music I like most is rock because rock has its own special features. I also like pop music."
Salwa said: "I'm more into R&B, having grown up listening to soulful singer with my mother in the living room."
Ann Drea said: "I'm very much into jazz, besides rock and R&B. Jazz gives a chromatic melody and the tone of it is soothing.
"Rock helps me calm down at certain times and the sound of drums and electric guitars are pleasing, while R&B is the perfect genre while being sad."
COMPETITION
Tiffany admitted to being a hip-hop fan while Lucine and Khalies are die-hard K-Pop enthusiasts.
While KLP48 is a first group for most of the girls, Salwa said that she entered a dance and singing competition when she was 9, and formed a traditional Malay dance group with a few girls from her age group.
Yi Shyan was in a K-Pop cover group, while Ann Drea sang in a four-member girl group and Lucine was in a dance crew.
MUSICALS
The girls' long-term plans are to go beyond singing and do musical theatre.
Salwa said: "I love watching musical movies or just plays, I have always wanted to be in one since I love dancing, singing and acting.
"I was planning to do theatre when I was younger but sadly I didn't due to my lack of self-confidence."
They also plan to write and compose their own music someday.
Ann Drea said: "I've actually written my own songs in the past. I would definitely want to try producing and writing songs in future."
AIR STEWARDESS
What would they have done if they did not join KLP48?
"I'd be an air stewardess," said Amanda, adding that Salwa, Lucine and Khalies would have pursued dancing as their careers.
Tiffany said that she might have gone on to study medicine while Yi Shyan would have pursued an interior design course.
THREE MONTHS
KLP48 took three months of selection and training to be finally unveiled.
The girl group was set up by 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd, which was authorised by AKB48 overseas sister groups licensor Superball Inc. to manage it.
Superball chief executive officer and AKB48 overseas sister groups general producer Nariaki Terada said: "Welcoming the first-generation members of KLP48 is a thrilling moment that underscores the global appeal of AKB48 and its sister groups.
"We look forward to witnessing KLP48 unfold their journey as they take their first steps into the spotlight."
MANILA
KLP48 is the 10th AKB48 overseas sister group, alongside JKT48 (Jakarta), BNK48 (Bangkok), MNL48 (Manila), AKB48 Team SH (Shanghai), AKB48 Team TP (Taipei) and CGM48 (Chiang Mai).
48 Entertainment director Yip Chun Huei said: "AKB48 and its sister groups have long enjoyed a widespread following in Malaysia, and we hope that fans will extend their fervent support to KLP48 as well.
"With exciting plans in the pipeline, the members have been working hard to showcase their very best, so stay tuned for what's coming."
GREEN
Like all AKB48 Groups, each is identified by their very own distinctive colour.
KLP48 has been assigned the colour green, which is derived from the Malaysian jade, encapsulating an image of the gentle aura, empathy and fusion of different values.
On Aug 18, KLP48 will be joining AKB48, STU48, JKT48 and QUADLIPS at the AKB48 Group Live in KL 2024 First Cry concert.
TOKYO
AKB48 – named after their theatre location in Akihabara, Tokyo – is the brainchild of music producer Yasushi Akimoto.
With beginnings in 2005, the idol group has emerged as a global sensation with the unique concept of "idols you can meet", featuring daily theatre performances that foster a strong connection with fans.
AKB48 has made their entry into the Guinness World Records as the Largest Pop Group In The World.
For more information visit klp48.my.