CLASSICAL pianist Vincent Ong, believed to be the first Malaysian to finish fifth in the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, prepared for up to two years for the prestigious event.
It is dubbed the Olympics of classical piano performance by the the "New York Times."
Ong needed several hours of daily drilling - rain or shine to compete against the world's best at the competition in honour of Polish classic great - (Fryderyk) Chopin.
"I not only needed to practice but to plan how and when to practice to get the best results," he told The Vibes.
His wrists and fingers also needed to be fit to gracefully sway the keys and pedals.
On top of it, Ong needed to memorize the pieces that he was to play and during the competition, he needed to blend it with a symphonic ensemble of Polish musicians.
Chopin is one of the giants of classical music but died tragically at a young age of 39 years-old in Paris, France in 1849.
Chopin composed emotionally tender and unforgettable melodies, and his tunes are enjoyed and played around the world.
He also never lost his love for his motherland of Poland despite living in France and his reputation spread far and wide as a composer and pianist of great talent.
Malaysia seems to have found its own "Chopin" in Ong, who at the age of 24 qualified for the finals of a piano competition named after his idol and despite the odds, is now arguably one of the world’s best Chopin playing pianist around.
Ong's achievements are remarkable, as he didn't have a piano at home; he needed to go to his music teacher's place to practice while studying in Penang.
He took fifth placing in Poland but also made history by becoming the first Malaysian to qualify for the finals of the acclaimed competition.
Ong made the finals together with 10 others from all over the world with the winner being Eric Lu from USA, second went to Kevin Chen of Canada and third placing went to Zitong Wang of China.
The fourth placing was shared between Tianyao Lyu (China) and Shiori Kuwahara (Japan) while Ong took the fifth placing with Piotr Anderszewski of Poland.
His mother Sue Sudarak took to social media about her son's achievements and was grateful that the nation was rooting for him, while also beaming with pride over her son's outstanding achievement in the world of performing arts.
Ong is a former winner of the 19th International Robert Schumann Competition and a fellow of the Lieven International Piano Foundation in Vienna.
He now teaches piano at the Märkisch-Oderland District Music School in Petershagen, Berlin.
Meanwhile in his hometown of Penang, a growing tribute has emerged online with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow leading the chorus of praises.
Others who posted congratulatory remarks online were Chow's predecessor Lim Guan Eng, DAP Wanita head Heng Lee Lee, state executive councillors Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and Wong Hon Wai.
Wong, who oversees tourism and creative arts, has invited Ong to perform at a gala concert held in his honour when he returns to Penang. – October 23, 2025
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