RISING STAR: Lee showcasing her vocal prowess at a Top 5 publicity tour at her alma mater UCSI University.

RISING STAR: Lee showcasing her vocal prowess at a Top 5 publicity tour at her alma mater UCSI University.

SINGING SENSATIONS: The only two female contestants in the Top 5 of the Astro Star Quest, Lee Elaine (left) and Yuii Chan (right).

KUALA LUMPUR: Book author and UCSI University’s Institute of Music (UCSI IMus) graduate Lee Elaine, 24, added another notch to her belt by cinching second-runner up in one of Malaysia’s biggest singing competitions, the Astro Star Quest. 

With a powerful voice that shifted effortlessly between the high and low notes, her rendition of Ye Kong Zhong Zui Liang De Xing (The Brightest Star in the Night Sky) by Escape Plan won praise from judges. 

Speaking in a surprisingly husky voice after the competition, the petite singer expressed her disbelief at her win. 

“I never imagined I could break into the Top 18 even, what more win as the second runner-up,” she said. 

Adding modestly that all the participants were outstanding, she credited her time at UCSI IMus pursuing the BMus (Hons) Classical Music for giving her the background in proper singing techniques. 

“I chose UCSI IMus because I feel the classical music programme is the best – both in terms of lecturers and syllabus,” she said. 

As part of its Praxis University® approach that focuses on hands-on learning, the UCSI IMus also organised weekly performances by its students. This, she emphasised, really made a difference in reducing her nervousness during the competition as the weekly performances gave her the experience of being on stage. 

The open performances also meant that she had the opportunity to perform with other students, both singers and musicians. She used to perform solo prior to her studies at UCSI IMus, and the new experience is one she feels will help her go far in her career. 

“It is a very practical skill – to be able to work with others – as you are still capable of performing even though you have had little or no practice with the band beforehand,” she said. This is particularly useful for overseas stints where rehearsals might be limited due to the distance of the band members and singers. 

Her positive experience at UCSI IMus has further convinced her that education should be a priority for anyone who is interested in a musical career. 

“In my opinion, education should come first. After that, you can pursue your dreams,” she said firmly. 

Not only is Lee an excellent singer, she also composes and writes lyrics for her own songs. 

Speaking slightly hesitantly, she revealed that she is not a very chatty person and her songs help her express herself. She wrote her song “Appreciation” to thank her parents for their unconditional love and support for her and her siblings. 

Lee’s passion for music is something that has strongly influenced her life. 

She started playing the organ at three years old, and is now also able to play the piano, trumpet, and violin in addition to traditional instruments like the gamelan and the similar caklempong. 

The multitalented musician also has the distinction of being awarded the title ‘Youngest Author’ by the Malaysia Book of Records due to a book she wrote when she was just 16 years old. Sparked by her desire to learn more about the country’s traditional musical instruments after watching a cultural show at Istana Budaya, she soon found out that there were no comprehensive reference books on the subject. 

This prompted her to do her own research and travel to Sabah and Sarawak to interview the traditional music players and teachers. Driven by sheer interest, she only decided to publish a book when her father pointed out that the information she has compiled would be useful for others. 

Thus, the Ethnic Musical Instruments of Malaysia was born – the first published book on the topic. The book is recognised by the International Society of Music Education. 

She has since written two other books on positive living, “Sunshine in Our lives” and “Please Listen to Me”. 

Not only can Lee sing and write, she also has the acting prowess to match. She has starred in several stage musicals including Paper Cranes in 2012 and Singing Market in 2013. 

Naming Siti Nurhaliza and Celine Dion as her musical idols, she hopes to emulate not only their successful careers, but their down-to-earth personas as well. 

Thus, she humbly expressed appreciation for her supporters without whom her success was not possible. 

Summing up her musical journey so far, she said with a smile “This is just the beginning of my career.”