It is with great honour and heartfelt enthusiasm that I welcome you to the inaugural 2026 ASEAN International Youth Piano Competition (AIYPC).
The mission of AIYPC is to enable accessibility to pianistic excellence by connecting passionate young pianists of diverse background with world-class concert artists, professors, and a wider global audience. Through this cultural exchange, we aim to inspire artistic growth while promoting and sustaining a vibrant performing arts culture in ASEAN and beyond.
At AIYPC, we strive to provide a platform where participants can compete in a respectful, equitable, and encouraging environment. Our inaugural edition will be held online, with a live Gala Award and Recital for all prize winners to be held at the UNESCO World Heritage city of George Town in Penang, Malaysia.
We are very proud to sponsor a Rising Star Award of RM10,000 to the highest scoring contestant in the Professional Category, representing AIYPC at an international competition or festival in 2026. Online registration is now open and closes on 30 April 2026. We warmly invite young pianists from all nations to be part of this meaningful journey.
Our esteemed jury panel comprises internationally sought-after concert pianists, professors, artistic directors of music competitions and festivals from Australia, Italy, The Netherlands and United Kingdom. We are united by our passion to nurture young talents and enhance pianistic development. In collaboration with our valued partners—the Orbetello Piano Competition (Italy) and the Globe International Piano Competition (the Netherlands) —and our distinguished judges Giuliano Adorno, Dr. Christine Yau, Foo Mei Yi, Denise Lutgens, and Anthony Ciaccio, AIYPC will also offer masterclasses and workshops designed to enrich the learning experience beyond the competition stage.
Thanks to the generous support of Penang Global Tourism, AIYPC will be hosting a Grand Gala Award and Recital for all First, Second, Third Prize winners and the Rising Star Award winner, with live performances by our honourable jury and prize winners on 30 May 2026 in Penang. Our masterclasses and examination technique workshops, to be held on 31 May and 1 June 2026, will be open to the public, offering valuable opportunities to learn, engage, and connect. Participants and audiences alike will also be invited to join our Greet and Meet lunch session with the international jury members.
I extend my sincere gratitude to our sponsors, supporting partners, jurors, fellow music colleagues, and dedicated teachers for your invaluable contributions. Your belief in uniting young artists through music has birthed AIYPC’s first competition.
May this year be filled with inspiration, growth, and harmony.
Joyce Ho - Artistic Director ASEAN International Youth Piano Competition
