UNDERGRADUATE Teh Xiaowei recently took a trip down memory lane while composing a song about Penang Hill, which went on to win a songwriting contest.
Titled Penang Hill, With You, the song emerged as the winning entry among 40 submissions, earning Xiaowei, a 22-year-old Penangite from Sungai Dua in Butterworth, the top prize of RM3,000.
The songwriting contest was introduced by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) as part of the fifth edition of its annual Penang Hill Festival (PHF). The contest aimed to give aspiring musicians a platform to showcase their talent while also creating a theme song for Penang Hill.
Following the announcement of the winning song, PHC released an official music video featuring its staff members singing, supported by young musicians from the Penang Youth Orchestra. The song was rearranged by the Cadenza Performing Arts Academy.
Due to her studies, Xiaowei was unable to attend the prize presentation. Her mother, Ong Lean See, received the prize on her behalf from Air Putih assemblyman and former chief minister Lim Guan Eng.
“When I received news that my song was chosen, I was pleasantly surprised. I did not expect to win. I only entered after being encouraged by one of my music teachers,” Xiaowei shared in a phone interview from Semenyih, where she is in her final year studying Economics and International Economics at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Reflecting on her inspiration, Xiaowei said, “When I started working on the song, I thought about what Penang Hill means to me. I visited it a few times as a child with my family, and each trip was full of fun. Even though it was a long time ago, I still remember the natural vibe and charm before all the recent upgrades. That sense of nature still resonates with me. Writing the song felt like a journey down memory lane.”
It took Xiaowei about three months to complete the song.
“The start was the most challenging part, as I took the longest time to find a melody that felt right. From there, it was a process of trial and error until I was satisfied with the lyrics and sound,” she explained.
“The main message I wanted to convey was that no matter how long time has passed, the memories of Penang Hill remain.
“I hope people will always remember that despite the changes, certain things endure – like the happiness and the memories made with friends or family.”
Another challenge Xiaowei faced was deciding on the style of the song, debating between pop, rock, and a more acoustic sound. Her original rendition was very orchestral
Though she’s pursuing a degree in economics, Xiaowei’s true passion lies in music. “Music was actually my first choice for studies, but my father had other thoughts, concerned about my future. So, for now, my focus is on completing my university course,” said Xiao Wei, who plays the electone, piano, and violin.
Xiaowei started music training at age two-and-a-half with the Yamaha Music Course, eventually obtaining ABRSM and Yamaha Music Course certifications in piano.
She mentioned that she has not yet decided whether to further her music studies, but if that happens, she may consider pursuing a teaching certificate from Yamaha Music or a Master’s in music composition. Right now, she is learning music composition online from her Penang-based teacher.
She has also participated in several online songwriting competitions, which she described as challenging due to the high calibre of international and professional participants. The Penang Hill songwriting contest was her first victory.
“For me, composing isn’t just for competitions — I want to keep creating songs. I never wanted to give up on that dream, even though I am studying something else.”
When asked for advice for aspiring musicians, Xiaowei said: “Don’t limit yourself, because limiting yourself means that you won’t be able to push yourself to attempt.
“Also, don’t be scared or worried if your music sounds similar to others. It is perfectly normal. The key is to listen to how others perfect their craft, learn from them, and pick up new skills along the way.”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and courtesy of Teh Xiaowei
Penang Hill, With You
VERSE 1
And here we are
It’s where we roam
Back in the place where we call home
Along the path
Across the stream
We will cherish everything
PRE-CHORUS
On Penang Hill
We will sing
In our hearts
We dream
CHORUS
Hands up and touch the sky
Take in the views
Hands up, heads held high
Let the breeze be with you
Memories that we made
On top of the hill
It felt like destiny
To be with our treasured gem
VERSE 2
And here we are
Breathing and free
Running across the greenery
Under the sun
Above the sea
Hand in hand, you and me
PRE-CHORUS
On the Great Hill
We will sing
In our hearts
We dream
CHORUS
Hands up and touch the sky
Take in the views
Hands up, heads held high
Let the breeze be with you
Memories that we made
On top of the hill
It felt like destiny
To be with you so
BRIDGE
As the moment comes for us to part
Don’t forget the things we’ve shared
Beneath the trees, where memories start
With the dawn rising above the sea
CHORUS
Hands up and touch the sky
Take in the views
Hands up, heads held high
Let the breeze be with you
Memories that we’ve made
On top of the hill
Remember it all
The gem that will be
Forever standing tall
For it is our legacy
Video link
https://youtu.be/2AYLh8hUyOg?feature=shared