PENANG, 11 March 2017 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) international student from China, Sha Jai Qiang stole the limelight when he clinched second prize at the International 'Irama Malaysia' Concert held recently at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).

Sha Hai Qiang, a student in the Intensive English Programme at the USM School of Languages, Literacies and Translation appeared confident when rendering the classic Malay song "Patah Hati", and his feat captured the hearts of jury and audiences.

He was coached by a group of creative USM staff which include Dr. Mohd Hafizal Mohd Isa, Ramnah Ramli, Andy Siti Nurhidayah Rahim, Norazizah Rusli, Zolkafli Ishak and Danial Muzaffar Suhairi.

Director of USM International Mobility and Career Centre (IMCC), Dr. Muhizam Mustafa when contacted said, his office supports the participation of international students in cultural activities at the university and national level.

He added that, IMCC serves as the platform for the international students to be involved in such activities, for them to gain the experience and to further understand the meaning of diversity in this country.

In the meantime, Sha Hai Qiang will be taking part in another Malay Language singing competition at the International Cultural Fiesta 2017 at the Dewan Utama, USM Health Campus on 22 April 2017.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin