The call of your homeland’s culture can transcend distance. Whether it’s a connection to the unique art forms you grew up with, a longing for the community that raised you or collaborating to give back to your roots. In Mei Yi’s case, her unwavering love for Malaysia shines through her work as an innovative classical pianist, extending across continents to the UK, where she has been residing since 1996.
A native of a close-knit neighbourhood in Seremban, she moved to the UK to complete her A-levels. Soon after, she decided to pursue classical music by joining a conservatoire and completing her master’s degree in piano performance – a momentous decision on her path to becoming a recognised pianist.
Connecting through art forms
In 2013, Mei Yi’s dedication to her art put her in the eye of the global stage when she was awarded BBC Music Magazine’s Best Newcomer. Though she was thrilled to accept this award and represent her country, she notes this accolade did not change her as an artist, emphasising that her seemingly overnight success did not, in fact, come overnight at all. Rather, it was the result of many years of hard work, discipline and commitment to her craft.
Over the years, Mei Yi has developed a distinct artistic flair, earning her the title of a globally recognised innovative pianist. Her works skilfully combine classical masterpieces with new and unique interpretations that bring a 21st-century twist to the repertoire. Interestingly, many of her ideas stem from Malaysian culture, such as integrating Wayang Kulit elements or rainforest soundscapes into her performances. She describes the inspiration as part of her DNA as a Malaysian, almost as though her culture calls out to her through her brilliant ideas.
She shares her artistic flare and in-depth knowledge of classical music through her profession as a piano teacher at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Her teaching post acts as a way of sharing the beauty of art, passing the torch, inspiring others, and creating opportunities for the youth. Mei Yi also remarks that there is always a healthy bunch of Malaysian students that study with her on a 1-1 basis or in group settings where she coaches them how to perform publicly – a nice dose of home while at work.
Comfort in community
“I find a lot of freedom when I’m in Malaysia.” – Mei Yi, on what she misses most about her homeland.
Mei Yi speaks fondly of her homeland, noting that being in Malaysia feels noticeably easier. The relaxed environment and strong sense of community and belonging are vastly different to the life and culture she experiences in London. Back in her neighbourhood in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, she remarks that ‘everyone knows everybody’, allowing her even to feel comfortable with her son playing with the neighbours without having to keep an eye on him – a level of trust only found in tight-knit communities such as these.
Even after over 30 years of living in the UK, Mei Yi continues to regularly visit Malaysia annually, during the 2-month summer break at the Royal Welsh College of Music, where she teaches. However, her lessons don’t stop there, as she continues to teach piano masterclasses to young pianists aspiring to gain more insight into their craft or prepare to compete internationally. She also works with Malaysian youth during her trips back home as a way of giving back.
Collaborating on a better future for Malaysian art
Mei Yi believes that though the Malaysian arts scene can be thought of as young in comparison to places such as the UK, Malaysia is rich in its own heritage art such as Wayang Kulit, Gamelan and more. These traditions can be traced back thousands of years, and that is something she believes Malaysians can truly be proud of. Now, Mei Yi hopes to do her part in strengthening the arts scene in Malaysia and bringing more opportunities to young artists based locally.
As an extension of her valiant efforts to give back to Malaysia with her skills, Mei Yi has begun organising Nine Arts Festival – a multi-disciplinary arts festival aiming to celebrate and cultivate Malaysian talent. The festival has 4 main goals: to showcase talent, encourage interdisciplinary innovation, strengthen communal bonds via cultural exchange and lastly, nurture the next generation of creators through educational outreach. More than its quiet yet convenient location, an hour away from Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, the festival’s location has a deeply personal meaning to Mei Yi as a Negeri Sembilan native herself.
“It’s home. It’s where I first stepped onto a stage as a child, where I won my first drawing competition and where I played my first theatrical role. It’s my artistic muse, the place where my creative journey began. Now, it’s time to create many more ‘firsts’ for the younger generation in my hometown.” – Mei Yi, on the location of Nine Arts Festival.
After hearing about the work Mei Yi has done and continues to do for her country as a Malaysian abroad, the team at MyHeart excitedly jumped on the opportunity to explore a collaboration with her and support this noble cause. Mei Yi perfectly encapsulates MyHeart and her shared goal, stating that giving back to her country is not just important, it’s essential.
Creativity and courage
To Mei Yi, creativity thrives when it’s shared. Inspiring others and creating opportunities for the next generation is the only way forward. Years of commitment and dedication have brought her tremendous success; her journey to the UK is only a reflection of the pilgrimage it takes to be a great artist. Yet, she remains humble and grounded in her roots, in Malaysia. She parts with one last piece of advice for her younger self, and to creatives back home:
“Courage comes in many forms. Just choose one and take the step. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
If you’re a Malaysian abroad looking to contribute your expertise back to your homeland, register as a MyHeart member and collaborate with us today.
