Malaysia's first concert highlighting the talents of people with disabilities

The spotlight was on musicians with disabilities during the Unveiling Uniqueness concert. Photos: Sin Chew Daily

Percussionist Samuel Ng, 22, was in high spirits during the soundcheck for the Unveiling Uniqueness (UU) concert at Menara BAC in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, recently.

The young musician with autism radiated excitement as he prepared to perform the guzheng, a traditional Chinese plucked zither, at the event.

“I am happy I can perform in front of people. I will be performing two songs – 'Never Give Up' and a traditional melody, along with a group of other musicians,” said Ng from Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.

With guidance, Samuel can shine and showcase his music talents and move towards independence. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong

UU was the first concert of its kind in Malaysia where 36 musicians with disabilities took to the stage to showcase their talents. They came from various backgrounds, including those who are deaf, blind or have conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism.

Ng, who is undergoing vocational skills training at a centre for people with special needs in KL, said: “I have made new friends too. I hope I can perform in more concerts like this.”

The concert was held as part of a 12-hour event, which also featured a diverse range of activities including a bazaar, workshops, a drum circle session, and a panel discussion alongside the main concert.

Wesley Chua, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was one of the performers at the concert for musicians with special needs.

The event was organised by non-profit organisation Musicians for Musicians (MFM).

MFM vice president Edwin Nathaniel, 65, said the concert represented more than just a performance opportunity. It’s a chance to challenge misconceptions and demonstrate the limitless potential of individuals with special needs.

“In total we received over 100 audition entries. From there, 36 musicians were selected to perform at the two-hour concert. Those who didn’t make it for the concert were given a chance to perform at the UU bazaar, which was held throughout the day. Our goal was inclusive participation, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to showcase their talents at the event.

Ku Sue Yee (left), who has global developmental delay, and Elza Bok, diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, thrilled the audience with their guitar prowess.

“The concert was a huge success, where musicians with special needs truly showcased their talents. They impressed the audience with their skills and passion, proving that talent knows no bounds. The audience was inspired and applauded their outstanding performances,” said Nathaniel.

Nathaniel, who is a father of two kids, was inspired to organise UU after discovering numerous talented musicians with special needs during a training workshop in Kuching, Sarawak last year.

Empowering their future

Nathaniel’s objective in organising the concert wasn’t just to showcase their talents on stage but to also help them build their confindence and enter the job market.

“Many of these gifted musicians lack the platform to shine. With this concert, we hope that more companies will employ them. By securing roles as lounge entertainers or performers in hotels and shopping malls, we can help them unleash their full potential. This can enable them to earn an income and move towards independence,” said Nathaniel.

Siak Thong (left) hopes his son, who has autism, will be employed by a hotel where he can showcase his musical talents. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong

Ng’s father Ng Siak Thong, 57, is hopeful the concert will provide an avenue for his son to eventually find meaningful employment.

“People often underestimate the abilities of those with disabilities, assuming they can’t perform. However, many possess remarkable talent in areas like singing or playing instruments. My son, for instance, excels at the drums, percussion, piano and guzheng.

“I hope that one day he will be employed by a hotel, where he can showcase his skills and earn a living doing what he loves,” said Ng, who quit his job as a research and development manager in 2011 to raise Samuel and his younger sister, Samantha, 19, who is also autistic.

‘The concert served as a chance to demonstrate the limitless potential of individuals with special needs,’ says Nathaniel. Photo: The Star/Shaari Chemat

Nathaniel is also the co-founder of the music band Aseana Percussion Unit (APU). In 2000, APU designed Rise – a music therapy syllabus for children with different types and varying levels of learning disabilities, including those with autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Rise focuses on the idea of making music using percussion instruments (or anything at hand, including mortar and pestle, frying pan and chopsticks) while having fun.

In 2022, Nathaniel co-authored R.I.S.E. (Rhythm Interactive Special Enabler), a music therapy book for people with special needs. His teaching methods have also been shared with educators in New Delhi, Bangkok in Thailand, and Singapore.

He was also a recipient of the 2022 Star Golden Hearts Award for his outstanding contribution to music education for children with special needs.