One Mic Stand: The Comedy Night That Shaped Malaysia’s Stand-Up Scene

By Ben Liew  •  02 Oct 2025 in Features

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Malaysia’s stand-up comedy scene has many stages now, but few are as foundational as One Mic Stand—the open mic night that kickstarted careers, cultivated a community, and proved that Malaysians were more than ready to laugh at themselves (as long as no one touches their nasi lemak).

Launched in May 2012, One Mic Stand (OMS) is Malaysia’s first and longest-running weekly open mic for stand-up comedy. It began humbly, with comedians testing jokes in front of small crowds in KL bars, and has since grown into a comedy institution. If you’ve laughed at a Malaysian comic on Netflix or YouTube, chances are they once stood nervously at OMS, mic in hand, working out their first five minutes.

The Birth of Malaysia’s First Weekly Stand-Up Open Mic

OMS was founded by Kavin Jay and Rizal van Geyzel, two comedians who wanted to create a regular, accessible space for aspiring comics.

“One Mic Stand has quite a unique history,” says Brian Tan, who now runs the show. “It was first started by Kavin and Rizal way back in May 2012. They helped cultivate a young and raw comedy community which you see many of performing all around Malaysia today.”

By 2015, both founders were busy with other projects and passed the torch to the three most active regulars at the time—Prakash Daniel, Brian Tan, and Keren Bala Devan—who worked hard on expanding OMS.

“We brought in new ideas to freshen up the show,” Brian explains. “Things like themed nights, comedy roasts, visuals, and props.”

The formula worked. OMS became more than just an open mic, it became a training ground where comedians learned, failed, grew, and thrived.

The Scene Then and Now

If you ask Brian what’s changed since 2012, he’ll tell you the heart of Malaysian comedy is the same.

“The essence of the local comedy scene has not changed much — we still joke a lot about our food, culture, and of course roasting Singapore.”

But there are key differences. Social media and public scrutiny have shifted how comedians operate.

“There really was no rules back when OMS began. Everything goes as long as it was funny,” Brian says. “Nowadays, no matter how much laughs you get, there’s always a way to get in trouble.”

That shift reflects the balancing act comedians in Malaysia now face: pushing boundaries while being mindful of sensitivities, especially when jokes escape the room and live forever on social media.

How to Get on Stage

Part of OMS’s magic lies in its accessibility. Unlike clubs overseas that demand auditions or credits, OMS stays true to the “open” in open mic.

“It really is as simple as contacting the show runner of an open-mic show and asking for a spot,” Brian says. “No vetting required, no past experience needed, anyone is welcome to try it out!”

That openness has made OMS the launchpad for countless comedians. Big names like Ronny Chieng, Aisling Bea, Paul Ogata, Daliso Chaponda, Gina Yashere, and Hirzi have also graced its stage, giving local crowds a taste of global comedy talent while rubbing shoulders with first-timers.

What’s Happening Now

Today, OMS operates on multiple fronts. If you’re wondering where to catch them, here’s what’s on offer:

‘We Try First’ at Bar Roca: Their signature weekly night, billed as a “comedian’s playground” and “the cheapest comedy show in town” (the door charge is only RM20). This is where you can watch jokes in their rawest form, fresh from the comic’s notebook to the stage. “If you ever want to see how jokes are formed and born, that is the show for you,” Brian says.

‘Headliner Nights’: One-off showcases with more seasoned acts delivering polished sets. Perfect for those who want fewer experiments and more belly laughs. Ticketing platforms like Ticket2U regularly list these events, which often sell out quickly.

‘Kopishop Konversations’: A runaway hit panel show featuring Prakash, Brian, and Keren, where the audience submits questions for the trio to riff on. “Extreme hilarity ensues,” Brian says — and the audience agrees. The show has sold out eight episodes in a row, even in Penang and Johor.

‘The Week Link Podcast’: For those who want comedy on the go, Brian, Keren, and Mikhail Svrcula riff on viral news topics in their signature irreverent style.

From KL Bars to Netflix: Where Comedians Get Their Start

Despite being a melting pot of sensitivities, Malaysians will always have a need for comedy relief. OMS fills this need by staying true to its mission of providing a platform for anyone—first-timers, seasoned comics, or international guests—to take the mic.

“The comedy scene has been through ups and downs, but the hunger is still there. People still want to laugh, and comedians still want to perform. OMS is just the place where those two meet,” says Brian.

If you’re curious about Malaysian comedy, want to see new talent, or just need a good laugh in a room with authenticity, One Mic Stand is essential. Go to a show, see someone bombing, see someone killing it, and see jokes that feel like they could only come from here.

Keep up with One Mic Stand on their Instagram and Facebook.

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