USM, PENANG, 15 October 2017 - An international student from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Dian Adha Mayangsari from Indonesia, has emerged as the champion (Nusantara vocal category) in the 1 World Vocal Singing Competition 2017. She sang the song entitled 'Sesal Separuh Nyawa' in the competition organised by Asia Pacific University (APU).

She received a cash prize of RM850, a trophy and certificate, while another USM international student from China, Jeremy Sha Hai Qiang, emerged as 2nd runner-up (International vocal category) singing the song with the title 'Biarkanlah'.

The 1 World Vocal Singing Competition is open to international students from all universities, providing them with the opportunity to shine in their vocal performance by singing local Malay songs. The aim of the organiser was to unearth the talents of the international students, while allowing them to understand the local culture through songs.

The competition is also another initiative conducted by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in welcoming international students to show their talents in singing and also to discover the beauty of our local culture through the event.

On hand to officiate the Grand Finals and Prize-Giving Ceremony were the Director, Production and Artistic Development Division of JKKN, Rosnan bin Nordin and Assistant Director, MOHE Student Development Division, Erina binti Ismail.

Results of the competition are as follows: Nusantara category - Champion: USM, 1st runner-up: APU, 2nd runner-up: UUM. For the International category - Champion: UNITEN, 1st runner-up: APU, 2nd runner-up: USM.

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah