Taiwanese songbird enthralls UTAR

In keeping up with his recent promotional tour, Taiwan-based chanteuse Pil Seo-Jin or better known by his stage name 'Bii', booked a coveted appearance at the South Lobby of UTAR Campus in Sungai Long, Selangor on 27 August 2013.

The showcase, which spanned two hours, revolved around a showcase of keynote songs from Bii's acclaimed latest offering, 'Come Back to Bii'. An autograph session aimed at bringing Bii closer to his fans was also held. The effervescent crowd, who hollered at the end of each performance, consisted of UTAR students who tuned in as early as 7pm to get a glimpse of the endearing singer.

Show of patronage: UTAR students flashing Bii's album while waiting for him to arrive

Four hours beforehand, the event committee and volunteers gathered at South Lobby to commence preparation for the event which included setting-up of chairs, tables, stereo and lighting system. The stage was adorned with posters of Universal Music, the official distributor of Bii's album, as backdrop. A reception table was also set up, while Bii's album continued to sell like hot cakes at North Lobby.

At 7.30pm, staff from Universal Music and MY FM deejay Wayne, who was enlisted as emcee for the showcase, arrived to cheers from the galvanised crowd. Meanwhile, crews from the event's sponsor Petronas, also set up kiosk for promotional activities.

Bii, his manager and stylists, arrived at South Lobby at 8.15pm. The first 54 buyers of the album were then segregated into groups to join the star in an exclusive photo-taking session. Interaction with the crowd was navigated by Wayne to identify participants for a games session scheduled to happen at a later time. Members of the audience who successfully answered his questions were rewarded with a Petronas goodies bag and Bii poster each.

Our prerogative: Early bird purchasers posing for a group photo with Bii (second row, third from left)

The showcase opened with Bii making his entrance in spectacular fashion, which caused an upheaval among the noticeably elated crowd. He proceeded to welcome them, and regaled them with his first gig, a melancholy song titled '幸福无关'  (Nothing to do with happiness) which rendered audience teary-eyed. The mesmerising performance was followed by a Q&A session and as promised earlier, a games session in which Bii served as mediator for the competing participants.

After the intermezzo, Bii returned to lull the crowd with a mawkish love ballad titled '你给我的爱' (You Gave Me Love) before winding up his three-song showcase with the feet-tapping title number 'Come Back to Bii'. The audience, sensing a shift in cadence, slipped on a perky verve and danced alongside Bii who was seen crooning and bouncing back and forth while acknowledging the crowd with earnest handshakes.

Reciprocating their adulation: Bii is pictured singing while shaking hands with the frenzied crowd

After the showcase, spectators who purchased Bii's album queued up for an autograph session with the star who is of Korean-Taiwanese parentage. He eagerly signed his fans' name on the album when requested. Some students also showered him with gifts. Before leaving, Bii posed for a group picture with the committee members. They prattled, "He certainly harbours no air of snootiness."

The event, organised by UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management, drew encouraging response from the students who showed up in full support for the star.

Getting cosy with a star: Committee members posing for a group photo with Bii (in tuxedo and bowtie)