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The weekend of June 8 – 9, 2013 saw a gathering of bright and talented young stars, eager to show off their skills and hard work.

An annual talent contest for international school students to showcase their creative capabilities and talents, Expressions is an event that is much anticipated by students, teachers, and parents. Aside from being hugely enjoyable for all involved, participating in Expressions gives students the opportunity to win cash for their school’s favourite charities.

This year’s event was no different. Organised by The Expat Group, this year’s participants saw lots of support from teachers, families, students, as well as members of the public. The outstanding show the kids put on made stopped passersby in their tracks and prompted them to watch the show, clap and cheer along.

There were tables for the various sponsors including Thistle Hotels & Resorts, Jasons Food Hall, Pantai Holdings, Allied Pickfords, Mothercare, KidZania, and Aqua Swim. The first day saw a special Balinese dance being performed while the second day had a magic performance by Moudini and a flash mob performance by dance capoiera troupe Arte E Vida – a real treat indeed!

The competition was split into two categories – primary and secondary schools – and each act had just four minutes to impress the judging panel. This year’s judging panel featured some of the best of the best: Malaysian TV host, DJ, and model, Jay Menon; Regional Director for Thistle Hotels and Resorts, Simon Farr; and TEG Digital’s General Manager, Nick Davison.

No fewer than 15 international schools participated this year, and the youngsters who took to the stage were completely incredible. Full of confidence and talent, the variety of performances made for two days’ worth of amazing entertainment.

The primary school participants took part in two categories: Singing/Instrument, and Dance, while the secondary was in three categories: Singing/Instrument, Dance, and Other. The other category included things like Diabolo tricks, beatboxing, and breakdancing.

With so many outstanding performers, it was difficult to pinpoint a winner straight off the bar. The audience was treated to a variety of high energy dances, a fair number of vocally gifted singers, and some impressive skills. From hip-hop to traditional Asian dances to modern performances and powerhouse vocals, the kids did not fail to impress everyone in the crowd and each of them went home a winner for putting on a remarkable show.

Thanks to…

An event of this nature does not take place without the valued support of our sponsors and partners. From the staging to the lights, from the decoration to the entertainment, from the organisation to the charities we are extremely grateful to all our sponsors. Our sincere thanks to:

• BRDB for providing such a lovely venue, Bangsar Shopping Centre, for a fantastic and hugely successful event.
• Our sponsoring partners for Expressions, including Thistle Hotels & Resorts, Jasons Food Hall, Pantai Holdings Berhad, Allied Pickfords, Mothercare, Early Learning Centre, Gingersnaps, KidZania, Aqua Swim, and Medinova for their generous and much-appreciated support.
• Lilica Vargas for their Capoera flash mob dance
• Indonesian Women’s Association for the Balinese opening dance.
• The Amazing Moudini for his entertaining magical moments on stage.
• Simon Farr, Jay Menon, and Nick Davison for sitting on the judging panel… a tough job when there are so many talented kids performing.
• The TEG team members on hand to ensure everything ran smoothly, from the emceeing duties to photography to handling registration and all the logistics required.

Expressions 2013 Winners

Primary Schools Category

The participants in this category were between the ages of 8 and 12, with 17 acts taking part in the first round and three making the final cut. Each winner picked up a trophy for first and second place, along with a cheque each for a charity nominated by the school. All participating children received goodie bags.

First prize: RM1,500 + trophy (School) and certificate for students.
Second prize: RM750 + trophy (School) and certificate for students

Results:PRIMARY SCHOOL VOCAL/INSTRUMENTAL

Winner:
A truly deserving winner, Chloe Lee from Garden International School swept to first place by playing her own composition on the organ. Like a true professional, Chloe was composed and beautifully dressed. Chloe played the complicated piece effortlessly and finished off on a chirpy, happy note.

Second Place:
Fadhilah Azzahra from the Indonesian School KL stunned everyone with the power of her vocal chords. At just 13 years of age, Fadhilah belted out hit songs and showed the audience just how riveting a performer she is. Well done!

Third Place:
Lin Shi Xuan from MAZ clinched third place by playing a traditional Chinese instrument so expertly and beautifully. The musical maestro put on a thrilling performance that was enjoyed by all.

PRIMARY SCHOOL DANCE

Winner:

The Indonesian School of Kuala Lumpur came out winners here, shimmying and shaking their way to victory. Five students performed the Renggong Manis, a traditional dance from the Indonesian heartland. A stunning sight, all dancers were incredibly poised and smiling throughout the performance, with the help of their ornate and gorgeous costumes. They were so overwhelmed by the results that they even cried when they were announced as the winners! Congratulations to Siti Nur Ahsiqin, Agustin Ratnalinggi, Dara Peuseunanng Hate Sabri, Shafa Salsabila Budiharto and Alya Zahra Susanto for a superb performance.

Second Place:

The Indonesian School of Kuala Lumpur proved to have the winning combination again, when 13 students grooved their way to second place. Performing a traditional Acehnese dance, the members of Rampai Aceh shook to beats of the drum as well as singing provided by other students. A very quick group dance, the fast moves proved to be no match for the group’s co-ordinated dance routine. Congratulations to Nur Nilam Sari, Nurul Jannah, Dayang Permai, Shafira Yasmina Zahra, Annisa Fiti Aulia, Hanna Fadilla Rusdi, Siti Salsabila Akrima, Nortifani Putri, Nurliza, Fadhillah Azzahra, Nazri Hidayat, Holilur Rahman and Inggit Nur Rizky on a spectacular performance.

Third Place:

Sri KL clinched third place with a high energy performance of a Bollywood dance. Eight students put on a great show to pulsating beats, and the crowd clapping along. Decked out in gorgeous, colourful and jingling costumes, the group put on a thoroughly impressive performance and impressed everyone with their synchronised moves. Well done to Rachel Lim, Alisandra Ali, Nashreena Kaur, Melanie Lindblom, Madeline Chee Wei Qi, Megan Yeoh Shu Wen, Shazila Nadia Muzafar Shah, and Lara Alyssa Johan Chua on a great performance!

SECONDARY SCHOOL CATEGORY

The participants in this category were between the ages of 13 and 16, with 22 acts taking part in the first round and three making the final cut. Each winner picked up a trophy for first and second place, along with a cheque for a charity nominated by the school. All participating children received goodie bags.

First prize: RM1,500 + trophy (School) and certificate for students.
Second prize: RM750 + trophy (School) and certificate for students

Results: SECONDARY SCHOOL VOCAL/INSTRUMENTAL

Winner:

Ng Li Anne from Tenby International School blew the audience away with her powerhouse vocals. Her amazing voice saw her tackling Whitney Houston’s classic, I Will Always Love You on the first day, followed by an equally mind-blowing rendition of Beyonce’s Listen on the second day. Her confidence and talent was duly rewarded with the first prize, congratulations!

Second Place:

Students from REAL International School Cahaya made up the band Avalanche that was a real crowd pleaser. Playing their own instruments and singing at the same time, the talented trio belted out their version of Thriller mixed with that perennial dance-floor favourite, Gangnam Style. An outstanding performance, the girls’ voices blended together beautifully. Congratulations to Nicole Kylie Ng, Kareshma Martin, Shiyam Aminath Malsa and Joseph Lee for putting on a great show.

Third Place:

Kaena Larellu from Lycée Français de Kuala Lumpur (The French School of KL) impressed her way into the judges’ hearts by writing and performing her own on the guitar. Boasting an excellent voice and equally impressive talent on the guitar, it was very close contest but Kaena emerged as the third place winner.

SECONDARY SCHOOL DANCE

Winner: 

Siow Li Xan from REAL International School Suria emerged champion in this category after an amazing acrobatic traditional Chinese dance with ribbons and a hoop. She donned an incredible costume and twirled her way to victory with oodles of confidence. Congratulations on a well-earned victory!

Second Place: 

Sri Garden School’s Remix dance troupe took home the runner-up trophy when seven of their students did a fast and hip modern dance. The energetic, coordinated performance was a real crowd pleaser so kudos to the girls for a routine that got the audience going. Well done to Tah Ai Jenn, Lee Yen Ling, Rowena Yeow E Sinn, San Hue Yie, Liew Chen Yi, Tan Wai Yee and Crystal Tiew Yuen Ee.

Third Place: 

Nexus International School sent in Mystery, a group of two dancers to do an acrobatic dance to an Evanescence song. The talented two stretched and moved their way to a third place victory after putting on an impressive routine. Congratulations to Wan Farahin Ahmad Fahmy and Wan Farina Ahmad Fahmy on their achievement!

SECONDARY SCHOOL OTHER

Winner:

A standout performance from the start, Sri Garden School KL saw 13 of their students doing their version of Stomp. Equipped with playing bottles, bins, pans, and other kitchen utensils, the fast-paced rhythmic performance was such good fun and ensured they stomped their way to victory! Congratulations to Nadia Arifah Sopiee, Dhanya Ashley Dass, Kaylene Yong Zi Xin, Wong Pang Yi, Lum Pei Jun, Yap Ying Hui, Siow Hong Shen, Caegan Koh, Allison Chia Wei – Li, Pricillia Yoong Zhem Laura Lim, Lam June Gene and Brian Chong!

Second Place:

Federico Luna from Lycée Français de Kuala Lumpur (The French School of KL) popped and locked his way to second place with an amazing breakdance routine that left everyone in awe. A returning contestant, Federico was one of the winners from last year as well, bringing his trophy total to two now.

Third Place:

Koide Keta from Sri Kuala Lumpur kept the hip-hop flag flying high with a beat-boxing performance worthy of any DJ’s time.

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Source: The Expat July 2013
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