THE remarkable achievement of Vincent Ong, who secured 5th place at the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, highlights Penang’s reputation as more than just a city of food and heritage. It also serves as a place that nurtures world-class talent, says Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee.
Ong made history as the first Malaysian pianist to reach the finals of this prestigious competition.
The International Chopin Piano Competition, often referred to as the “Olympics of pianists,” ranks among the world’s four most significant piano contests, alongside the Tchaikovsky Moscow Music Competition, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and the Queen Elisabeth Competition.
Held once every five years, it requires participants to perform an all-Chopin repertoire, testing not only technical mastery but also musical expression and artistic depth. Past champions, including Dang Thai Son and Yundi Li, launched their international careers on this very stage.
“Reaching the final is one of the highest honours in the world of music, a dream accomplishment for countless pianists. I extend my warmest congratulations to this talented young pianist from Penang,” said Heng, who was recently elected as the state DAP Wanita chief, in a press statement.
Lee emphasised that Penang has long been a hub of culture and the arts. She noted that since the Pakatan Harapan state government assumed office in 2008, it has prioritised cultural development, dedicating significant resources to initiatives like the George Town Festival (GTF), which serves as a global platform for showcasing Penang to the world.
“We hope that at both the state and federal levels, arts education can be further promoted so that music, dance, visual arts, and theatre are no longer viewed as luxuries, but as accessible paths for all children. Every talent deserves to be recognised and every passion deserves to be supported.
“Vincent Ong’s journey is not just a personal triumph; it is a testament to the power of dreams and a source of pride for a city and nation. May he continue to shine on the world stage and may more children in Malaysia believe in themselves and bravely pursue their dreams,” Heng added.