THE Heng Ee Dance Group from SMJK Heng Ee and Abdul Hakim Azman emerged as winners in the School category and Open category respectively at the 2024 Merdeka Talent Show (fourth edition) organised by the Penang Youth Development Corporation at MYDIN Bukit Mertajam on Sunday.
The Heng Ee students performed a traditional dance while Abdul Hakim presented a magic performance themed ‘Merdeka’ to captivate both the judges’ and spectators’ hearts. Each walked away with a cash prize of RM3,000.
Also present were Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, the state executive councillor for Youth, Sports and Health; Seberang Perai City Council mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, PYDC board of directors Muhammad Fadzil Roslan and Muhammad Khairul Mohd Ali, and MYDIN Northern Region executive director Azmin Saduruddin.
The judges were Sean Loh, Shamsul Bahri Mat Said, Melissa Anne, Zurairi Hanip and Chee Sek Thim.
A total of 10 finalists competed in the grand finals in the two categories: School (ages 15 to 18) and Open Category (ages 15 to 35), with total cash prizes amounting to RM14,000.
The competition was part of PYDC’s annual “Rhythm of Youth” initiative, which aims to provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents across various fields while promoting unity.
In the School category, Damia Daneesha Afzainizam of SMK Raja Tun Uda took second place, winning RM2,000, while Ong Hooi Lean of SM Jit Sin Private came in third, securing RM1,000. Consolation prizes of RM500 each were awarded to Tan Ying Yee of SMJK Chung Ling Butterworth and Darren Khaw of Methodist Boys School.
In the Open category, Shuang Traditional Chinese Music Band claimed second place with a prize money of RM2,000, while Tiffany Ang Yun Xuan took third, earning RM1,000. Consolation prizes of RM500 each went to the EDA Dance Troupe and Tan Yu Xin.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of Penang Youth Development Corporation