Penang Hill Songwriting Competition
We are thrilled to announce the Penang Hill Songwriting Competition, a celebration of creativity and talent in the realm of music composition. Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter or a budding lyricist, this is your chance to shine!
With the theme “Penang Hill – A Treasured Gem,” this competition encourages participants to compose original songs that capture the essence and beauty of Penang Hill.
Open to all Malaysians aged 15 years old and above, the competition welcomes submissions from diverse musical genres, reflecting the vibrant cultural tapestry of Malaysia. Entry is free, offering an inclusive platform for budding musicians to showcase their talent and passion.
Competition Details:
Registration Period: 18 April – 17 June 2024
Submission Period: 18 June – 31 July 2024
*Results will be announced one (1) month after the submission period.
Prizes:
Champion – RM3,000 + Trophy + Certificate of Achievement
1st Runner-Up – RM1,500 + Trophy + Certificate of Achievement
2nd Runner-Up – RM800 + Trophy + Certificate of Achievement
Award of Excellence x 3 – Trophy + Certificate of Achievement
Judges
Ng Huck Aik
Music Director
Penang Youth Orchestra
Born in Penang, Ng Huck Aik is a distinguished music conductor, who also plays the role of the Music Director of Penang Youth Orchestra (PYO) currently, enriching young musicians for over 30 years. Beginning as a trombonist at 14, he later conducted his school band at 17 and was mentored by the late Maestro Brian Tan Wee Thean. When he was studying abroad in the UK, he was invited to perform with esteemed orchestras in London.
When he returned to Malaysia, he led the Penang State Symphonic Band (PESSBAND), organising over 100 performances and hosting international bands. In 2006, he was selected for both the tenor trombonist and bass trombonist positions in the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) and later in 2008, he was successfully selected for the seat of principal trombone in the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO).
Committed to youth development, he fosters musical excellence and aims to elevate Penang’s talents globally. Through organising numerous concerts, he shares his knowledge and creates opportunities for aspiring musicians, striving to promote them worldwide.
Leo Azman
Cultural Artist
National Department for Culture and Arts, Penang
Leo Azman is a multi-talented musician with a diverse career spanning over two decades. Currently serving as a Cultural Artist at the National Department for Culture and Arts, Penang, he has left an indelible mark on the Malaysian music scene.
With over 20 years of musical experience, he has showcased his prowess as a composer, lyricist, and vocalist. He has composed over 40 official songs, including jingles, singles, and two studio albums for Nastia, a prominent pop/rock band based in Kuala Lumpur. His collaborations extend to various local artists such as Yuna, Sonaone, Hujan, Fattah Amin, and more.
One of his notable achievements includes co-writing the hit single “Rapuh” with Faizal Tahir, performed by Nastia. The song has garnered over seven million views on YouTube and six million plays on Spotify, solidifying his place as a respected songwriter and composer in the industry.
Loo Heok Seng
Conductor and Vocal Coach
Penang Hai Yun Choir
Loo Heok Seng is a prominent figure in Malaysia’s music industry. His passion lies in vocal music, cultivated since his academic years. Under the tutelage of renowned tenor vocal coach Chen Shican, he honed his singing skills, gaining recognition for his beautiful, resonant voice and establishing himself as an outstanding tenor.
He bagged numerous awards in singing competitions across various genres, including art songs, Buddhist songs, and pop songs. Notably, he performed as a lead in an opera by Dr. Liu Hong, a famous composer in Beijing, alongside esteemed singers from China’s Beijing Central Opera House. His talents extend beyond performance; he frequently serves as a judge in singing competitions and a guest performer in charity concerts.
Dedicated to nurturing young talents, he has taken on leadership roles in several musical organisations, such as leading the Youth Group and Choir of the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society and coaching singing classes under the Penang Middle Yuan Association. Currently, he serves as the conductor and vocal coach of the Penang Hai Yun Choir and the choir tutor of the Penang Arts and Culture Association.