Foon Yew High School triumphs at 24 Festive Drums Festival

Foon Yew High School’s 24 Festive Drums Team from Johor Bahru has made history by winning the Gold Award at the 6th International 24 Festive Drums Festival.

Their remarkable performance of “The Journey” captivated the judges, earning them 85.6 points and securing their position at the top.

With this achievement, Foon Yew High School further solidifies its place in the vibrant and competitive world of drumming.

Seremban Chung Hua High School closely followed with 84.6 points, securing a Silver Award alongside Tsun Jin High School.

The festival saw intense competition, but it was Foon Yew High School that stood out, leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and judges.

A global celebration of cultural heritage

The International 24 Festive Drums Festival is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.

Bernard Goh, Chairman of the 24 Festive Drums Association Malaysia, emphasised the importance of the art form in his opening speech.

“The 24 Festive Drums have not only become the cultural heritage of Chinese celebrations but also the common heritage and pride of all ethnic groups in Malaysia.”

This year’s event, held at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC), saw participation from international teams hailing from China, Thailand, and the United States.

Despite the global reach, Foon Yew High School’s success shines as a testament to Malaysia’s leadership in preserving and promoting this unique cultural art form.

Goh also highlighted the global growth of the 24 Festive Drums, with 500 drum teams and 40,000 drummers worldwide.

The festival’s influence has spread beyond Malaysia, making it a symbol of unity and creativity across continents.

Foon Yew High School’s role in the future

Foon Yew High School’s achievement is not just a win for the school, but a step forward in Malaysia’s efforts to gain international recognition for the 24 Festive Drums.

Tan Chai Puan, co-creator of the 24 Festive Drums, expressed optimism in his closing speech, announcing plans to apply for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) status with UNESCO by 2026.

He shared, “What we once thought was impossible, the country is now allowing drum teams across the country to work together with the Chinese community to better organise the festival drum culture and then gradually move towards the United Nations.”

This pursuit of UNESCO recognition demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to cultural preservation, and with schools like Foon Yew High School leading the charge, the future of the 24 Festive Drums looks brighter than ever.

The theme for this year’s festival, Infinite Legacy, Endless Innovation, perfectly captures the essence of the event. As the 24 Festive Drums continues to evolve, schools like Foon Yew High School are pushing the boundaries of tradition while honouring the cultural roots of this artistic expression.

As Malaysia prepares to bring its drum teams to the global stage, the dedication and talent displayed at this year’s competition provide a glimpse of the incredible potential this art form holds.

Whether it’s through international performances or academic research, the 24 Festive Drums is here to stay, with Foon Yew High School at the forefront of this cultural movement.