18/7/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | JULY 18, 2026

24

Elaine Kang reflects on career

V ETERAN singer Datuk Elaine Kang, who is best known for the patriotic anthem Sejahtera Malaysia , recalls singing at weddings when she was only 10 years old, earning just RM8 for each performance. The modest earnings were among the memories that remain vivid for the Penang-born singer as she reflected on a career spanning more than four decades in the entertainment industry. Speaking as a guest on Bernama Radio’s ShowBuzz programme recently, Kang, 61, said she grew up in poverty and was forced to leave school before completing Form Two. “I was born into a very poor family. I never finished school and had to stop after Form Two. I even had to sew my own school uniform because my parents couldn’t afford to buy one. But life had to go on,” she said. Kang’s passion for singing began at an early age, when she regularly entered talent competitions across Penang. Although she never won the first prize, she did not feel discouraged. Instead, she continued to sing whenever she received invitations to perform at weddings. “When I was 10 or 11, I joined singing competitions and I usually received the consolation prize. Whenever I was invited to perform at a wedding, I would sing two songs and earn RM8, which I put into my piggy bank,” she recalled. Her fortunes changed after she PETE R PAN rekindled memories of the early 2000s as thousands of fans packed the Idea Live Arena recently for The Journey Continues to Malaysia: Peterpan – Semua Tentang Kita , celebrating the timeless music of the legendary Indonesian band. The concert featured original Peterpan members – Ilsyah Ryan Reza (drums), Andika Naliputra (keyboard), Hendra Suhendra (bass) and Loekman Hakim (guitar) – who took fans on a nostalgic journey with a string of the band’s greatest hits. Although the original frontman Ariel was absent, the performance, supported by several guest vocalists, was warmly received, underscoring the enduring popularity of Peterpan’s music among Malaysian audiences. Fans began arriving at the venue hours before the show to secure the best viewing spots for the band, whose songs once created a massive phenomenon across the region. The concert opened at 8.20pm with Indonesian singer Marcello Tahitoe, better known as Ello, who kicked off the night with Taman Langit and Khayalan Tingkat Tinggi . “What’s up, Malaysia! Great to see you again. I was just here last month (for the Dewa 19 concert), but Peterpan has been coming here for the past 18 years. “Malaysia, scream! When I was first invited to join this project, I thought, ‘These guys, they are legends.’ Their songs still resonate with us today. Don’t you agree?” he told the cheering crowd. Ello also delighted fans by

cementing her place in Malaysia’s music industry. Kang also said she was never selective about work and always embraced every opportunity that came her way. “(Those days) I would perform a show at 8.45pm, another at 10.30pm and a third at 12.30am. By the time I got home, I was exhausted, but opportunities don’t come around every day. You have to work hard,” she said. That same work ethic eventually inspired her to establish her own production company and venture into business as an additional source of income. Kang also advised younger singers not to rely solely on fame, urging them instead to prepare for life beyond the spotlight. “You never know when your popularity might wane, so work hard. You need to know what’s happening in the world and keep up with the news. Singing alone isn’t enough. You need a plan and you have to prepare for the future. “When opportunities come, you’ll know how to make the most of them. I’m a singer, but I also run other businesses. The most important thing is to have a backup plan, so you don’t have to worry about what comes next,” she said. – Bernama

o Veteran, Penang-born singer credits hard work for success

Kang performs on-stage for her fans. – BERNAMAPIC

it in the bank,” she said. Kang’s talent soon caught the attention of a record label, leading to the release of albums in Malay, Mandarin and English,

one of my sister’s dresses. After the audition, they offered me the job immediately. My salary was RM800 and I gave almost all of it to my mother. I only kept RM250 and saved

moved to Kuala Lumpur with her mother and auditioned for a resident singer position at the Federal Hotel. “I didn’t have any nice clothes to wear for the audition, so I borrowed

Peterpan reunion concert rekindles nostalgia for Malaysian fans

Voice of National Day : Merdeka concert features five artistes

IN conjunction with the National Day celebrations, Resorts World Genting is presenting Voice of National Day , a special concert that brings together five Malaysian artistes from different backgrounds and musical journeys in a celebration of identity, unity and home. Taking place at the Arena of Stars on Aug 29 at 6pm, the concert invites audiences to experience Malaysia through music, stories and shared memories. Built around the concept of unity in diversity, the concert presents a musical journey inspired by the many experiences that shape Malaysia. Through the five themed chapters of Departure, Wandering, Awakening, Homecoming and Legacy, Voice of National Day reflects moments of leaving, searching, rediscovering and returning, capturing shared emotions that connect Malaysians across backgrounds, languages and generations. The lineup brings together Z-Chen, Abin, DannyOne, Amsyar Leee and Boon Yaw, representing different eras and directions within Malaysia’s music scene. Renowned Malaysian R&B singer Z-Chen, whose signature hits including May I Love You, Ling Chen San Dian Zhong (3 in the Morning) and An Lian (Secret Admirer) have made him one of the most recognisable voices in Mandarin pop music. Joining him is award-winning singer-songwriter Abin, whose emotional ballads such as Huai Ren (Bad Guy) and Yi Han (Regret) have earned widespread acclaim across the Mandopop landscape and numerous industry accolades. Representing a new generation of

Peterpan puts its all into performing for its fans. – BERNAMAPIC

Malaysian talent is Amsyar Leee, whose remarkable vocal versatility and viral online performances have rapidly established him as one of the country’s most promising young entertainers. Audiences can also look forward to performances by DannyOne, the multi-talented singer, songwriter and actor known for blending contemporary pop, hip-hop and distinctly Malaysian influences in his work. Completing the lineup is independent musician, producer and original music advocate Boon Yaw, whose contributions to Malaysia’s independent music scene have earned recognition locally and internationally. Tickets are priced from RM148 to RM448. As the evening unfolds, five individual voices will gradually merge into one collective voice, culminating in a powerful tribute to the nation and its people. – HANDOUT PIC

deep emotional connection fans continue to have with Peterpan’s music. Arda also shared the personal story behind Ku Katakan Dengan Indah , revealing the song held special meaning because it was closely linked to his own love story. “This song has a special place in my heart because the person who once broke my heart was also the one who healed it. In the end, I married her,” he said before performing the song with his wife Tantri. Adding to the festive atmosphere, many fans dressed in blue-themed outfits sang along throughout the two-hour concert, with some visibly moved as the songs revived cherished memories. The audience was also treated to a string of Peterpan classics, including Ada Apa Denganmu, Menunggumu, Mungkin Nanti, Bintang di Surga, Tak Bisakah and Semua Tentang Kita . – Bernama

responding to a request from the audience to tie up his hair during the performance, adding to the relaxed and interactive atmosphere. The concert also featured performances by Indonesian singers Rony Parulian, Tantri Syalindri and Arda Naff, alongside Malaysian singer Hael Husaini. Performing Jauh Mimpiku and Aku dan Bintang , Hael admitted he felt honoured – and slightly nervous – to share the stage with a band that had greatly influenced the regional music scene. “For me, this is more than just a collaboration. I grew up listening to Peterpan’s songs, and I’m sure many people here also have memories attached to their music,” he said. One of the night’s most memorable moments came when thousands of concertgoers sang almost the entirety of Mimpi Yang Sempurna in unison without vocal accompaniment, reflecting the