KOTA KINABALU: From the quiet streets of coastal Tawau to the dazzling lights of Tokyo, two young Sabah pianists stamped their mark on the international stage.
Jackson Chan En Ze, seven, and 10-year-old Caleigh Chee Li Ying, 10, won top honours at the prestigious Golden Classical Music Award International Competition in the Japanese capital.
Jackson and Caleigh took first prize in the Young Musician (eight & under) division and in the Junior (nine to 12) category respectively.
The competition drew participants from 71 countries, and the duo stood out as the only Malaysians to secure first place in the piano solo category.
Their achievements were capped off on Tuesday with a performance at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, a venue celebrated worldwide for its exceptional acoustics and striking architecture.
Their mentor, Linda Koh, said the win reflected the countless hours of dedication and discipline the two have invested in perfecting their craft.
“Jackson and Caleigh proudly represented Malaysia and shared the stage with some of the world’s most promising young talents,” she said, adding that their success proves that even folk from a small town like Tawau can make it big.
Jackson and Caleigh have also graced some of the world’s most renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York, Royal Albert Hall in London, Musikverein in Vienna and Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.
