Sing My World 7: Celebrating the Joy of Singing

The seventh edition of Sing My World, an internal singing competition organised by Estee Pook Academy in Ipoh, brought together 17 vocal students for an evening of music, heartfelt performances and friendly competition. With familiar faces returning to the stage alongside first-time contenders, the event was a celebration of talent, courage and the joy of learning.

all participants with Estee Pook Academy founder, Estee Pook, her vocal instructors, staff members and fellow students

First held in 2017, Sing My World was established as a platform for vocal students of Estee Pook Academy to showcase their progress and gain valuable stage experience.

Founded in 2011 by prominent vocal coach and music educator Estee Pook, the academy has built its reputation around vocal arts, singing lessons, music training and developing confidence in stage performance.

Estee Pook (middle) with the judges, 郑国亮 (R) and 林必媜 (L)

With more than 100 students aged between four and 90, the academy is a wonderful example of how music can bring people of different generations together.

For some, learning to sing begins in childhood, with their first tentative notes and the excitement of discovering their voices. For others, it is a chance to revisit a passion they may have set aside for years. Regardless of age or experience, everyone has a place at Estee Pook Academy.

Under the guidance of vocal instructors, students receive structured training that upholds professional standards, including the Trinity College London Grade 8 syllabus. Yet, at this academy, learning does not end with a certificate.

Singing is a lifelong pursuit. Each new song presents its own challenges, from mastering vocal techniques and understanding musical phrasing to expressing emotions and developing a personal interpretation. And that is precisely what makes Sing My World so meaningful.

Beyond the trophies and titles, the competition offers students an opportunity to put their learning into practice, challenge themselves and gain the confidence to perform in front of an audience comprising family, friends and strangers.

Seventeen Voices, One Shared Passion

Sing My World 7 welcomed 17 participants, each bringing a different voice, personality and musical journey to the stage. Among them were returning contestants who had been working towards the coveted championship title, as well as newcomers experiencing the excitement and nerves of a singing competition for the very first time.

One of the most heartwarming participants was 梅爱娣 (Madam Moy Ooi Thye), one of the academy’s most senior students. Having attended singing lessons for nearly four years, she gamely took to the stage to perform the evergreen English classic Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.

It was a lovely reminder that the joy of singing is not confined to any particular age group. Whether one is eight or eighty, there is always something new to learn. Madam Moy’s courage and enthusiasm earned her the 最佳精神奖 (Best Sportsmanship Award), a well-deserved recognition of her willingness to step forward and share her love of music.

More Than Just Hitting the Right Notes

While vocal quality was an important part of the competition, the contestants were also assessed on rhythm, emotion, diction and showmanship. After all, a memorable performance is not simply about singing the right notes. It is about communicating a song’s meaning, connecting with the audience and bringing the music to life.

The judges also presented three other subsidiary awards, recognising outstanding qualities beyond the main competition. These included Best Voice and Best Costume, giving performers additional opportunities to be acknowledged for their individual strengths. The judging criteria encouraged students to look beyond vocal technique and consider the complete performance, from musical interpretation to stage presence.

For many aspiring singers, this is an important part of their development. Learning to perform confidently in front of an audience takes practice, and contests such as Sing My World provide a supportive environment in which students can grow.

何继承 Takes the Championship

The evening’s biggest winner was 何继承, who returned to Sing My World after securing the second runner-up position in the previous edition, Sing My World 6. This time, he went all the way. With a captivating interpretation of 危险, he won over the judges and clinched the championship title.

Estee Pook Academy founder Estee Pook with Sing My World 7 champion 何继承 and Dato' Irene Lee Co-Founder and Group Executive Deputy Chairman of Team Keris Bhd (TKB), one of the sponsors — Estee Pook Academy founder Estee Pook with Sing My World 7 champion 何继承 and Dato’ Irene Lee Co-Founder and Group Executive Deputy Chairman of Team Keris Bhd (TKB), one of the sponsors

His performance was not without surprises. Adding an unexpected twist to his stage presentation, he incorporated a striptease act that certainly caught the audience’s attention. The combination of his vocal performance and bold showmanship made for a memorable moment, helping him stand out and ultimately take home the coveted championship.

For someone who had previously finished as second runner-up, this victory was a particularly satisfying achievement. It was a testament to the progress that can be made through continued practice, perseverance, and a willingness to keep trying.

A Nail-Biting Fight for the Runner-Up Position

As the competition progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly exciting. Two contestants who achieved the same top marks were found to have identical scores, leaving the judges with the difficult task of determining who would take the first runner-up position.

A second song was required to break the tie. The unexpected showdown certainly kept the audience on the edge of their seats, with supporters becoming increasingly kan cheong as their favourites returned to the stage for another round.

one of the judges of Sing My World 7, 郑国亮

It was a thrilling moment that added another layer of excitement to the evening, demonstrating how a friendly singing competition could bring out the competitive spirit in both performers and their supporters.

Celebrating the People Behind the Music

While the contestants were undoubtedly the stars of the evening, Sing My World 7 was also a celebration of the people who made the event possible. From the vocal instructors who patiently guided their students through countless lessons and rehearsals to the families and friends who offered encouragement, every performance was supported by a network of people who believed in the singers.

At the close of the evening, Estee Pook shared her heartfelt appreciation for everyone involved. She said, “My heartfelt congratulations go to the winners and to everyone who bravely performed. Thank you to our sponsors, supporters, and especially our instructors, whose hard work made this evening such a success.” Her words captured the spirit of the event beautifully.