For those who venture beyond their borders, going abroad is more about expanding their talents and gaining exposure.
In some instances, stepping out of one’s comfort zone to compete on the international stage enables individuals to showcase their true potential.
TalentCorp Group chief executive officer Edward Ling said the phenomenon of experts returning home evolved into “brain circulation” – a process of sharing international insights to bolster the nation’s talent ecosystem.
Ling was speaking at the “Vincent Ong: A Homecoming” event welcoming the internationally acclaimed pianist at Wisma Bentley Music in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Organised through TalentCorp’s MyHeart initiative, the programme enables Malaysians abroad to engage with local talent through performances, mentorship and knowledge sharing.
“We are seeing more Malaysians abroad contributing in tangible ways – from sharing technical expertise to collaborating with local institutions.
“This continuous exchange creates new pathways for Malaysians to learn from global best practices,” said Ling.
The homecoming featured 25-year-old Ong, a classical pianist based in Berlin, Germany, who recently made history on the world stage.
Ong began taking classical piano lessons at the age of four, driven by his love for music.
Ong gained international recognition at the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in 2025 – regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world and described by The New York Times as the “Olympics of piano competitions” – where he won the fifth prize and was the first Malaysian finalist.
His performances drew global attention and positioned him among the leading pianists of his generation.
In 2024, he won first prize at the 19th International Robert Schumann Competition.
Reflecting on his journey, Ong said his success was built on discipline and early sacrifices in his hometown, Penang.
“The journey had its ups and downs. Growing up in Penang, I had to juggle school and piano. My parents also gave me many opportunities.
“I would practise about three hours a day, but it was not enough.
“I practised more over the weekends to be consistent,” he said.
Ong said performing at the Chopin competition was a high-pressure experience.
“It was incredible to see the huge following for classical music.
“It taught me how to deal with pressure,” he said.
Currently completing his music degree in Berlin, Ong said he planned to pursue a Master’s degree next.
He added that this homecoming held special meaning as it allowed him to reconnect with Malaysia and contribute through both performance and learning.
“I would like to thank TalentCorp for the opportunity to contribute through MyHeart.
“This homecoming is especially meaningful, as it allowed 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,” said Ong who conducted several masterclasses besides performing in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
A scholarship recipient of the Lucia-Loeser Foundation and Fondation Clavarte, Ong is also supported by the Lieven International Piano Foundation in Vienna, Austria.
