UTAR Alumni

JANUARY 2014

UTAR Choir Japan Tour

Ng Yi Ming

BACHELOR OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS (HONS) INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Batch of August 2006

As the representatives of UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia, Yee Choon and I embarked on the UTAR Choir Japan Tour as project co-organiser.

The project commenced as early as 8 February 2013, after Ms. Tee confirmed the initial destinations of performances which were Sendai, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. We then planned the training schedule to meet the needs and requirements of every Choir members. Here, I would like to mention the notable guidance of DSA staff Mr. Mok who was instrumental in handling most of the choir camps prior to his resignation from UTAR.

As the co-organiser, our first task was to enquire about the travel insurance on 16 May 2013. We subsequently worked towards raising funds for the travel insurance and additional expenses that were projected to emerge throughout the tour. Flight tickets were booked in early June 2013.

On 3 August 2013, we received the Kyoto Male Choir from Japan who enthralled us with a wonderful performance at UTAR PD Block. We invited representatives from the Philharmonic Society of Selangor, who comprised Chairperson Ms. Cheryl and her Society members, and our friends to savour the delightful maiden performance by Kyoto Male Choir on UTAR stage. The Choir members have been performing together for more than 50 years and most of them are senior citizens. The conductor is about 80 years old. The mini concert organised by DSA and co-organised by UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia was a phenomenal success which garnered sweeping compliments from UTAR Choir members.

By 21 September 2013, all preparations for the travel had been completed and practices by UTAR Choir members had almost come to a determinate end.

Our UTAR Choir Japan Tour began on the night of 1 October 2012 at Asakusa Sakura Hostel with a warm-up to the actual performance on the night of 2 October at Shinjuku Community Hall. The performance was so magnificent that UTAR Choir Group received a standing ovation from the crowd. On 3 October 2013, they performed for the second time at ITC College in Chiba. The interaction with teachers and students during the night party, which followed the performances by UTAR and ITC Choir Groups, was the most defining as all of us from Malaysia were introduced to our 'foster parents' who are also teachers from ITC. Yee Choon and I were privileged to stay with Mr. Takei, the principal of ITC College.

Yee Choon and I visited Mr. Takei's son and grandchildren. Our host showed great hospitality as Mr. Takei, who has sons our age, was keen to accept us as his foster sons. The day - 4 October 2013 - was simply unforgettable for UTAR Choir members as they were whisked to a tour at Tokyo Disneyland. Their third performance was on 5 October 2013 at Osaka YMCA. It was one of their proudest moments as they shared the stage prepared by YMCA members. The final leg of their performances took place at a church on 6 October 2013. It was accompanied by a special guest performance featuring Doshisha Choir Club and a joy sharing session held after the performances ended.

On 7 October 2013, we were reunited with Kyoto Male Choir members whom we met earlier. We had lunch together and travelled to the Golden Pavilion for some amazing sightseeing. We boarded the flight back to Malaysia on the same day.

The precious moments are instantly invoked each time we look at the pictures. We are looking forward to participate in more UTAR programmes and projects in the future. To all UTAR alumni, we encourage you to take part in endeavours undertaken by our juniors as it is a form of contribution to our alma mater. There is supposedly another choir pending for approval, and I welcome you to be part of the excitement should the project materialise.

Good year and Happy New Year to all.

Cheers,

Emin Ng

Chairman

UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia

(From right) Yi Ming and Yee Choon posing with their foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Takei

Yee Choon (standing, second from right) posing with the Japanese students

Yee Choon exploring Tokyo Disneyland