Sarawak's Taylor Louise in London for special performing arts showcase
KUCHING (July 28): Sarawak's rising vocal talent Taylor Louise will represent Malaysia at the prestigious 'Asia Students Arts Festival (ASAF) 2025 Winner Showcase'.
The 11-year-old from Kuching is set to perform at the Britten Theatre of the Royal College of Music this Aug 1, in conjunction with ASAF's 10th anniversary.
The international event brings together outstanding young performers from all across Asia and Australia – each showcasing excellence in music, dance and other performing arts.
Taylor made history as the first Sarawakian to win ASAF in her category, the 'Pop Vocal 10-11 Years Old'.
'It still feels like a dream.
'From singing on the streets to performing in London – it's all thanks to God's blessings and everyone who believed in me.
'I'm proud to represent Sarawak and Malaysia,' she told The Borneo Post when met before boarding her flight bound for London today.
For the showcase, the Kuchingite will perform two pieces: a musical theatre number, and her award-winning rendition of 'Easy On Me' by Adele – the latter earned the girl top honours at the ASAF International Finals in Hong Kong earlier this year, where she beat the competition from 17 other finalists in her category.
Taylor is now in London to represent Sarawak at the ASAF 2025 Winner Showcase.
Accompanying Taylor on this journey are her parents and also her vocal coach, Sabrina Tnay.
While in London, she will be taking part in the rehearsals, vocal training sessions, and a masterclass led by renowned British baritone Jerome Knox – an alumnus of the Royal College of Music and winner of the London Handel singing competition.
Taylor's musical journey began in her home city, where she started busking and performing at open mic sessions at the age of nine.
ASAF Hong Kong has confirmed that Taylor is the first Sarawakian ever to win her category, and also the youngest Sarawakian to perform at the Britten Theatre of the Royal College of Music.
For updates on her London journey, follow Taylor Louise on Facebook, TikTok (@taylornmama), and Instagram (@taylorlouisebb). performing arts taylor louise vocal prowess
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
10 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Viviana Lin receives emotional welcome in Kuching, vows to honour Iban heritage at Miss Grand International
Viviana (second right) moved to tears upon seeing her supporters welcoming her arrival at KIA. Also seen is Melisha (third right). — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (Aug 3): Miss Grand Malaysia (MGM) 2025 Viviana Lin Winston was moved to tears upon receiving a heartfelt welcome from supporters at Kuching International Airport (KIA) this afternoon. The 25-year-old beauty queen, who made history as the first Sarawakian and Iban woman to win the national title, said she is determined to proudly showcase her heritage on the global stage at Miss Grand International (MGI) 2025 in Bangkok this October. 'First of all, I'm so happy to be here. As the first Sarawakian and Iban lady to win this title, I will do my very best,' she told reporters during a press conference at the airport. 'This is a dream come true, and I truly want to represent my culture at the international level so that people around the world can see what I have to offer.' When asked to respond to criticism from some netizens regarding the design of her evening gown at the national competition, which was said to be too revealing and unrepresentative of Malaysian culture, Viviana clarified that her outfit was actually inspired by the traditional attire of Iban warriors. 'For the national-level competition, the design I wore was inspired by the Iban warrior. It featured a 'sirat' element, which reflects our culture,' she explained, adding that the final design for her MGI 2025 evening gown will be revealed in due course. 'I'll be working with my team to decide on the next gown. So stay tuned, I'll be revealing it soon,' she added. Viviana also shared that she would be budgeting the RM15,000 prize money to prepare for the international pageant over the next two months, and aims to use her platform to champion MGI's core advocacy theme, 'Stop the War and Violence.' On the recent controversy involving another contestant who announced her withdrawal from the Malaysian pageant scene over claims of bias in Viviana's win, MGM National Director Melisha Lin said the individual's actions did not reflect the organisation's values. 'She does not represent what we stand for, nor the work we've done to prepare for the international stage. I have already spoken to our licensor, and we are currently exploring legal options,' she said. Melisha, who is also a former MGM titleholder herself, called on the public to continue supporting Viviana as she gears up for the international competition. Also present to show his support at the press conference was Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan. beauty pageant Iban lead Miss Grand Malaysia Viviana Lin Winston
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Beyond pop culture and collectibles
Musriffin shows collector's figures of Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Disney's animation hit 'Toy Story'. THE pop culture convention is no longer a novelty in Kuching, although the genres may still be more focused on comics, games and movies – or at least that is how I observe it. Do not get me wrong – I am indeed a fan of movies and cartoons, especially those popular during my growing-up years throughout the 1980s up till the mid-1990s, but a hardcore enthusiast I am certainly not. 'For me, it started with movie posters,' says local entrepreneur Musriffin Sani Musa. 'In fact, this venture of mine began with posters. It signifies my passion for things related to motion pictures,' adds the 44-year-old Kuchingite, the founder of Kuching Comic-Con. 'From posters to other collectibles' Musriffin brings me to his premises, Kuching Pickers, at CityONE Megamall Kuching, to talk more about Kuching Comic-Con – a project that materialised last year after a long planning. 'It's more than just a showcase of collectibles. My intention was for it to become a gathering of people who share the same interest. 'I grew up in the 80s, and I know you and many others did as well. 'Remember those Saturday morning cartoons? It's a part of this pop culture. 'Then, I got into collecting movie posters and only much later on, I realised that I wasn't the only one. 'From there, it progressed into a business, which I established in 2016 and since then, my collectibles have grown to include action and scale figures, comics, model kits, and many other pop culture merchandise,' says this father of three girls. Musriffin's wife Ratna Dewi Kaderi, 41, remains his pillar of support, but she admits that at first, she was quite sceptical. 'It was more about me not understanding the value of these items. I used to call his movie posters 'just a pile of papers!' she laughs. 'Gradually, I began to learn more about his passion, and understand the viability of this thing being a business. 'I was actually shocked to learn that some posters could fetch prices of up to hundreds of ringgit,' says Ratna Dewi, who now manages the public relation and marketing aspects of the Pickers Zone Company – the holding group of Kuching Pickers, Kuching Comic-Con and also Kuching Collectors Mart, the flea market held in different locations around the city once every two months. Musriffin and Ratna Dewi arrange the collection of movie posters at Kuching Pickers. 'Celebration of creativity, passion, shared culture' During a break, I get to take a closer look at the items in Musriffin's shop, where I observe his team's interesting way of attending to the customers. There is no hard-selling at all. 'We highlight storytelling, much like our conversation today,' Musriffin smiles. 'This is a niche sector, but one with a quite considerable following. 'The people in this community see us as a meet-up platform, where they can share and trade out with other like-minded individuals. 'This formed the foundation of Kuching Comic-Con – being a larger-scale, more comprehensive version of this platform. 'Beyond that, it's a celebration of creativity, passion and shared culture. It brings together fans, artists, collectors and creators under one roof to appreciate the worlds of comics, games, films, and everything in between.' Photo taken at the Kuching Comic-Con last year shows a visitor snapping some shots of the exhibits on display at one of the booths. Asked further about the objective of creating Kuching Comic-Con, he replies: '(It is) because I want to bring that kind of energy and experience back home; to give our local community a space to celebrate what we already love, but may not have realised it being a part of pop culture. 'Truth is, pop culture isn't something new – it's always been here. 'Our grandparents were already into it: collecting vinyl records, trading stamps, and reading comics like Archie or Beano way back in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. 'The only difference now is that pop culture has evolved from print to screen, from analogue to digital – and it's time that we embrace that evolution here.' 'Tribute to past, present' Elaborating on Kuching Comic-Con, Musriffin hails it as 'a tribute to both the past and the present, and a step forward into the future'. 'The event might have made its debut in 2024, but planning had kicked off a year earlier. 'To be honest, I've had this in mind since I established Kuching Pickers in 2016. 'So technically, it took almost eight years of building networks, understanding the local scene, and waiting for the right moment before it all came together.' The idea behind it, according to Musriffin, was to promote Western pop culture to the public, and also to present Kuching as a hub for it not just for East Malaysia, but for the entire nation and the Southeast Asia (SEA) region as well. 'It's also meant to elevate the local communities dedicated to these ideas towards the forefront of such discussions.' 'A grand showcase' This year, the Kuching Comic-Con is set for Dec 13-14, with the main event to be staged at Pullman Hotel Kuching, while the 'Flea Market' will occupy the floors of The Hills Shopping Mall adjoining the hotel. 'It sets out to build upon the great momentum from the maiden event on Oct 19 and 20 last year, where we recorded a total of 16,843 visitors throughout the two days,' says Musriffin. This year, the organiser is expecting around 10,000 visitors for both days. Musriffin explains: 'Kuching Comic-Con 2025 will be a ticketed event, with minimal charges, so we're seeing this as a reasonable attendance number for a paid event. 'Moreover, this is more than just a specific event as parts of the proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to the Sarawak Society for the Deaf. 'On top of that, we're aiming to have a total of 150 booth participants of this convention, ranging from the main headliners, exhibitors, hobby vendors and event sponsors.' The Flea Market, however, is ticket-free. 'It will house up to 80 business operators of various kinds, including specific food-and-beverage vendors. 'As the flea market area is not inside the main hall area, it will be a ticket-free zone; therefore we expect to welcome some 15,000 visitors,' says Musriffin. Apart from collectors' showcases, Kuching Comic-Con 2025 will also host many other exciting activities such as special panel discussions; meet-and-greet sessions with artists, creators and celebrities; 'Cosplay Championship'; 'Movement, Art and Literacy (M-A-L) Experience Zone'; 'Action Zone'; 'Pop Culture Science'; interactive photo booths; as well as musical performances. There will be a 'Cosplay Championship', in Kuching Comic-Con this year. As with last year, the event this year will also feature key headliners. They are Adam John – a Malaysian musician, actor and media influencer renowned for his extensive collection of toys and memorabilia, as well as his engaging online presence; Monsta Studios – a prominent Malaysian animation company renowned for producing family-friendly and award-winning content such as 'Boboiboy' and 'Mechamato'; Dato' A Rahim Muda, professionally known as 'Imuda' – an actor, comedian, host, singer and cartoonist, whose television character 'Budin' in 'Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu' forever lives in the minds and hearts of many inter-generational Malaysians; Tintoy Chuo – the visionary founder of 'Fusion Wayang Kulit', an innovative initiative that revitalises the traditional art of shadow puppetry by infusing it with contemporary elements from pop culture; and Keith Chong – a Malaysian cartoonist celebrated for his engaging and humorous comic series. Adam John is renowned for his extensive collection of toys and memorabilia. Imuda is among the headliners for this year's event. Tintoy's 'Fusion Wayang Kulit' revitalises Malaysia's traditional art of shadow puppetry. Looking ahead, Musriffin aims to make Kuching Comic-Con as iconic as internationally-recognised conventions like the Tokyo Comic-Con and San Diego Comic-Con. 'With this vision, comes the projection of having the pulling power not only for the participation of collectors groups, but also international celebrities as well as global toy companies like Hasbro, Mattel and Playmates. 'We want to attract larger crowds, which would help boost our tourism as well,' he smiles. To know more, seek 'Kuching Comic-Con Official' on Facebook. Kuching Comic-Con 2025 will be a galore of comic books, much to any hardcore collector's delight. anime comics cosplay manga pop culture
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's rising star Taylor Louise shines at Asia Student Arts Festival in London
Taylor receives the Winner Showcase Award from award-winning baritone Jerome Knox during the 10th Anniversary Asia Student Arts Festival (ASAF) at the Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music in London on Aug 1. KUCHING (Aug 2): Sarawakian singing prodigy Taylor Louise has done Malaysia proud after being named the recepient of the Winner Showcase Award at the prestigious 10th Anniversary Asia Student Arts Festival (ASAF), held on Aug 1 at the Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music in London. The 11-year-old from Kuching received the award on stage from acclaimed baritone Jerome Knox during a showcase that brought together top young talents from across Asia and beyond. Taylor, the only Sarawakian Malaysian to be honoured with the award at this milestone event, delivered two standout performances — 'Quiet' from the musical Matilda and her award-winning rendition of 'Easy On Me' by Adele. Her rendition of 'Easy On Me' had earlier earned her top honours at the ASAF International Finals in Hong Kong earlier this year, where she emerged champion in the 'Pop Vocal (10–11 Years Old)' category, outperforming 17 other finalists. With the win, she became the first Sarawakian to clinch the title in that category. The audience at the Britten Theatre was captivated by Taylor's emotional depth, vocal control, and stage presence beyond her years. 'Standing on the stage of the Royal College of Music is a dream come true. I'm so thankful to my family, my coaches, and everyone in Sarawak and Malaysia who believed in me. This award isn't just mine — it belongs to everyone who supported me,' Taylor told The Borneo Post when contacted. Explaining her song choice, Taylor said she selected 'Quiet' from Matilda because its lyrics reflect her personal journey. Taylor holding the Jalur Gemilang among fellow participants from across Asia during the ASAF 10th Anniversary Showcase at the Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music in London. 'The song tells the story of finding inner strength and peace despite all the noise, criticism, and doubt from the outside world. That's something I've gone through too, learning to ignore negativity and focus on what I love, which is performing,' she said. ASAF, established to celebrate and nurture young artistic talents, marked its 10th anniversary with a showcase featuring top winners from both past and current seasons. Taylor earned her place in the London event after winning both the Malaysian preliminary and international final rounds earlier this year. Despite her young age, Taylor already has a growing list of accolades. She won a Gold medal at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles and received a Special Mention at the Sanremo Junior World Finals in Italy, where she ranked among the Top 5 globally in her category. Taylor proudly holds the Ibu Pertiwi and Jalur Gemilang flags outside the Royal College of Music in London, where she represented Malaysia at the ASAF 10th Anniversary Showcase. Taylor is currently preparing for her next major appearance in Dreamweaver: The Musical, where she will play the role of Rayna, the youngest member of the cast. The production is set to be staged at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) on Aug 29 and 30, with three shows scheduled over two days. It marks her debut in a full-scale professional theatre production, continuing her rise as one of Sarawak's brightest young talents. lead music performance taylor louise young talent
