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"Dong, da, dong da da, dong!" 

The lively beats of the 24 Festive Drums reverberate in the air, injecting energy into the tapestry of traditional Chinese culture. 

Originating from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, the 24 Festive Drums combine the 24 solar terms, calligraphy, and the Guangdong lion drum into a captivating performance. Each drum represents a solar term, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of synchronized movements and evolving formations.

In Malaysia, the 24 Festive Drum Club at Xiamen University Malaysia stands as a bastion of Chinese culture. Led by President Chan Yi Fen, the club was recognized as the most active arts club at the 2023 X-Awards.

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For Chan Yi Fen, receiving this award was a moment beyond her childhood dreams.

Recalling her first encounter with the 24 Festive Drums, Chan Yi Fen's excitement is evident: "The energy and resonance of the performance captivated me. The synchronized drumming left a lasting impression." 

Inspired, Chan Yi Fen joined the 24 Festive Drum Club at Xiamen University Malaysia to pursue her passion further.

When Chan Yi Fen embarked on her journey into drumming, she discovered it was quite different from what she had expected. Instead of starting with grand drum scores, she began with basic warm-up exercises. However, driven by her passion, she quickly mastered the fundamentals before moving on to more complex techniques. When asked about her progress despite lacking experience, she credited the club's friendship:

"We believe in supporting each other. Every member, not just the president, is committed to helping one another. No one gets left behind."

With support from her peers, Chan Yi Fen honed her drumming skills swiftly. Initially focused on mechanical precision, she soon learned to infuse her performances with emotion and expression.

Today, with three years of experience, Chan Yi Fen values the club's camaraderie and resilience. The essence of the 24 Festive Drum lies not only in synchronized beats and movements but also in the unity of purpose among its members. Each outstanding performance is a testament to the club's unity and discipline.

One memorable performance was the Gala Night showcase in September 2023. Despite facing challenges due to the semester break, the club rallied together, dedicating countless hours to perfecting their performance. Reflecting on the rehearsal period, Chan Yi Fen recalls:

"We were fully immersed in practice during those days - tapping our fingers to the beat during meals and rushing to the rehearsal grounds afterward. Some members, juggling multiple commitments, showed dedication by balancing event preparations with rehearsals."

As president, Chan Yi Fen actively participated in rehearsals and encouraged her teammates, fostering a culture of mutual support and determination. Despite initial nerves, she finds solace in the rhythmic pulse of the drums, seamlessly blending her passion with performance.

"The thunderous applause made it all worthwhile. We represented Xiamen University Malaysia's 24 Festive Drum Club, giving our best to the audience."

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In her leadership role, Chan Yi Fen has injected vibrancy into the club while maintaining its discipline. With nearly 100 members, the club convenes diligently every Monday and Tuesday to refine their craft. When performances are approaching, they intensify rehearsals to deliver stellar showcases. Occasionally, the club receives invitations for external performances, and Chan Yi Fen meticulously coordinates schedules to maximize opportunities for advancement.

"Chinese culture exudes timeless elegance nurtured over millennia. Its resilience and enduring beauty inspire me to delve deeper, uncovering its intricacies."
With a heritage of one-quarter Thai lineage and a British education background, Chan Yi Fen's affinity for Chinese culture reflects her diverse background. Although her parents taught ancestral traditions, their knowledge of contemporary cultural phenomena like the 24 Festive Drums was limited. Hence, she is profoundly grateful for their unwavering support, which empowered her to explore uncharted territories and realize her aspirations.

Ever since encountering the 24 Festive Drums, Chan Yi Fen has noticed something remarkable. She says: “Even though the drums originated from the Malaysian Chinese community, nowadays, many other Malaysians are learning them too. When I volunteered, I saw Indian folks performing.”

Chan Yi Fen believes that the 24 Festive Drums serve as a bridge connecting Malaysians from different backgrounds, promoting harmony among the local Chinese and other ethnic groups. She feels proud to see this cultural tradition flourishing in Malaysia's diverse landscape and hopes it can be shared worldwide.

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(Contributed by Ong Tze Hui, Zhai Fangrui, Zhang Xincheng, Li Yuanjia, Zhou Xuekangping)