Malaysian pianist clinches top-five finish at prestigious Chopin Piano Competition

'Of course, it matters that I am the first Malaysian to reach the finals of the competition. But it does not matter in the sense that all people, irrespective of their origin, love music,' said Ong before his finals performance last Saturday in Warsaw, Poland. Photo: Wojciech Grzedzinski for NIFC

Penang-born pianist Vincent Ong, 24, has brought pride to Malaysia by securing fifth place at the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland.

As the first Malaysian to reach the finals of this prestigious competition, Ong was awarded a laureate title and a prize of 25,000 euros (RM123,000). Ong shares joint fifth place with Polish pianist Piotr Alexewicz.