Sibu Student Wins Multiple Awards at World Championship of Performing Arts in California

While this writer is not musically inclined and only recalls playing the recorder (horribly) at school, Imran Azim Iskandar has made the country proud by bagging gold in the classical category of the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Anaheim, California, United States.

The Sibu-born lad also won silver in the contemporary and original works categories, as well as the bronze medal in the jazz and open categories. According to their website, the championships are ‘often cited as the official “Talent Olympics” for aspiring performers and entertainers’, and there are six categories of competition: dancing, singing, modelling, acting, instrumental, and variety arts. Previous honorees include Liza Minelli, Dolly Parton, and Michael Bolton.

According to The Star, the 17-year-old was greeted by his family, friends, teachers from his school SMK Bukit Assek, and Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng upon landing on home ground.

His father, Iskandar Bujang said, “Considering the formidable competitors he faced, we can consider him an underdog. His accomplishment was truly unexpected. I am elated and hopeful that he can inspire other young individuals in Sibu. "He is preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, his training time is quite limited. He only practices on weekends and on weekdays, he plays it for 30 minutes from 9 pm to 9.30 pm.”

In a Facebook post, Imran excitedly announced the results of the competition, saying, “I wasn’t expecting this many medals! I thank every and each one of you that have supported me. I believe that I did the best of my ability to represent Malaysia and to make Malaysia proud.”

Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof congratulated Imran on his achievement in a Facebook post, saying “Imran Azim’s exceptional talent and dedication are a true inspiration and example to young people.” He added that the young violinist had made Sarawak and Malaysia proud.

Watch Imran play a violin cover of FIFTY FIFTY’s hit song Cupid here:

Image credits: Imran Azim Iskandar