Penang-born pianist Vincent Ong becomes the first Malaysian finalist at the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition and earns a joint fifth prize — performing his final round on a Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand.
Kuala Lumpur, 21 October 2025 — Kawai Malaysia warmly congratulates Vincent Ong for making history as the first Malaysian to reach the final round of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw and for being awarded joint fifth prize. This outstanding achievement marks a landmark moment for Malaysian classical music on the global stage.
Vincent Ong (born 12 April 2001) began his musical training under Ng Chong Lim and continued his studies with Eldar Nebolsin at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin. His development has been shaped by guidance from distinguished teachers including Elisabeth Leonskaja, Natalia Trull and Boris Berman. Ong’s competition record includes notable successes such as first prize at the International Robert Schumann Competition (2024), sixth prize at the Singapore International Piano Competition (2020) and earlier recognition at the International Taipei Maestro Piano Festival (2019).
Kawai Malaysia is especially proud that Vincent chose to perform his final-round programme on the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano — an instrument handcrafted for expressive range and tonal clarity, and selected by several finalists at this year’s competition. We celebrate Vincent’s artistic accomplishment and the moment the world heard his music on a Shigeru Kawai concert grand.
Watch Vincent Ong’s final-round performance (official video):
Kawai Malaysia extends heartfelt congratulations to Vincent, his teachers, family and supporters. His success is an inspiration for aspiring Malaysian musicians and a testament to the power of dedication, excellent teaching, and artistic vision. We remain committed to supporting local talent as they step onto the world stage.
About the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition:
Organized by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in Warsaw, the Chopin Competition is one of the most prestigious piano competitions worldwide, dedicated exclusively to the works of Chopin and held every five years.
About Kawai Malaysia:
Kawai Malaysia is the official distributor of Kawai pianos across the whole of Malaysia — including Sabah and Sarawak — offering world-class instruments renowned for their quality, innovation and artistic excellence. Our mission is to support and grow Malaysia’s music industry: we champion artists, music education and cultural initiatives, and engage in inclusive community programmes that foster appreciation for music and contribute to cultural development nationwide.