“Harmony in Negeri Sembilan, Voices of Hope” Choral Festival at SISM: Over 500 performers Celebrate Unity through Song

The 4th Negeri Sembilan Choral Festival 2025, organised by SGM Negeri Sembilan, was held on 16 November 2025 at the Harmony Hall of Soka International School Malaysia (SISM). The festival featured performances by the Seremban Chung Hua Alumni Choir, Koir Gabungan Persatuan Hakka Negeri Sembilan, the Negeri Sembilan Eng Choon Association Choir, Persatuan Ugama Pembangunan Akhlak Che Sim Khor NS Choir and Koir Fo Guang Seremban, with support from SISM.

Three school choirs – the SISM Soka Melody Makers, Port Dickson Chung Hua High School Choir Club and the Chung Hua High School Music Society – added youthful vibrancy and cross-generational harmony to the event.

In his remarks, SGM Negeri Sembilan chairperson Dato’ Chong Khin Sang, who is also the event’s chair, stated that choral singing is an art form transcending language and culture, uniting people through shared voices and hope.

Representing Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke, Lobak assemblyperson YB Chew Seh Yong opened the choral  festival. He promoted choral music as a vital force that strengthens community bonds and encouraged continued cross-cultural participation to elevate the state’s vocal arts.

More than 500 performers took the stage, presenting a diverse repertoire ranging from traditional folk songs to contemporary and inspirational works, reflecting Malaysia’s rich multicultural heritage.       

The SGM Negeri Sembilan Choir presented the original musical The Seeds of Hope, promoting care for the Earth and sustainable development. The festival concluded with a combined performance of The Gift of the World to Me. The next festival will be hosted by Koir Fo Guang Seremban in 2027.

(Reported by Tien Wye Longg, photographed by Lum Heng)