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Singing, drumming, and cheering - although a month has passed, the heatwave of the last music festival still ignites a firework of memories.

As one of the founding bands of Xiamen University Malaysia, the Music Club won several awards at the 2023 X-Awards, and their concert, The Journey of Music, also garnered multiple accolades.

Initially, the Music Club was just a spark. Passing the torch to successive leaders gradually turned the club into a well-known entity, burning with passion and youth. The current torchbearer is Liew Qing Yang, a fourth-year student studying Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Liew Qing Yang dreams of running a traditional Chinese clinic by day and finding a place to sing at night. "A TCM physicianwho sings," he says, his eyes twinkling with delight as he envisions the future.

Growing up in Sabah, where singing was prevalent, Qing Yang started learning to sing with his siblings at the age of seven. From then on, his life was destined to intertwine with music.

One singing teacher had a significant impact on Qing Yang. This teacher, a bone-setter by day, also taught singing part-time. He imparted not only singing techniques but also wisdom beyond music. To the teenage Qing Yang, he was a model for the future.

Following, imitating, and correcting - every week in class, his teacher, Qing Yang, and his siblings would take turns singing. After numerous corrections and much hard work, they began to excel in regional singing contests.

Reflecting on those times, Qing Yang recalls the fierce competition. "I used to get really nervous on stage, afraid I might make a mistake," he says. Over time, he realized that singing is about the combined art of emotions, gestures, and techniques. At seventeen, he won his first championship in the 8th Hakka Pop Songs Competition of Sabah.

Singing has helped Qing Yang through tough times, whether losing a competition or dealing with relationship issues. Zhang Jie’s You Just Don’t Think of Me was a song he learned during a low period, and it was also the first high-pitched song he mastered.

When asked what music means to him, Qing Yang contemplates, "It’s a part of my life."

Since joining the Music Club, he has participated in busking, orientations, concerts, and music festivals, never missing an event even if he didn't perform. Of all these, he is most satisfied with the music festival in November 2022.

On that day, despite the usual heat sweeping across XMUM’s grounds, the track and field were alive with thousands of glow sticks lighting up the campus.
From booking the venue and securing sponsors to setting the stage, Qing Yang and his team had only a month to prepare.

An introvert by nature, Qing Yang admits, "I used to be really shy. I did things in the straightest way, sometimes without involving others."

In September 2023, Qing Yang was recommended as the leader of the Music Club. Initially, he struggled with leadership and interpersonal relationships, but with help from seniors and friends, he learned the importance of listening to others.

Like Qing Yang’s personal journey, the Music Club's path wasn't smooth. They often lacked a fixed practice space and had to move between free rooms. It wasn't until last year that the Music Club secured a dedicated music room. 

Qing Yang has been addressing these issues since his promotion. This year, the Music Club formed its first-ever choir, aiming to provide more opportunities for members. "We won’t raise the threshold to join the Music Club but strive to bring the joy of music to every member," Qing Yang said. 

"Apart from studying, I’m fully packed with club activities, only free at night," he shares. Transitioning from a quiet freelancer to a passionate leader, Qing Yang challenges himself constantly. "I won’t give up just because of a problem. What I’m doing now is what I truly love."

Though Qing Yang’s tenure as leader will be short, he has many plans. In the coming months, he and his committee plan to organize more events, raise funds, and elevate the Music Club’s reputation at XMUM. "Do the best in every performance," he says. For Qing Yang, the happiest moment is when he says thank you after a performance, bringing joy to the audience.

(Contributed by Zhou Xuekangping)