Press conference on U-Chuang Sets Sail National Song Composing Competition for Secondary School and University Students

 

The poster of the competition

The U-Chuang Sets Sail National Song Composing Competition for Secondary School and University Students (《优创·启航》全国中学生与大专生歌曲创作比赛) was launched at UTAR Sungai Long Campus through a press conference on 25 March 2024 by the competition Advisor and Chief Judge Mr Chow Kam Leong, Organising Chairperson Mr Law Wei Sheng, and UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat.

The competition is organised by the University in collaboration with the UTAR Sungai Long Broadcasting Society with Sinchew Daily, Mango Media, MY FM and GoXuan as its current media partner. The ambassador of this competition is Encik Muhammad Firdhaus Farmizi, popularly known as Firdhaus, who sings songs in Chinese. Among the judges are Yise Loo, Keon Chia, Anna Chong and Tay Cher Siang.

Mr Chow said, “I hope our songs resonate across borders, reaching international audiences. I also hope it will showcase Malaysian songwriters’ emotions about our land and life. Years from now, when people seek records, they’ll find evidence of a group who crafted remarkable songs during this era, leaving a legacy through this competition. That’s the reason why we are organising this competition.”

Mr Chow expressing his hope to see Malaysian songs spread to other countries

Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasised, “The National Song Composing Competition aims to spotlight our nation’s dynamic music industry and offer a stage for emerging and established composers to display their talents, enriching our cultural tapestry. Our goal is to inspire a love for music among the public and foster the creation of inventive and genre-spanning works that connect with diverse audiences.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

This song-composing competition is open to all secondary school and university students aged 13 to 25 years old. Participants can register individually or as a group, with a registration fee of RM30 per song. The language of the song should primarily be in Chinese, with a maximum of three submissions per participant. Registration begins today, and the deadline is 15 July 2024.

The competition cash prizes add up to a total of RM11,000. Champions in both categories will receive RM2,000, while runners-up will receive RM1,500 and third-place winners RM1,000. Additionally, awards for Best Composition, Best Performance, Best Vocalist, and Most Popular will each carry a prize of RM200.

Registration is now open and UTAR warmly welcomes all aspiring composers to join the competition. For registration, click here: https://forms.gle/nSW7VHW5FhVEV13h8

Prof Dato’ Ewe (third from left) hitting the gong to launch the competition

From left: Department of Student Affairs Head Ms Loh Nyuk Leung, Mr Law, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Chow, Faculty of Creative Industries Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng and Deputy Dean Ts Dr Ang Kok Yew

The organising committee with Mr Chow (fifth from right)