Hear Us Out: The Unsung Heroes of Sound Engineering in Malaysia

By The Malketeer 

Have You Ever Wondered What Goes into the Sounds that Surround your Everyday Life?

Whether it’s the radio blaring on your morning commute, the crisp clarity of your favourite podcast, or the immersive experience of a high-definition movie soundtrack, the invisible force behind it all is an audio engineer.

These specialists are responsible for the magic that happens between recording and playback, making sure each sound is perfected.

But where do these unsung heroes of sound acquire such intricate skills?

Meet Augustine Edward, founder of AES Academy – The Audio School, Malaysia’s first specialised audio engineering institution, who has made it his mission to elevate the field of audio engineering.

Discovering the Magic of Sound

Augustine’s love for sound began when his older brother brought home a surprise: a pair of loudspeakers. As music flowed through them, the vibrations of audio frequencies sparked a deep passion and fascination in him.

“Every moment my body feels those vibrations, the emotions never stop,” he shared, recounting how the speakers sparked a passion for audio that continues to fuel his work today.

His journey took him across the globe, where he collaborated with a variety of artists, but it was a desire to cultivate local talent and expand Malaysia’s audio industry that brought him back home.

Thus, AES Academy – The Audio School was born.

Transforming Malaysia’s Audio Landscape

Before AES Academy, audio engineering as a career path was limited in Malaysia.

Augustine recognised that the local industry needed more than just engineers working in music production; it needed experts in broadcasting, film, gaming, and even emerging fields like virtual reality and healthcare.

“There was limited access to information and knowledge in the surrounding area,” Augustine remarked.

His goal was simple but profound: to expose Malaysians to the wider possibilities of audio engineering beyond the entertainment world.

As Malaysia’s only specialised audio school, AES Academy offers more than just standard audio production courses.

The curriculum spans audio systems engineering, sound design for screen and games, and hands-on training with cutting-edge technologies like Dolby 5.1.2 immersive audio systems.

AES graduates are now thriving globally, working in everything from sound system design for local mosques to international concerts and large-scale production setups.

Challenges Along the Way

Building AES Academy wasn’t without its challenges.

One of the hardest parts, Augustine shares, was shifting the perception of audio engineering as merely a part of the nightlife or entertainment scene.

“It’s everywhere—from the pressure inside your car cabin to the acoustics of your home,” Augustine explains.

Audio engineers play a pivotal role in diverse sectors, including healthcare, gaming, and even the design of everyday objects.

Augustine also had to navigate the evolving technological landscape.

When he first started, access to the latest audio equipment was limited, and knowledge came mostly from hard-copy magazines.

Today, the scene has shifted dramatically, with newer generations being able to learn globally thanks to the internet.

Yet, according to Augustine, Malaysia’s audio scene still has room for improvement, particularly when it comes to consistency in audio quality across platforms.

A Thriving Industry on the Rise

Malaysia’s audio engineering industry is growing at an impressive rate.

The Malaysian music industry alone broke revenue records in 2023, generating RM303.89 million, the highest since 1998.

This growth, as Augustine points out, is in no small part due to advancements in audio systems and the availability of affordable technology that makes high-quality sound production more accessible.

With projects ranging from local concerts to collaborations with Dolby, AES Academy is shaping the next generation of creative engineers who will continue pushing the boundaries of audio in Malaysia.

The students are not just exposed to theory but gain valuable hands-on experience by working in real-life high-pressure environments, preparing them for the demands of the industry.

The Future of Audio Engineering in Malaysia

So, what does the future hold for audio engineering in Malaysia?

Augustine is optimistic.

He envisions a future where the audio industry is not only elevated in sectors like film and broadcasting but also expands into newer areas like virtual reality and augmented reality.

“With our generation eagerly wanting to grow and expand, we continuously create platforms and get them access to current technology,” he says confidently.

AES Academy is also committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, drawing from Malaysia’s rich cultural landscape.

Augustine believes that the mix of cultures and ideas in Malaysia can create something truly special, much like how diverse flavours come together in Malaysian cuisine.

Audio Engineering a Sound Future

At its core, audio engineering is about more than just sound; it’s about shaping experiences, enhancing emotions, and pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Augustine’s vision, through AES Academy, is to make sure the next generation of Malaysian audio engineers are equipped not just with technical skills, but also the creative mindset necessary to innovate.

If you’ve ever been moved by the power of music, or marvelled at the immersive soundscapes of your favourite movie, remember that there’s a team of highly skilled engineers behind the scenes—just as important as any other branch of engineering.

Augustine Edward’s work with AES Academy – The Audio School, is paving the way for a bright future in Malaysia’s audio engineering industry, and the sound of progress is only getting louder.