PENANG-BORN classical pianist Vincent Ong has qualified for the semi-finals of the prestigious 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland.
The pianist who specialises in Chopin, was the first Malaysian to make it into the semi-final stage of the competition last week.
His mother Sue Sudarak posted on social media about her son's achievement, and that the nation is rooting for him.
Sudarak said that Ong, 24, is now trying to build on the momentum to qualify for the final stage of the competition.
Ong is a former winner of the 19th International Robert Schumann Competition and a fellow of the Lieven International Piano Foundation in Vienna.
Ong also currently teaches piano at the Märkisch-Oderland District Music School in Petershagen, Berlin.
Having displayed musical aptitude from the age of four after enrolling at the Digital Music Academy, Ong’s life is now almost entirely devoted to the piano.
His artistic development was shaped by masterclasses with globally recognised pianists like Boris Berman, Boris Slutsky, Ilana Vered, Li Ming-Qiang and Chun-Chieh Yen. – October 16, 2025
