Sangeetha Salangai Natyalaya (Led by Dr. K Rajamanickam)
Dr. K. Rajamanickam, honored with the title “Kalaimamani,” is an accomplished Carnatic vocalist and Bharathanatyam artist from Puducherry with over 35 years of experience. A direct disciple of the renowned musician Tanjore K.P. Kittappa Pillai, he founded Sangeetha Salangai Natyalaya – Kalaiaruvi in 1992, through which he has trained more than 5,000 students worldwide. He also serves as Director of Co-scholastic Activities at Aditya Vidyashram Residential School, leading a team of 30 teachers in music and dance education.
Dr. Rajamanickam holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Kalai Kaveri College of Fine Arts and a Master of Music (M.Music) from Annamalai University, Chidambaram. He earned his Ph.D. from Bharathidasan University with a thesis on the integration of music and dance in Bharatanatyam. His distinguished career includes roles in various cultural committees, including representing Puducherry in the Delhi Sangeet Natak Akademi (2000–2005).
He has choreographed over 500 Bharathanatyam arangetrams and directed numerous cultural programs, including those broadcast on Puducherry Doordarshan. He has traveled extensively to countries like France, Germany, and Italy as a vocalist and dance choreographer. His numerous honors include titles such as “Isai Thendral,” “Natya Kala Sironmani,” and “Seva Rathna,” awarded by prestigious cultural organizations.
Dr. Rajamanickam is also an international speaker and teacher, conducting online and offline classes for students globally, including training them for Bharathanatyam arangetrams. He continues to make significant contributions to the promotion of Indian classical arts, both in India and abroad.
WindRiver Productions
Aida Redza
Aida Redza is an acclaimed, award-winning choreographer and dancer, known for her impactful and visionary contributions to the performing arts. She won the prestigious Kakiseni Boh Cameronian Award in 2023 for her exceptional choreography, which uniquely intertwines cultural heritage and environmental themes. Her work has established her as a prominent figure within Malaysia’s dance community, celebrated for productions that evoke social and environmental consciousness.
WindRiver Productions
Founded in 2019 by Aida Redza, WindRiver Productions operates out of Studio Pentas (HOPE) in Penang. Inspired by Aida’s projects with Shakti Dances and Ombak-Ombak ARTStudio, WindRiver Productions drives Aida’s artistic vision through projects like the SEMANGAT Project, TradeWinds Arts Exchange, and The River Art Project. WindRiver has showcased remarkable works such as Wandering Semangat at the Ansan Street Art Festival, Reclaim at Georgetown Festival 2019, Ibuki Hati at GTF 2021, Angin Ombulan at Georgetown Festival 2022, and Hanyut – Rivers and Environment at Alliance Francaise.
Together with composer and singer Irena Taib and a collective of dance talents from Penang and Kuala Lumpur, they will present ‘Pulang’ that was specially composed for Seruan Setu – Secret Gardens of the Sea by Rhythm In Bronze
Irena Taib
Irena Taib is a skilled guitarist, composer, and producer from Kuala Lumpur and a core member of the indie folk band The Impatient Sisters. A Berklee College of Music alumna with a specialization in film scoring, Irena’s work often evokes vivid storytelling through music. She has toured internationally with The Venopian Solitude, performing across Asia and Russia, and collaborated with renowned Malaysian artists like Reza Salleh and Dayang Nurfaizah. In 2019, she co-composed the score for the crime thriller Motif, recognized by The Hollywood Reporter for its evocative sound. Additionally, she has scored for brands such as McDonald’s and Maybank and composed for Dukun Diva by Astro Shaw and Omar & Hana, a children’s channel on YouTube. Her current projects include a new album with The Impatient Sisters and scoring for the short film Walinong Sari.
Mac Chang
Mac Chang has been teaching the Suzuki Method since 1990. He earned his Suzuki Method (Violin) Advanced Teaching Certificate in 1995 under the guidance of Mr. Nakamura, Honorary President of the International Suzuki Association. Since then, he has been actively involved in the Suzuki violin program worldwide, participating in and bringing students to various string conferences across the globe. A protégé of the late Pravel Prantl, who was the music director of the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and concertmaster of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Mac Chang has performed music from a wide range of genres, including classical and jazz, for the past 25 years both locally and internationally. As a conductor, Mac founded The Chamber Orchestra @ Mac’s in 2018. Under his leadership, the orchestra has participated in numerous successful competitions and music festivals both at home and abroad. He also led the Raffles Girls String Orchestra to win a Gold Medal at the National Youth Competition.
Vetalia Pribadi
Vetalia Pribadi, an Indonesian classical music lover born in December 1995, began her musical journey at age five with the piano and later the violin. Her early violin training was under the guidance of Henny Supandi, Irene Kumala, and Meitty Elisabeth. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2015, she pursued her passion for music, particularly vocal studies, which began in 2014 under renowned soprano Sylvia Wiryadi. Under Wiryadi’s mentorship, Vetalia held her first recital, Faces of Love (2016), and won several vocal competitions, including 2nd place at the Jakarta National Singing Competition in 2017.
She continued her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, obtaining a Graduate Diploma in Music (Vocal Performance) in 2017, learning from mentors such as Suzanne Johnston, Carrie Bar, Merlyn Quaife, and Andrea Katz. In 2017, she won 1st place in the Operetta section and 3rd place in the Solo section at the Eisteddfod by the Bay singing competition in Melbourne. Vetalia later expanded her studies through masterclasses in Germany, Austria, and Greece with world-class opera singers like Cheryl Studer and Michaela Schuster.
Upon returning to Jakarta, Vetalia founded her own music school, Musicalia Academy, where she teaches vocal, piano, and violin. She is also involved in choir coaching and performing. In 2018, she organized a successful Christmas charity concert, raising IDR 100 million for a church organization. The following year, she participated in the Sonic Blossom art exhibition, performing Schubert’s art songs.
In 2021, she achieved 2nd place in the Tembang Puitik Ananda Sukarlan Vocal Competition and performed in an online concert Toba for the Indonesian Ministry of Education & Culture. Her vocal range spans opera, musicals, and poppera, and she continues to compete internationally. Recently, she won the 1st prize at the Ananda Sukarlan Award, earning a scholarship for a masterclass in France. In June 2023, she was invited by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Indonesia to perform during their National Day celebrations. Looking ahead, Vetalia hopes to continue contributing to music projects in Indonesia and inspire future musicians through her teaching and performances.
Dr. Poom Prommachart
Steinway Artist Poom Prommachart, hails from Bangkok, Thailand, and currently resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Poom is a dedicated full-time lecturer and Program Leader for BA (Hons) in Music Performance at the Department of Film and Performing Arts, Sunway University, and holds the esteemed position of Elite Fellow at University Malaya’s Music Faculty. Additionally, he serves as the Artistic Director of the Steinway Youth Piano Competition in Thailand and Tutan Entertainment.
In May 2023, his exceptional talent was recognized with the prestigious Best Solo Performance for instrumental music award at the 18th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards. He earned a Doctor of Music degree from the University of Montreal, where he was placed on the esteemed Rector’s List of Honour for the Most Exceptional Graduates.
Poom’s accolades continue with a rich history at the Royal College of Music in London, where he achieved his Bachelor of Music degree, Master of Music degree, and Artist Diploma on a scholarship sponsored by H.R.H Princess Galyani Vadhana of Thailand and the RCM. He was honored with the coveted Tagore Gold Medal, presented to him by Prince Charles (now King Charles III) of the United Kingdom. Subsequently, Poom pursued studies at the Moscow Conservatory in Russia.
His international acclaim burgeoned in 2010, marked by his gold medal triumph at Serbia’s Fifth Isidor Bajic International Piano Competition. Since then, he has graced prestigious stages worldwide, performing with eminent orchestras including the Kazakhstan Philharmonic Orchestra, Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra, London Musician Symphony Orchestra, Timisoara Philharmonic Orchestra of Romania, National Symphony Orchestra of Serbia, Worthing Symphony Orchestra, and Vojvodina Symphony Orchestra. Recently, he shared his talent with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra at Prince Mahidol Hall and Yuen Long Theatre in Hong Kong and the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra at Japan’s Suntory Hall.
In 2020, his exceptional abilities earned him the Grand Prize at the Oxford Music Award in Canada.
Dua Space Dance Theatre
Dua Space Dance Theatre, founded by Anthony Meh and Aman Yap in 1998, is Malaysia’s first full-time professional contemporary dance company. The name “Dua Space” symbolizes sharing and interaction, and the company blends elements of Chinese and Malaysian ethnic dances into contemporary forms. Some of their notable works include TWO, Scream – A Response to Munch, The Legend of Hou Yi and Chang Er, Anak Malaysia, The Tree, and The Lotus Sutra.
The company has performed across Asia, Europe, and South America in countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Spain, and Argentina. Dua Space has received numerous awards, including several from The BOH Cameronian Arts Awards for Best Dance Group, Best Choreographer, and Best Group Performance. Their collaboration with local artist Farawahida on Persoalan Cinta won the Ethnic Creative Category at the Anugerah Juara Lagu in 2009.
In addition to their creative achievements, founders Anthony Meh and Aman Yap have been recognized for their contributions to the arts, with awards such as the Asia-Pacific Cultural Industry Creativeness Golden Award and the ASEAN Chinese Cultural Award in 2022. The company continues to be a leading force in Malaysian contemporary dance, known for its innovative productions and international presence.
Halili-Cruz School of Dance (HCSD)
The Halili-Cruz School of Dance (HCSD) stands as a premier institution in the Philippines, renowned for its commitment to dance excellence. Under the inspired leadership of Artistic Director Shirley Halili-Cruz and Associate Directors Grace Garalde-Perez and Anna Kathrina Halili-Cruz Bueno, HCSD fosters an environment where young performers develop both skill and confidence, preparing them to shine on stage.
With a mission to honor the timeless beauty of ballet while embracing contemporary styles like jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tap, and musical theater, HCSD’s curriculum embodies versatility and innovation. This artistic breadth has earned HCSD international recognition, proudly showcasing Filipino talent at prestigious festivals and competitions worldwide.
HCSD’s accomplishments are extensive, including numerous national and international awards. Among them, the school holds the Hall of Fame distinction from the Aliw Awards and multiple Ani ng Dangal Awards, celebrating its outstanding impact on the global dance stage. From Asia to Europe and North America, HCSD’s students captivate audiences and judges with their extraordinary performances, reinforcing the school’s reputation as a beacon of dance excellence.
Follow HCSD on social media for the latest updates: @halilicruzballet on Facebook and Instagram, and @halilicruzschoolofdance on TikTok.
University of Malaya Arts Group (KESUMA)
The University of Malaya Arts Group (KESUMA) was founded in 1971 with the mission to promote Malay dance on campus, establishing itself in 1975 as a pioneering group in the revival of various Malay dance forms previously presented by the National Cultural Complex Arts Centre (KBN). Supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, KESUMA benefitted from the expertise of instructors from the KBN National Dance Group, allowing Universiti Malaya students to master and perform traditional Malaysian choreography as part of the national repertoire.
Since 2025, KESUMA has operated under the Department of Dance, Faculty of Creative Arts, Universiti Malaya, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional dance in Malaysia. This transition solidifies KESUMA’s commitment to its rich cultural heritage, allowing it to flourish as a traditional dance ensemble where all dancers and musicians are full-time students within the Faculty of Creative Arts.
For nearly two decades, KESUMA has thrived under the Faculty of Creative Arts, showcasing Malaysia’s cultural richness both domestically and internationally. Performances have spanned across countries such as Singapore (2012, 2013, 2022-2024), the Philippines (2016, 2017, 2023), Thailand (2015, 2023), India (2024), Taiwan (2024), China (2016, 2024), and Indonesia (2015, 2022-2024).
KESUMA’s accomplishments at the national level are extensive. Highlights include winning the Main Zapin Championship at ASWARA in 2017, organizing the annual KESUMA Dance Showcase since 2006, and performing at the Traditional Arts Theatre Program (2015, 2018, 2022) by the National Culture and Arts Department. Additionally, KESUMA has contributed to key events like the MyDance Festival (2011, 2013), the Kluang Dance Festival (2012, 2013), the Zapin Night Performance at Malacca Strait – Makassar Strait University of Malaya (2011), the Asia Pacific International Dance Conference (2011), the International Conference on Dance Education (ICONDE) (2014), Anugerah MAKUM (2024), and various university events (2021-2024).
Mr Kane Teo
Kane is a Classical Vocalist, Voice Coach and Conductor and Adjudicator.
Kane attained his Masters of Music in Music Performance from the London College of Music in 2014, under Mr Anthony Roden and coach, Mr Stephen Rose. He furthered his studies at the Royal Academy of Music and attained his Masters of Arts in Music Performance in 2016, under the guidance of Mr Ryland Davies and coach, Miss Audrey Hyland. Afterwards, Kane received his Choral Conducting Licentiate Diploma from the London College of Music in 2018.
Along with his extensive qualifications, Kane is widely acclaimed for his solo performances. Kane performed as a soloist at the Taipei International Choral Festival in 2016. In 2019, he took on the role of El Ramendado from Bizet’s Carmen, in the Singapore Lyric Opera and was the male lead in Memories of Singapore in the same year. Currently, Kane’s love for vocal pedagogy sees him taking on singing at all levels, from conducting Primary schools with Special Needs, Secondary schools to tertiary school choirs, and the semi-professional choirs such as The Vocal Consort and the Singapore Choral Artists. His recent achievements include Conducting Catholic High School’s Choir – Edward Becheras Choir to Champions at IGPCC, Vietnam and clinching the Most Outstanding Conductor Award and the Grand Prize. He is a vocal tutor for The NUSChoir.
Dolce Chanticleer
Sabrina Tnay is an accomplished vocal and piano educator, and choral conductor in Kuching. Originally from Sibu, she received the Golden Kenyalang Award for her significant contributions to the arts, including directing music videos for renowned Malaysian singer Crystal Ong. After relocating to Kuching, Sabrina gained recognition as a soprano soloist with the Koir Simon Orkestra Negeri Sarawak, performing the lead role of “The Plaintiff” in Trial by Jury.
In 2015, she founded Dolce Chanticleer, a choir renowned for its diverse repertoire, including a distinction in the Advanced Choral Singing exam by the Royal Academy of Music. Under her leadership, Dolce Chanticleer has been a regular feature at major state events such as SIFMA and has extended its presence to international stages with performances in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Korea.
Sabrina’s conducting artistry was mentored by eminent UK conductor Stephen Carleston and she has recently appeared in conducting masterclass in Lichfield and the prestigious Cambridge Choral Course. The achievements of her music studio reach far, with students continuing their studies at top conservatories and working with prestigious organizations such as the Royal Academy of Music, Berklee College of Music, Broadway Tour UK, and The Dallas Opera.
K Cultural Dance
Founded by Son Yu Joung in 2020, K Cultural Dance explores innovative ways to integrate traditional Korean dance with other Asian performing arts in Singapore. Our mission is to promote Korean dance worldwide, presenting a genre that bridges classical tradition with contemporary styles deeply rooted in Korean culture. By doing so, we offer audiences a wide range of engaging performances that showcase the dynamic and evolving possibilities within Korean dance.
Son Yu Joung, the visionary founder of K Cultural Dance, is a highly accomplished dancer and choreographer specializing in Classical Korean and Contemporary Dance. She holds a Master of Arts from the prestigious Sung Kyun Kwan University and brings over 15 years of instructional experience in tertiary and professional settings. Her professional journey spans Seoul, Japan, Europe, and the USA, where she has led and contributed to over 20 professional dance collaborations, sharing her passion and expertise with global audiences.
Together, Son Yu Joung and K Cultural Dance aim to create a cultural bridge through performances that inspire, engage, and celebrate the beauty of Korean dance.
D’Kingsman (Hip Hop – Singapore)
D’Kingsman
D’Kingsman goes beyond dance movement, building each performance on personal expression and raising social awareness through powerful floorwork and intricate styling.
As champions in numerous local competitions, the team is committed to expanding the dance culture within Singapore, inspiring others through their passion and skill. Their captivating artistry and choreography redefine the possibilities of dance, transforming each performance into an immersive experience.
Presenting to you – D’Kingsman.
Nattaya Thai Dance (Thailand)
Nattaya Thai Dance is dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural beauty of Thai classical dance. Our performances embody the elegance and artistry of traditional Thai dance forms, capturing both the aesthetic grace and intricate movements unique to this rich cultural heritage. Each performance is crafted to highlight the symbolic gestures and postures that communicate stories of Thai history, mythology, and folklore.
Founded with a passion for Thai culture, Nattaya Thai Dance showcases forms such as Khon (classical masked dance-drama) and Lakorn (theatrical dance) and emphasizes the importance of Natyasa, a term signifying the seamless flow of beauty and grace essential to Thai dance. Through our dedication, we aim to engage audiences and offer them an authentic experience of Thai performing arts, bridging traditional values with contemporary appreciation.
Glorious Dance & Art
Established with a passion for artistic excellence, Glorious Dance & Art is a leading dance academy dedicated to providing high-quality training in both traditional and contemporary dance forms. With a faculty of certified instructors trained at prestigious national and international dance institutions, Glorious Dance & Art is committed to developing students’ technical skills, creativity, and passion for performance.
The academy’s students have achieved significant recognition, securing awards in various local and international dance competitions. Glorious Dance & Art frequently collaborates with cultural organizations and participates in community events, embodying its mission to bridge cultural traditions and modern expression.
As a promoter of cultural exchange, Glorious Dance & Art strives to highlight the richness of diverse cultures, serving as a cultural bridge by showcasing Malaysian and Chinese heritage through performances, workshops, and international events. The academy continues to cultivate the next generation of dancers while fostering an appreciation for dance as an art form and a tool for cross-cultural connection.
The Band Lab
Founded by Jesmond Siew Heng Jie, The Band Lab has been a transformative force in Sarawak’s music education landscape since its establishment on April 8, 2018. Jesmond, motivated by his own experiences growing up with limited access to live orchestral performances, created The Band Lab as Sarawak’s first non-affiliated Youth Community Wind Band Education Program. His mission: to provide young musicians with a nurturing environment that promotes artistic growth and accessibility to quality music education. Through outreach, education programs, and consulting services, The Band Lab not only hones musical talent but also cultivates essential life skills, encouraging cultural exchange and collaborative learning.
Under Jesmond’s visionary leadership, The Band Lab has become an integral part of Sarawak’s cultural fabric, inspiring the next generation of musicians. This year, their participation in SIFMA 5.0 promises to bring uplifting performances and empower local talent as we celebrate Sarawak’s rich musical heritage together.
Wendy Yong
Wendy Yong, one of Malaysia’s most esteemed sopranos, hailing from the “Cat City” of Kuching, Wendy embarked on her musical journey at the age of six, initially studying piano before discovering her passion for classical singing. She is a graduate of Singapore’s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, where she majored in piano and classical singing, and further honed her craft in London at Middlesex University under the guidance of the renowned soprano Jennifer Caren.
In addition to her vocal accomplishments, Wendy is a versatile musician skilled in traditional Chinese instruments like the Yang Qin and Gu Zheng, contributing significantly to the growth of Chinese ensemble music in Malaysia. Over the years, she has performed locally and internationally with prominent groups, including the SONS Symphony Orchestra and the Singapore Keat Hong Chinese Orchestra. Wendy’s artistry also extends to recording poetry recitations for Sarawak-born poet Wu-An, imbuing his words with powerful emotion.
In 2019, Wendy captivated audiences with her solo recital My Music My Life, featuring French chansons and musical theatre pieces. In 2022, she was invited by Majlis Seni Sarawak to give singing lectures at Talent Sarawak, inspiring the next generation of performers with her expertise. Known for her expressive voice and emotive performances, she is a cherished performer at state functions across Sarawak.
Professor Gilbert De Greeve
Professor Gilbert De Greeve, a distinguished Belgian pianist, composer, and educator, to SIFMA 5.0! Professor De Greeve’s illustrious career began with early music lessons from his father, leading him to the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, where he studied under Eugene Traey and Jan Decadt, majoring in Piano Performance and Composition. Further honing his artistry in the USA with mentors such as Rudolf Serkin and Eugene Ormandy, Professor De Greeve has since become a respected figure on the global stage, performing, conducting masterclasses, and lecturing worldwide.
At just 25, he became one of the youngest professors at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp and later served as the Director of the State Music Academy of Antwerp, which he developed into a major institution serving over 4,200 students. His compositions, including the notable Chamber Music Lied Cycle based on James Joyce’s poetry, as well as various instrumental, chamber, orchestral, and choral works, reflect his deep dedication to musical expression and innovation.
As a past President of the International Kodály Society (IKS), based in Budapest, Professor De Greeve has also contributed significantly to advancing music education globally. Today, he remains a sought-after lecturer, sharing his vast knowledge and passion for music with audiences worldwide.
Karya Terindah
Established in 2017 through the initiative of the group’s co-founders, Adzhar bin Julaihi as Artistic Director and choreographer, Sharifah Pura binti Wan Hamid.
The organization provides opportunities for local artists, especially in Kuching Sarawak, to continue pursuing their passion in the art of dance. Karya Terindah Performing Arts is often selected to perform at arts and cultural events, official openings, and formal dinners organized by the Sarawak Government, federal authorities, private sectors, NGOs, and others, at both state and international levels.
KL Dance Works
KL Dance Works Sdn. Bhd., established in 2014, is an extension of the original Danceworks Production, founded in 1998. The company focuses on dance education, especially ballet, and aims to support young talents, stage performances, and international events. KL Dance Works is committed to helping promising dancers in Malaysia reach their potential and build careers in dance.
Previously known as Danceworks Production, this non-profit organization was founded by Malaysian dance enthusiasts to elevate the standard of dance in the country and also assist local charities. Since 1998, KL Dance Works has staged 13 productions and raised over RM700,000 for 33 local charities. The organization has annually collaborated with Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur (except in 2016-2017 due to renovations) and partnered with the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Culture as well as various embassies from countries such as Japan, Australia, and China.
KL Dance Works’ productions often involve foreign guest artists from prominent ballet companies, along with Malaysian artists and students, facilitating cultural exchange and enriching the local dance community. The KL Dance Works Ballet Academy, offering Vaganova-based ballet training, aims to prepare students for professional dance careers. The academy emphasizes performance opportunities and international-level productions.
Notable productions include Carmen & Paquita (2010), Don Quixote (2011), La Bayadere (2015), and Giselle (2018). The company has also collaborated with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (Carmen in Dance, 2015) and the Selangor Symphony Youth Orchestra (Swan Lake, 2023). KL Dance Works hosts annual showcases and has expanded its activities through live streaming productions since 2020.
Students from the KL Dance Works Ballet Academy, such as Ling Jong Yi and Ryan Chai Zhi Xuen, have achieved notable successes in international ballet competitions, representing the academy at events like SIFMA 2024.
Kai Laird and Joyce Zhou (Kinderspiel Piano Duo)
Kai Laird (born 2013) is a young, multi-instrumental musician from Perth, Australia, proficient in piano, pipe organ, cello, and drums. He began piano lessons at four, first with his mother, Beverly Chan, and now studies with his father, Robert Wallace Laird. Kai also receives guidance from renowned teachers like Lee Yin Hwa (Malaysia) and Beate Toyka (England). He is the youngest scholarship recipient in the Young Organists program at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, under Jacinta Jakovcevic.
Kai has performed in various venues across Australia, Malaysia, and England and has won several international piano competitions, including First Prize at the Rising Talents of Asia and Oceania International Music Competition. He tours with his piano duet partner, Joyce Zhou, as part of the Kinderspiel Piano Duo and has received standing ovations for his performances.
Joyce Zhou (born 2013) is a pianist and flautist from Perth, Australia. She began learning piano at age five with Beverly Chan and now studies under Robert Wallace Laird. Joyce is also a member of the Flute Choir at the Western Australian Youth Orchestra (WAYO). She has performed locally and internationally and has won numerous piano competitions, including First Prize in the Malaysian International Piano Competition and the VII Valletta International Piano Competition in Malta.
Alongside Kai Laird, Joyce forms the Kinderspiel Piano Duo. The duo has performed across Western Australia, winning top prizes in multiple international competitions.
Robert Wallace Laird (born 1987) is a Scottish pianist, composer, and teacher. He began his music education in Scotland and earned a Bachelor of Music with Honours from Edinburgh Napier University. After moving to Perth, Australia, he founded a successful music school, where he teaches alongside his wife, Beverly Chan. Robert’s students have achieved international success, and he has performed at venues such as the University of Western Australia. He is also involved in self-publishing his music and home-schooling his children, Kai and Kenzie.
Chung Hua School No.3
Chung Hua Middle School No. 3’s 24 Seasons Drums team, founded on June 19, 1992, by Tan Chai Puan in collaboration with Sarawak Kuching Hong San Si Temple, became the first 24 Festival Drumming group in Kuching. Over the years, the team has earned numerous accolades, including winning the “Soul of the Ethnic Group” talent competition in 2019, the “Kuching’s Got Talent, Dare to Show It” competition in 2022, and the talent group championship at the 2023 Hong San Si Temple Guangze Zunwang procession.
The team has also been actively involved in community engagements. In 2021, they participated in the filming of the Sarawak New Year video Awakening the Soul of the Ethnic Group. In 2022, they took part in the CIPTA Drumming Orchestra Exchange at Universiti Sarawak and performed at the Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA). They were invited to perform again at SIFMA in 2023.
In 2024, they were honored to serve as the opening performance for Sukma and Para Sukma 2024 and won a silver medal in the National 24 Festival Drumming Competition that same year.
Samuel Lin Tian
Samuel Lin Tian, born on April 11, 2007, is a talented young pianist from Indonesia with an impressive track record in music competitions. He began making his mark early, securing 3rd place in the Yamaha Music School AudioSen Piano Competition 2014 (Junior Fantasy category) and winning 1st place in the Yamaha Piano Competition (Category A, ages 6–8) at the music school level. His accomplishments continued with a 1st place win in the Aneka Musika Piano Competition 2016 (Advanced category) and another 1st place at the Yamaha Piano Competition Junior A Regional Level the same year. At the national level, Samuel achieved 3rd place in the Yamaha Piano Competition Junior A Category. In 2019, he clinched 1st prize in the ABRSM High Scorers’ Competition. Samuel has scored distinction in all his practical exams and is currently preparing for his ABRSM diploma. His consistent success reflects his dedication, skill, and passion for music.
Tee Jau Jer
Tee Jau Jer (age 13) started his journey in piano learning at age 3 and the violin learning at age 5. He is currently working on Diploma in both Piano & Violin.
Jau Jer has been actively participating in various music festivals and competitions both at local and international levels.
He just awarded Gold Prize(Young Artist Junior Category) in the Malaysia Piano Competition 2024 this October and advanced to the grand final round in November. Also, He awarded the 1st Prize in the MIA Young Musician Competition in July 2024; The Finalists of UCSI International Piano Competition in June 2024; The 1st Prize in the Malaysia Piano Competition 2023; The 1st Prize in the St. Petersburg International Piano Competition in February 2023 in Hong Kong and won multiple award at VIVACE International Piano Competition, Graceful Piano Competition, The VI International Liszt Ferenc Competition and more.
For Violin, he awarded both Gold Prize in Euroasia Strings Competition 2024, Young Artist Junior & Age Category this October and advanced to the grand finals in November and the 5th Prize in Thailand Strings Competition 2024 this October. He performed as part of the MPYO Opening Performance of MENARA MERDEKA 118 in January 2024 and the MPYO Strings in Harmony Concert showcase in December 2023 in Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS.
Jau Jer aspires to be a pianist and violinist, he has strong enthusiasm and passions; he aims to gain more experiences, hone his skills, and meet many more musicians. Other than the violin & piano, he plays other instruments like the marimba(Currently working on ABRSM grade 8) & acoustic guitar for leisure
