MANY are under the impression that international schools solely focus on academics but Wesley Methodist School Penang (International) (WMSPI) is here to show that education goes far beyond grades.
For WMSPI, building character, instilling empathy, and preparing children for a competitive world are equally important, and this year’s Harmony of Hope Christmas Concert is a heartfelt example of that mission in action.
Now in its third year, the Harmony of Hope Christmas Concert 2025 will take place on Dec 13 from 7pm onwards at the WMSPI Multipurpose Hall, bringing together students, teachers, parents, and the wider Methodist community for a night of meaningful performances and giving.
This year’s theme, “Blessed to be a Blessing”, captures the essence of the season and the school’s commitment to using education as a force for good. All proceeds from the concert, which aims to raise RM100,000, will go to two charitable organisations, namely the House of Hope and Charis Hospice.
“We believe it is more blessed to give than to receive, and we want our students to learn that from an early age,” said concert coordinator June Lo.
“Through this concert, they are not just performing on stage, they are learning to use their talents in meaningful ways to contribute to society,” she added.
Lo explained that the annual concert was born from WMSPI’s emphasis on holistic education, a balance between academics, character, and compassion.
“Music does not just end in the classroom. It comes with a mission, to serve others in the community, and that was how Harmony of Hope came about,” she told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview at the school today.
The funds raised will support Charis Hospice, which provides palliative care for patients facing terminal illnesses, and House of Hope, a community-based organisation that helps underprivileged families and children in their education and daily needs.
“These are organisations that bring hope in different ways.
“Charis Hospice reaches out to those who may feel hopeless, giving them dignity and support, while House of Hope uplifts the less fortunate and children in need.
“We see it as a meaningful partnership, a way our school can touch lives beyond our gates,” Lo said.
The concert will feature a wide array of performances by students, staff, and members of the broader community, showcasing music, drama, and choral pieces that celebrate compassion and unity. Behind every performance is a deeper lesson in empathy, teamwork, and service.
“This year, not only students but also teachers and even our school community are involved.
“They are coming together not just to showcase their talents, but to realise that their gifts can be used for the betterment of society,” Lo said.
For senior principal and concert advisor Lau Chong Beng, the concert is a living example of Methodist education in action, one that goes back to the roots of the movement founded by the late John Wesley, who believed in education to transform both individuals and society.
“The foundation of Methodist education has always been about character building.
“Many of our students come from privileged families, and it is important for them to learn that there are others who are not as fortunate. Even as students, they can do something meaningful for the community,” Lau explained.
He further said that Christmas, with its spirit of love and giving, serves as the perfect time to impart these lessons.
“This world is not just about material things.
“Christmas is not just about presents and trees, it is about learning how to give, how to bring hope to others. That is the real gift we can share,” he said.
Since its inception, WMSPI has channelled 100% of its concert proceeds to charity, with previous editions raising around RM80,000 last year and RM60,000 in the first year.
To keep that tradition alive, Lau said the school is grateful for the strong support of sponsors, parents, and Methodist churches, especially the Chinese Methodist churches in the Northern District, which are contributing funds and logistics this year.
“We are also thankful for our long-time partners, Theresa Devi and Ramesh from SOZO Communications, who have supported us with pro bono consultation since the first concert, which reflects a truly community effort,” Lau added.
At WMSPI, character education goes hand in hand with academics. Lau shared how the concert has helped nurture leadership and volunteerism among students across all levels, from kindergarteners to secondary school students.
“Character building is not just about discipline.
“It is about being value-focused and learning leadership through real experiences. The concert gives our students a platform to exercise responsibility, teamwork, and creativity,” Lau further commented.
Students are actively involved in every aspect of preparation, some perform, others manage backstage logistics, handle technical support, usher guests, or even help with traffic management.
“Even if they are not musically inclined, they still play a part.
“Everyone contributes in their own way. It is holistic education at its best where learning happens inside and outside the classroom,” he said.
Over the years, the initiative has sparked growing awareness and participation.
“Now, volunteerism among students comes naturally.
“They form groups to organise their own projects, from baking cookies, running reading sessions for children at House of Hope, and even helping pack food items for families in need.
It is heartening to see how this effort has evolved into a movement embraced by the whole community,” Lau observed.
The school’s consulting principal and concert engagement chairman, Julia Woo, said the project embodies the vision of Wesleyan education, learning that shapes character, strengthens faith, and transforms lives.
“Our founder John Wesley believed that learning should impact lives.
“At WMSPI, we build learning that connects to real-life experiences, to people, and to the community. That is how our students learn to care,” Woo said.
Relatively, she also shared one of the most touching learning components, the “Lotus Project.”
As part of the concert activities, younger students are given RM30 by their parents to spend at Lotus’s supermarket, not for themselves, but to purchase goods for children at House of Hope.
“Under the guidance of teachers, they learn how to read labels, check expiry dates, calculate totals, even basic numeracy, and budgeting.
“It is hands-on learning that connects classroom skills with social responsibility,” she further said.
Through the Lotus Project, students also discover the joy of giving.
“They learn that their purchases, biscuits, stationery, small gifts, are not for themselves, but for other children. It teaches them empathy, awareness, and gratitude,” Woo added.
She noted that each part of the concert preparation is intentionally designed to tie back to WMSPI’s educational philosophy.
“We are not just focusing on an event.
“This concert is a vehicle for excellence in academics, music, and heart.
“We want our students to excel not only in skill and knowledge but also in character, and to build the right heart for society,” she added.
Months of preparation have gone into this year’s Harmony of Hope concert, from rehearsals to fundraising to community outreach.
For the WMSPI family, it is more than just an annual event; it is a tradition of nurturing compassionate young hearts who understand that education is a privilege meant to be shared.
Later, Lau somewhat summed up by emphasising that the core objective at WMSPI is not just about preparing children for exams but prepare them for life, too.
“We want them to lead, to serve, and to give. When they leave our school, we want them to carry with them the value that true excellence comes with a heart,” Lau concluded.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal