by: ERIC LEOW KAI HONG
TANJONG MALIM, 16 May – The Japanese Language Club of Sultan Idris Education University (KBJ UPSI) successfully organised the inaugural ‘Sing Japan!’ Japanese singing contest series (previously known as “Nihongo Singing Contest”) at Lecture Hall 3, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, UPSI.
The competition, held from 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm, witnessed 12 participants and around 80 spectators bravely break down linguistic barriers by expressing emotional and cultural artistry through the medium of Japanese language music. In addition to the vocal competition, the hall resounded with the supportive cheers of the UPSI community and was enlivened by the presence of snack stalls, creating a relaxed, homely atmosphere.
The participants’ performances were judged transparently and individually by three internal judges, namely Puan Norhana binti Md Salleh (Advisor of the UPSI Japanese Language Club), Puan Noor Azlina binti Buang (Japanese Language Teacher at UPSI) and Miss Nursyahirah binti Muhammad Hairi (President of KBJ UPSI 2025/2026). The intense screening ultimately crowned Grace Kalincius (Semester 4, FPM) as the champion, while the second and third places were secured by Chia Chin Yu (Semester 6, FBK) and Muhammad Aqil Ilham bin Norman Lizam (Semester 2, FBK) respectively.
In his address, Programme Director Eric Leow Kai Hong expressed his highest appreciation to four key pillars: the jury and advisers for their guidance, the steadfast commitment of the committee members, the courage of the participants who placed their trust in KBJ, and the unwavering support of the audience, which successfully revived the momentum of the club’s first in-person programme in a year.
Overall, Sing Japan! 1.0 successfully achieved its objective of fostering students’ personal development through a fresh, practical approach. In keeping with the slogan ‘You Are the Star’, the programme demonstrated that every individual involved—whether on stage or in the audience—is a true ‘star’ who brings the celebration of a third language to life at UPSI.
The Sing Japan! Series event was seen as a platform that not only unearths students’ singing talents and also strengthens the bonds between members of the Japanese Language Club and the university community through a shared interest in Japanese music and culture. With a very encouraging response, it is hoped that this programme can be continued in the future on a larger scale and with greater participation.