In many countries,  children who came from the less fortunate backgrounds are not likely to have the opportunity for an education or training in performing arts.The primary focus of their parents usually would be to provide them with a basic daily necessities and academic education so that they will have a chance to find employment or perhaps start a business that would help themselves and their families economically.

Here’s a question. What can these underprivilege children do if are not good in their studies but instead, are gifted in other areas, say, musical talent or the performing arts?

Usually these children’s talents will go undeveloped, and as per stigma, most of them will grow up with confidence issues from believing that they will never be as good as those with the financial resources.

Many may not be aware of this but the Performing Arts helps children to build self-confidence in themselves. communicate with others, be understood and be recognised as a unique individual.

Here’s where ChildAid Asia comes into play. ChildAid Asia is an international exchange programme for Asian children where underprivileged children and children living in nursing homes are given opportunities to learn the joy of expressing themselves and presenting their talent publicly, and to experience international exchange, using arts as their stepping stone.

ChildAid Asia hosts annual concert across the participating regions where the platform not only will help provide an opportunity for the children and young adults to gain additional performing experience in foreign lands, as well as for them to build new friendships with other children from countries in the region, but also help them give back to the community by raising funds through these ChildAid Asia concerts so that other underprivileged children could be offered the same experience and opportunity to cultivate their talents in performing arts.

The annual charity friendship concerts are one of their presentation platforms, and here’s one held at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre recently.

ChildAid Asia 2017 Concert in Kuala Lumpur Performing Art Centre

Two lovely young emcees at ChildAid Asia 2017 Concert in Kuala Lumpur Performing Art Centre, Li Ann and Renee.

Lau Jay Earn, the violinist and the beatboxer.

Dancers from Mahavidya Dance Theatre

Choir performance

Talented young musicians delivering soulful symphony in the concert.

Young Bennett Soo and Michelle Lam portraying Beauty and The Beast at the concert.

ChildAid Asia 2017 Concert in Kuala Lumpur Performing Art Centre was nothing short of magical, with standing ovation at the end of the concert, but enchanting performances aside, it is a pleasure to note that these children overcame the difference of language and culture and share the time and to create beautiful music together. An orchestra of harmony indeed, and something we all could learn from.