Kuala Lumpur: The seventh International Piano Festival and Competition (IPFC) continues to grow in popularity, attracting 134 contestants from around the world in a celebration of pianistic virtuosity at its finest. 

Director of UCSI’s Institute of Music Dr P’ng Tean Hwa said that the Competition reflects the University’s commitment towards elevating piano performances at the international level. 

"The Competition is a gateway for talented young pianists to perform and compete on a global scale," he said. "The competitive standard continues to improve year after year, showing us a mastery of technique, artistry and stage presence that mirror their outstanding performances.” 

“UCSI continues to be an incubator for musical excellence, preparing musicians to thrive in the modern music industry today.” 

The three-day event continues to attract pianists from around the world, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. 

Hongkonger pianist Lan Rayming clinched first prize in the Young Artist category, dazzling the judges with his rhapsodic take on challenging compositions from Bach, Benjamin Lees, Brahms and Rachmaninoff. 

“I was very nervous coming into this Competition,” he said. “However, ever since I adopted the mindset of simply ‘serving the music’, I was able to play my best for the audience.” 

“Through this experience, I hope to play more recitals worldwide and expand my music repertoire.” 

Lan won a cash prize of RM4,000 and a full scholarship to study music at UCSI. 

Thai pianist Kanyapat Dankul secured the Best Etude award, winning over the judges with her rendition of “Waldesrauschen” from Two Concert Etudes, S. 145, No. 1 by Franz Liszt. She also won third prize in the Senior category. 

“This Competition is a good opportunity for me to perform and express my feelings creatively,” she said. “There are many talented musicians from different nations here, so I feel extremely honoured to have won.”  

Held biennially since 2014, the Competition recognises pianists in different categories, including Best Etude, Best Commissioned Piece and top prizes across different age categories: Junior (age 10 and below), Intermediate (age 14 and below), Senior (age 18 and below) and

Young Artist (age 28 and below). 

Recognised as Malaysia’s foremost music school in both classical and contemporary disciplines, UCSI’s Institute of Music is ranked 24th worldwide for Music and Performing Arts in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. 

Malaysian music icon Aina Abdul, Mandopop artist Quek Shio Yee, Astro Star Quest 2025 finalist Leow Yee Xing, and violinists Dennis Lau and Dr Joanne Yeoh, among many others, are distinguished UCSI alumni. 

UCSI is also among the top 1% of universities worldwide, by virtue of its top 269 ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2026.