ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS
Chong Yih Yee is a 15-year-old pianist who embarked on a musical journey at the age of 9. The piano has been her constant companion since then, allowing her to express emotions and stories through its melodies.
Currently enrolled at Sunway International School, she enjoys a harmonious balance between her academic pursuits and music. Apart from playing the piano, Yih Yee also has a keen interest in reading and crafting models, enabling her creativity to flow freely.
Tengku Mohamad Hadif, a native of Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, was first introduced to the piano at the age of 7. He made his concerto debut with the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in 2018.
Throughout his musical career, he has received numerous awards and honors, including the Gold Medalist title at the 1st E-Artium Piano Competition and Festival 2021 Malaysia and Third Prize in the 1st Persatuan Chopin Malaysia National Piano Competition.
His achievements also encompass accolades such as being recognized as ‘The Most Promising Malaysian Pianist’ in the 6th ASEAN International Chopin Piano Competition and reaching the finals of the Ipoh Music Festival International Piano Competition in 2017. Hadif has further honed his skills by attending masterclasses with notable pianists, including Ng Chong Lim, Professor Li Ming Qiang, Foo Mei Yi, Poom Prommachart, Muzaffar Abdullah, and Stephen Hough.
In 2015, Hadif was selected to join the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra as a pianist, and since then, he has performed numerous orchestra works and chamber music. In his leisure time, he enjoys creating music arrangements of popular songs.
Notably, Hadif was officially named a Kawai Malaysia Artist and Ambassador last year. In early 2023, he embarked on an exciting journey by participating in the Erasmus + Mobility Program in Estonia for a 5-month exchange program with the Estonian Academy of Music And Theatre (EMTA). During the Spring semester, he received guidance from Sten Lassmann.
Currently, Hadif is in the final year of his Master’s program in Piano Performance at UiTM Shah Alam, where he studies under the supervision of Dr. Bernard Tan. He also continues to refine his skills under the tutelage of Ng Chong Lim and Akiko Danis.
Born in 2012, Anyie began her musical journey at the age of 5, starting with the piano and later adding the violin at the age of 7. By the age of 9, she had already completed her Grade 8 piano examination with distinction and is currently preparing for the ATCL Exam.
In 2018, Anyie participated in her first piano competition organized by Euroasia and was awarded the Gold prize in the 7-and-under open category. Under the guidance of Mr. Oon Song Chuan, she also received the First Prize in the 2021 Muar Youth Piano Competition in the 15-and-under category. In 2023, she won the Second Prize in the EYMF Piano Diploma Category and the Third Prize in the Muar Youth Piano Competition in the 13-and-under category. Additionally, for her violin skills, she was awarded the 2nd Prize at the Malaysian Youth Music Festival in 2022.
She looks forward to mastering her exceptional musical talents on her ongoing journey, and her performances consistently captivate and inspire audiences.
Leong Jia Wen, born on December 30, 2004, is currently studying under the tutelage of Mr. Ng Chong Lim. She has regularly attended masterclasses conducted by Mr. Tomonari Tsuchiya in the past. Jia Wen has also achieved recognition in multiple piano competitions, most notably winning the first prize in the 1st National Concerto Competition.
Additionally, she has collaborated with the Selangor Symphony Orchestra and is an active performer.
Venus Chai Zi Qing commenced her piano journey at the age of 5 under the guidance of Mr. Loh Chia Ping. She later continued her studies with Ng Chong Lim and had the privilege of participating in masterclasses with world-renowned pianists, including Dang Thai Son, Paul Lewis, Alexander Schimpf, Robert Levin, JinSang Lee, Anthony Hewitt, Chiao-Han Liao, Artemis H.R. Yen, and Chun-Chieh Yen.
In 2022, her exceptional talent earned her a full scholarship to the prestigious Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance under the tutelage of Mr. Albert Tiu.
Throughout her musical journey, Venus has garnered numerous accolades in piano competitions. These include winning the first prize in the National Music & Dance Competition Piano Solo Performance in 2017, the second prize in the 4th Steinway & Sons Youth Piano Competition in 2018, and the silver prize in the 7th Asean International Chopin Piano Competition. She was also honored with the Full Scholarship for the Music Performance Programme from Sunway University Malaysia in 2018.
In 2019, Venus achieved the gold prize in the Professional category, along with the Best Performance Award and the Liszt Grand Award in The International Liszt Ferenc Competition-Malaysia Preliminary. The year 2020 brought further success as she clinched the first prize in the Youth Class E category at the Singapore International Piano Competition. In 2021, Venus secured the third prize in the Young Artist category at the VI Future Stars International Piano Competition, along with being awarded the East Tennessee State University-Creative Arts Scholarship.
In addition to her participation in piano competitions, Venus actively engaged in the 2019 Taiwan International Maestro Piano Festival and received an invitation from The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kuala Lumpur to perform during the Declaration of the 3rd of May of the Constitution 1791.
Venus Chai Zi Qing’s dedication and exceptional talents continue to shine brightly in the world of piano performance.
Tan Jing Ern began her musical journey at the age of 5 when she had her first music lesson. Since then, she has actively participated in numerous competitions and performed in concerts from a young age. In 2018, Jing Ern achieved the prestigious Trinity LTCL Diploma with Distinction. She is currently under the tutelage of Mr. Ng Chong Lim.
Jing Ern has had the privilege of performing in notable concerts, including The No.1 Steinway Historical Roadshow in 2014. She was also selected to perform at the London Grand Prize Virtuoso in December 2016 at the Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall in London. Following this performance, she made her debut at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York in November 2017.
Additionally, Jing Ern has enriched her musical education by participating in masterclasses. In 2016, she attended the OMWPA masterclass with renowned pianists Douglas Finch and Murray McLachlan. In 2019, she participated in the Music Festival Perugia and attended masterclasses in Italy, which contributed to her deeper understanding of music and analytical thinking skills. In 2022, Jing Ern achieved the prestigious title of Grand Prize Winner in the Professional Class of the 6th Steinway Malaysia Youth Piano Competition.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Jing Ern actively engages in fundraising charity concerts to support those less fortunate. She has contributed to fundraising concerts for the Afghan Learning Centre in 2019, the Suriana Welfare Society in 2020, and the Sunway Mentari Learning Center in 2021.
Apart from her passion for music, Jing Ern enjoys practicing yoga and exercising during her free time. She also has a love for travel and hopes to share her music with audiences around the world in the future.
Currently, Jing Ern has graduated from high school and is considering pursuing her dream as a pianist.
Lala Law Shing Yee, born in 2002 in Sarawak, embarked on her musical journey by enrolling in the Yamaha Music Kids course under the guidance of Mdm. Chiu Siew Kwong. She achieved distinction and received the High Scorer Award upon completing her LTCL Diploma at the age of 16, all under the tutelage of Mdm. Chiam Su Lee.
Currently, she is pursuing her Bachelor of Music at the University of Malaya with a JPA PIDN Scholarship, specializing in piano and under the guidance of Dr. Wang I Ta.
Lala has actively participated in numerous piano competitions, earning recognition for her talent. She secured the Gold Award in the 2020 He Yue International Online Instrumental Solo Competition, and the Second Prize in the Malaysia 2020 Virtual International Music Competition, as well as the Malaysian Piano Competition 2020. In 2021, she achieved the Gold Award in the Quatre Music Youth Piano Competition in Singapore and received the Second Prize in the Marker and Pioneer International Music Competition. In 2022, she achieved third place at the Tokyo International Youth Music Competition. This year, she received the Second Place award at the Euroasia Youth Music Festival.
Furthermore, Lala has had the honor of participating in masterclasses led by illustrious artists and educators, including Mr. Loo Bang Hean, Mr. Chong Kok Ting, Mr. Quang Hong Luu, Ms. Elena Nesterenko, and Mr. Krzystof Slomiak, to name a few. In May 2023, Lala participated in masterclasses with Ms. Lena Ching and Ms. Sylvia Loh.
Lim Yee Vaine, a 10-year-old from Selangor, has been a student at the Yamaha Music School in Kelana Jaya since the age of 5. She is currently under the guidance of Mr. Lim Jit San at Yamaha. Additionally, she began her piano studies with Mr. Ng Chong Lim in 2023.
In July 2023, Yee Vaine represented Yamaha Music Malaysia at the 8th Yamaha Junior Piano Competition in Tokyo, Japan, where she achieved 1st prize. Earlier in January 2023, she also secured 1st prize in the Bangkok International Piano Competition. In 2022, Yee Vaine received 1st prize and the title of Best Performer at the Vivace Piano Competition, Malaysia regionals. She also claimed 1st prize in the Steinway Malaysia Piano Competition in 2022.
In addition to her accomplishments in piano competitions, Yee Vaine’s compositions at Yamaha have been consistently selected by Yamaha Japan since 2020. Her compositions were featured in the Yamaha International Highlight Concert and at Yamaha Music Latin America in 2021.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Yee Vaine enjoys playing the cello, dancing ballet, and cherishes her pet husky.
Kingston Lee was born on November 1, 2012. His musical journey began at the age of 4 when he started learning the piano.
After just one year of piano lessons, Kingston participated in ‘The 5th HK International Youth Performing Arts Festival 2017’ and received a Gold Award and an Outstanding Award.
In the following year, he took up the violin as his second instrument.
Kingston has diligently pursued his musical aspirations, participating in numerous performances and competitions. In 2018, he achieved third prize in the National Finals of the Malaysia Competition.
In 2019, he was honored with the Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Talented Award. His excellence was further recognized when he received the Summa Cum Laude distinction with a score of 91 marks at the La Pianista Online Piano Festival in 2020.
Throughout his musical journey, Kingston has embarked on a remarkable path, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication in various national and international piano competitions. Notably, he achieved a significant milestone by securing the prestigious 3rd Prize at the acclaimed Rising Stars International Piano Competition and qualified for the Paris final in the Vivace International Piano Competition in his most recent endeavor.
His passion for the piano is evident in his enthusiastic performances, as he finds joy in captivating audiences with his mesmerizing talent.
Tang Yi Chuen has recently earned her Bachelor of Classical Music (Hons.) with First Class Honours from UCSI University, guided by Prof. Dr. P’ng Tean Hwa. Prior to this achievement, she studied under the tutelage of Rickie Oui and was a frequent performer in the ABRSM High Scorer’s Concert.
During her time at UCSI, Yi Chuen actively participated in recitals and attended masterclasses conducted by renowned pianists, including Dr. Peter Amstutz, Dr. Irwin Shung, Yury Shadrin, Tian Lu, Lena Ching, and Sylvia Loh. She also took part in a Chamber Music Masterclass led by the YST Faculty Trio.
Throughout her musical journey, Yi Chuen competed in numerous piano competitions. Notable achievements include winning First Prize in the Malaysia Youth Music Festival (MYOF) Competition in 2014, earning a Bronze Prize in the 6th Asian Youth Music Competition in 2015, and securing Third Prize in the Euroasia Piano Competition in 2020.
In 2016, she had the privilege of attending the 4th Overseas Masters Winter Piano Academy (OMWPA) course in Surrey, United Kingdom. There, she received instruction and performed in recitals under the guidance of teachers affiliated with prestigious conservatoires such as the Royal College of Music. Yi Chuen also participated in masterclasses led by Murray McLachlan, Leslie Howard, and Mikhail Kazakevich, and she had the honor of performing in the Gala Concert at the Menuhin Hall.
In addition to her piano talents, Yi Chuen is proficient in the violin, which she considers her second instrument. She participated in the Singapore International Youth Music Festival in 2014 and was an active participant in the 6th Asia Region Suzuki Conference held in Bali, Indonesia, in 2016.