Penang teenage singer, 15, aims for China’s grand music stage

At 15, Loo Zhi Hui already has her eyes on China’s grand music stage. The Penang teenage singer wants to perform there and sing a duet with A-Lin. She shared the dream with theSun.

Her love of music began at three, when she sang along with her grandfather. She often mispronounced the words, but the habit stuck. Her parents noticed and began looking for vocal coaches.

Today, Zhi Hui has a string of competition wins behind her. She will also represent Penang in a Grand Prix final. Here is how she trained, what she has won and how she balances school.

How a love of singing began at three

“My dream stage is the grand music stage in China,” Zhi Hui told theSun. She added that her ultimate dream is to sing a duet with A-Lin and other legendary artistes. Her favourite song is A-Lin’s “Love”.

Her grandfather left a lasting impression on her. Because her parents saw how much she enjoyed singing, they sought coaches to develop her talent. At four, she began classical vocal training with Lee Xiao Yun.

Since then, she has learnt pop singing from different teachers. She also took up piano. Her mother, Michelle Ong, 44, said piano helped her understand melody, rhythm and musical structure from a different angle.

Even so, singing is where her heart lies. “She sings everywhere, in the bathroom, while doing homework, in the car,” Ong said. Zhi Hui now practises alone for at least an hour a day, and longer before competitions.

Competition wins and a Grand Prix place

Zhi Hui describes herself as a perfectionist. In particular, she focuses on note transitions and breath control. In classical singing, she specialises as a coloratura soprano. In pop, she prefers deep, emotional love ballads.

Her dedication has paid off. She represented Penang in Bintang Kecil RTM in 2022 and 2023. This year, she won the lower secondary category of the Penang schools classical solo song competition.

That win was her third in a row in the same category since 2024. Meanwhile, she also entered the 45th Street Singing King & Queen Competition for the first time. She finished second runner-up in the Youth Group Finals.

Her latest win came at the Voices in Bloom Penang Regional Finals. She took Category D3 for Chinese Art/Folk Songs in the 13-15 age group. As a result, she will represent Penang in the Final Grand Prix against winners from other regions.

Balancing school, family support and nerves

Trophies are not the whole story for Zhi Hui. She said each competition taught her something different. She also said perseverance, patience and a drive to improve have become part of her journey.

School comes first in her routine. She attends tuition and uses her free time to revise. In this way, she keeps her grades from slipping because of her practice schedule.

Her parents did not plan a singing career for her. Neither has a professional music background. “We simply noticed that she loved music and wanted to give her the opportunity to explore it herself,” Ong said.

Ong also wants her daughter to build discipline, confidence and perseverance. Moreover, she wants Zhi Hui to keep her education and options open. “I will support her if music continues to be her passion,” she said.

Stage experience beyond competitions

The Penang teenage singer performed at a China Consulate dinner. The event marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. She sang “Legend” by Li Jian and “Gemilang”, made famous by Jaclyn Victor.

Ong said the dinner gave her daughter valuable formal exposure outside competitions. It also boosted her confidence. However, each stage still brings what Zhi Hui calls “a different kind of nervousness”.

To calm down, she takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for two seconds before stepping out. Once she starts to sing, she feels excitement instead of nerves. Therefore, she keeps seeking new stages.

Next, the Penang teenage singer plans to master vocal dynamics and technical control. She also wants to blend them with genuine emotion, “to touch the hearts of the audience”. Watch for the Voices in Bloom Final Grand Prix to see how far she goes.