Local talents shine on global stage

ONE is never too young to take on the orld and succeed, as young Penangite Quah Xin En has demonstrated.

The eight-year-old won the Vocals, Junior Overall (aged 10 and below) title for Rock Music at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2023.

Her powerful rendition of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep bested the other challengers in that category, earning her a gold plaque inscribed with the words “Champion of the World”.

She also won two other medals in the Vocals, Junior (eight to 10) segment – a gold for Rock and a silver for Country and Western – to add to her growing collection of singing trophies.

The competition is considered the “Olympics” of performing arts and was held in Hollywood, California, from July 28 to Aug 9.

It attracted several hundred participants from 75 countries.

“I was nervous during my first performance but felt more confident as the event progressed,” said Xin En, in a press conference at Komtar.

Xin En and fellow Penangite Goay Lian Lian, 36, were both recognised with certificates and a RM2,000 reward from the state government for their exploits.

They received the rewards from state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and state youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi.

Goay, a dance instructor who also goes by Honniey J, returned with the Dance, Senior Overall (25 to over 30) title for Hip Hop/Funk alongside four other medals.

Her haul comprised two golds in the Dance, Senior (over 30) segment for Hip Hop/Funk and Open, as well as another two silvers for Ethnic/Folkloric and Song and Dance.

“For the Open category, I performed Anak Malaysia in a batik outfit. My friends and family were initially sceptical about the number as they were afraid a Western audience might not understand.

“But I persisted as I’m proud of my country and culture. I also surprised the judges by being the only one to parade the national flag,” said Goay.

Besides Dance and Vocals, WCOPA’s other main segments were Acting, Instrumental, Modelling and Variety.

These were split into junior and senior sections, as well as genres according to the type of performances the contestants delivered.

Gooi said Xin En and Goay had made Penang proud and were great role models for others.

“They’ve proven that you should never be afraid to follow your dreams.

“We have what it takes to excel on international stage,” Gooi added.