28/03/2026

SATURDAY | MAR 28, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Poignant homecoming for piano prodigy returning to M’sia

Grand opening of Nanyang New Frontiers exhibition

KUALA LUMPUR: Internationally acclaimed pianist Vincent Ong was recently accorded a special “homecoming” welcome to mark his return to Malaysia after several illustrious years in Europe. His return to the country was supported by Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp), the Human Resources Ministry’s strategic think tank agency on talent and workforce development which also drives Malaysia’s diaspora engagement efforts. Ong, who was raised in Penang, said his decision to come back to the country holds special meaning as it allows him to reconnect with Malaysia and contribute through both performance and learning. “This homecoming is especially meaningful, as it allows me to share both my music and my experiences with audiences and young musicians in Malaysia. “I hope it encourages others to pursue their passions with confidence,” he said. Based in Berlin, Ong, 25, has built a distinguished career and is recognised for his achievements in classical music. In 2024 he won the Gold Medal at the International Robert Schumann Competition, further establishing his presence on the international stage. Last year he achieved a milestone as the first Malaysian finalist and medal winner at the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. The annual event is described by The New York Times as the “Olympics of the piano world” and regarded as one of the most prestigious competitions in classical music. Ong’s homecoming solo recitals and masterclasses have received overwhelming response, with over 2,200 attendees expected across Kuala Lumpur and Penang. TalentCorp chairperson Wong Shu Qi said Ong’s homecoming reflects the value of engaging Malaysians abroad in meaningful ways. “Vincent Ong represents the very best of Malaysian talent. His return creates opportunities for meaningful exchange, where global experience can be shared to inspire young Malaysians and strengthen our talent ecosystem,” she said. TalentCorp’s MyHeart initiative helps to create opportunities for Malaysians abroad to engage directly with local talent through performance, mentorship and knowledge sharing. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the programme reflects the government’s focus on strengthening engagement with Malaysians abroad and creating pathways for them to contribute back to the country. “Vincent Ong’s achievement affirms the depth of Malaysian talent on the global stage,” he said. “Through MyHeart by TalentCorp, we enable Malaysians overseas to remain connected and contribute back in ways that strengthen Malaysia’s national talent ecosystem.” TalentCorp Group CEO Edward Ling said MyHeart enables Malaysians abroad to contribute across sectors through mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

KUALA LUMPUR: An exhibition in conjunction with the twentieth anniversary of the Cao Tang Men Eastern Arts Society celebrates two decades of dedication to ink painting and calligraphy in the Nanyang region. Titled ‘Nanyang New Frontiers,’ the project brings together artists, cultural figures and art enthusiasts related to the society. The opening ceremony was held at the Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) here on March 14. The event also saw the unveiling of a commemorative art catalogue featuring works created

lands along the rim of the South China Sea. Organising chairperson Ong Chia Koon explained Nanyang as representing the artists’ inspired roots in the region. Meanwhile, “New Frontiers” symbolises innovation and new creative breakthroughs. “For the past two decades Cao Tang Men has upheld the philosophy of its founding president, the late Dr Cheah Thien Soong, in advancing the development of ink painting so that brush and ink may flourish within the cultural landscape of the Nanyang region,” he said. The society’s president Chong Choy expressed its aspiration to continue exploring Malaysia’s rich and diverse cultural landscape. He encouraged member artists to keep striving for excellence with the hope that one day they may hold exhibitions or artistic activities at the esteemed halls of the National Art Gallery. In her opening address, National Art Gallery deputy director-general of operations Rohana Mohd Yusof commended the collaboration between SGM and Cao Tang Men as an example of how civil society organisations contribute to cultural understanding and artistic exchange. ‘Nanyang New Frontiers’ features 134 artworks by 55 artists, including 81 ink paintings and 53 seal carvings, reflecting the diversity and creative vitality of Cao Tang Men’s members. The exhibition runs until April 12 at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, 243 Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL, from 11am to 5pm daily.

o Project features ink paintings, seal carvings and calligraphic works to celebrate 20 years of arts society.

been a space where friendship, creativity and cultural exchange flourish, nurturing peace through genuine human connections. “The exhibition’s theme ‘Nanyang New Frontiers’ reflects both the artistic heritage and forward-looking aspirations of the society,” he said. “Nanyang” generally refers to

by members in honour of the society’s milestone. In his welcoming remarks, SGM general director Koh Sia Feai said the project also marks the first art exhibition hosted at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM this year, incidentally the centre’s 25th anniversary. He said Wisma SGM has long

Ong (2nd right) explains the significance of some of the seals on display to Rohana (2nd left).

Raya cheer, health awareness for kids’ care home

Ű BY SIVAA TANGAI RAJU newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: In the spirit of compassion and giving, a home for underprivileged children received some festive cheer when a specialist clinic organised a unique charity drive. In a five-day initiative, the Klinik Pakar Wanita Metro Cheras channelled the consultation fees it collected from March 9 to 13 directly to the home. It raised RM2,300 to support children at the Pusat Jagaan Kanak Kanak Yatim/Miskin Rukaiyah before the Hari Raya celebration. The clinic’s effort was part of its Raya Kasih Metro 2026 initiative that also included community outreach for the children. Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Lindy Bak Li Mei explained what inspired the idea. “This year, we wanted to make our Raya outreach more meaningful. Besides bringing festive cheer to the children, we also wanted to incorporate an element of health awareness,” she

The children with

participating doctors and staff during the Raya Kasih Metro 2026.

comprehensive health knowledge with the children, which helps to create greater awareness from a young age.” The home’s caretaker Siti Eshah expressed appreciation for the gesture extended to the children. in the busy lead-up to Hari Raya. “The Raya Kasih Metro 2026 programme is very meaningful to the children of Rukaiyah because it makes us feel that we are not being left out,” she said.

presentations for the children. Dr. Bak highlighted the importance of instilling such awareness from a young age. “Health is not only about the body but also includes aspects such as dental health and general wellbeing,” she said. Kheng Dental’s dentist Leong Zing Ming said: “Each healthcare provider brings a different area of expertise, and by coming together we are able to share more

said. “Through this programme, we hoped not only to celebrate Raya with them but also to share simple health knowledge that can benefit them in their daily lives. “When women’s health is well taken care of, it positively impacts their families and children as well.” She thanked collaborators Kheng Dental and Klinik Medipulih for enriching the programme through health awareness

Ong shows his virtuoso skills on the keyboard during a special “welcome back” ceremony.