Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Tshung Tsin Wind Symphony (TTWS) won a Gold Award and was crowned Division 2A (Junior College/High School Division) champion at the 10th Singapore International Band Festival (SIBF) 2026.
Held from July 21 to 27 at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the biennial Singapore International Band Festival is widely regarded as one of Asia’s premier wind band events.
This year’s edition brought together outstanding ensembles from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, providing a platform for musical excellence, cultural exchange and educational collaboration through competitions, performances and workshops.
The concert band competition featured five categories: Concert Division (Professional), Division 1 (Open), Division 2A (Junior College/High School), Division 2B (Middle School), and Division 3 (Primary School). Competing in Division 2A, TTWS faced strong competition from ensembles representing Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and China.
The band took to the stage on July 23, with the results announced during the festival’s closing ceremony on July 27.
Besides receiving the coveted Gold Award, TTWS emerged as the overall Division 2A champion, taking home the championship trophy and a SGD2,000 cash prize.
The latest triumph marks another significant milestone in the band’s history at the Singapore International Band Festival. TTWS previously won a Silver Award in 2010, followed by consecutive Gold Awards in 2012 and 2014.
After a 12-year hiatus, the ensemble reclaimed the Gold Award and, for the first time, secured the Division 2A championship.
The achievement is believed to be the first overall divisional championship won by a Malaysian ensemble in the history of the Singapore International Band Festival, making it a landmark accomplishment for both Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School and Malaysia’s wind band community.
With this latest success, TTWS has also become the Malaysian ensemble with the highest number of Gold Awards in the festival’s history.
For the competition, the ensemble performed two Grade 4 works: “Rapture” by acclaimed American composer Brian Balmages and “One Life Beautiful” by internationally renowned composer Julie Giroux.
Both compositions demand exceptional musicianship, requiring precise tone production, ensemble balance, musical phrasing, dynamic control and expressive interpretation.
Beyond technical proficiency, the repertoire challenged the students to demonstrate maturity, teamwork and artistic communication at the highest level.
TTWS Music Director and Conductor Ho Chee Kiang, who has led the school wind band for more than two decades, believes music education extends far beyond mastering an instrument.
“One of the most important skills in an ensemble is listening. Listening is not only about pitch, rhythm and harmony. It is understanding when to bring out the melody and when to support the overall sound.
“A truly outstanding band is not one where everyone plays the loudest, but one where everyone works together to create beautiful music.”He said a successful wind band is built on discipline, self-motivation and responsibility.
Members are expected not only to attend rehearsals consistently but also to take ownership of their own development through independent practice and continual refinement.
“Music teaches students to respect others while also learning self-discipline. Every rehearsal and every correction develops perseverance, patience and resilience – qualities that extend far beyond the classroom.”Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School Principal Dr Chung Chin Hing described the achievement as the culmination of years of dedication rather than a single outstanding performance.
He noted that, except during the weeks leading up to the mid-year and final examinations, band members spend almost every afternoon practising after school.
Many also voluntarily stay behind after rehearsals to perfect challenging passages and refine every musical detail.
“The competition performance lasts only a few minutes, but it represents countless hours of dedication accumulated over many months.
“Our students’ willingness to invest their time, challenge themselves and continually strive for excellence reflects the true value of music education.”Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School Board of Governors Chairman Datuk Jimmy Yong Kyok Ming expressed his appreciation to Tan Sri Paul Lim Pau Chang, Datuk Kong Kwok Wah and I-World Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd for their unwavering support of the school’s wind band programme.
He said their generous sponsorship has enabled more students to participate in international competitions by easing financial burdens, allowing them to focus on training and proudly represent both the school and Malaysia on the international stage.
The Sabah Tshung Tsin Wind Symphony will hold its annual concert on Sept 19, 2026, with ticketing details to be announced soon.
Members of the public are invited to attend and support the young musicians as they showcase the culmination of a year’s dedication, discipline and musical growth.
Meanwhile, registration for the school’s Form One Entrance Examination is now open.
Dr Chung encouraged primary school pupils, particularly those with experience in school bands, to consider enrolling at Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School, where they can receive structured wind band training while developing artistic excellence, teamwork, leadership and strong personal character.
For enquiries regarding admission, call 088-254154.