Atayal voices unite Malaysia and Taiwan in charity show

Last Thursday, the Taiwan Children’s Choir, composed of 25 young voices from Taiwan’s Atayal tribe, brought their rich cultural heritage to life at World Vision Malaysia’s ‘Pure Hearts, Soaring Voices’ charity dinner. Held at the HGH Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, the event was a vibrant celebration of the Atayal culture, infused with the spirit of hope and resilience.

The choir’s performance was not just a cultural exchange but also a philanthropic endeavor, aimed at raising funds for World Vision Malaysia’s Community Development Fund. The Fund focuses on supporting underserved children and families through initiatives in child protection, livelihoods, health & nutrition, education, and access to clean water. These programmes are designed to empower communities with the knowledge and skills needed for lasting self-sufficiency and resilience.

A celebration of unity and generosity

The Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, James Buu, expressed his admiration for the choir’s performance, stating, “It is truly inspiring to witness the Taiwan Children’s Choir share the beauty of Atayal culture with the people of Malaysia. Their performance is a testament to how music transcends borders and unites people. I am proud to witness this collaboration, which will uplift the lives of vulnerable children and families.”

The evening saw around 750 guests deeply moved by the soulful tribal songs and choral pieces that resonated with the beauty of the Atayal culture. The choir’s performance was further enriched by the participation of Malaysian artiste Mei Sim, who joined them on stage, making the evening a unique blend of cultural unity.

Empowering through cultural expression

Leading the choir was instructor Temu Koto, whose personal journey of bringing together and educating the choir members added a layer of depth to the evening’s performances. His dedication to nurturing these young voices is reflective of the broader mission of World Vision, which seeks to transform lives through empowerment and education.

Caroline Li, CEO of World Vision Taiwan, who accompanied the choir to Malaysia, highlighted the significance of this cultural empowerment. “Through the generosity of our supporters, World Vision Taiwan has been supporting the Atayal children in Hsinchu County and nurturing the choir for over 10 years. Cultural empowerment through the choir helps the children develop their interests, broaden their horizons, see the world, and transform their lives while instilling a heart of gratitude. On this trip to Malaysia, the children are excited to give back, expressing their gratitude through beautiful songs and spreading love and hope so that more children and families can live life in all its fullness.”

A night of giving and hope

The charity dinner was supported by partners including Inventec and Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, who played a crucial role in making the event a success. World Vision Malaysia’s CEO, Terry Leong, expressed his gratitude towards the supporters, saying, “Thanks to the ongoing generosity and support of Malaysians, we have been able to make a tangible impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of children worldwide. This is a clear demonstration of love in action and a testament to the pure hearts of Malaysians.”

The event was a resounding success, showcasing not only the rich cultural heritage of the Atayal tribe but also the power of unity and generosity in transforming lives.