Grand Chinese Singing Contest to Celebrate Senior Talent

Group photo

3 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: A unique singing competition celebrating veteran voices is set to take centre stage in Sabah, with an immersive mini concert that promises to be anything but ordinary.

The event, National singing Competition and Concert, featuring the Veteran Chinese Singing Competition, will culminate in a grand finale on 17 August at Putra Theatre Hall, Kota Kinabalu.

Organised with the vision of honouring senior talents and rekindling their love for the stage, the event is more than just a competition, it’s a musical celebration with purpose.

Datuk Eliza Goh

During the announcement of the event today organising Chairperson Datuk Eliza Goh, said the event will feature a 4D central stage, complete with a dramatic light and sound setup, a bridge connecting performers to the audience, and a layout designed to ensure an equal viewing experience from every seat.

“This is not just a singing contest, it’s a concert experience,” said Datuk Eliza. “We’ve invested significantly in the stage and performance environment. Whether you’re sitting at the front or back, you’ll get the same spectacular view.”

Open to Malaysians aged 40 and above, the competition welcomes performances in Mandarin, Hokkien, or Cantonese, and has already attracted over 60 participants from across Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia, she said.

The oldest contestant is 78 years old, proving that age is no barrier to passion.

A semi-final round will be held on 16 August, where judges will shortlist the top 30 singers for the grand final the following night. To ensure fairness, contestants will perform anonymously in masks, with judges only discovering their identities after scoring.

The evening will also mark the album launch of veteran Astro singer Irene Tan, who will debut her fourth album, One Seat. The performance will include face-changing dance routines and guest performances from renowned names as well as a former Astro Chinese New Year songwriter and a film/music director who will also serve as judges.

The show will also feature Broadway-style dancers, custom stage visuals for each singer, and a chance for the audience to relive the golden era of music, including songs from the Teresa Teng era, Eliza shared.

"Beyond the music, the event aims to build cultural bridges between Sabah, Sarawak, and West Malaysia," she shared adding it also has a social cause at its heart: proceeds will go to the Kian Kok Alumni Association’s education fund, which supports underprivileged students from rural areas pursuing private secondary education.

“We want to help students who have the potential but lack the means,” said Eliza.

“This competition is about giving, to the singers, the students, and to the community.”

With over 70 participants and guests expected from across Malaysia, the event also ties into Sabah’s tourism push.

Many senior citizens from Peninsular Malaysia will be visiting Sabah for the first time, with sightseeing tours planned around the event. Additionally, business leaders, including a Musang King plantation tycoon, are expected to attend, exploring potential collaborations with local growers.

"Special Feature: 4D central stage, masked performances, live album launch, this isn’t just a night of songs, it’s a night of stories, friendship, revival, and purpose,” said Eliza.

“We want these singers to feel the glory again, to find joy, and to know that they are still very much the stars of the show."

Also present during the event today were veteran singer Irene Tan and KKMS alumni association acting president Terrance Ting and committee members, among others.