Breaking Barriers: A Malay Student’s Journey in a Chinese Orchestra

In a harmonious blend of cultures at Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore, an 18-year-old Malay student has carved a unique path by becoming the only non-Chinese member of the school’s Chinese orchestra. Muhammad Iman Mohamed Irfan, a second-year chemical engineering student, has not only embraced traditional Chinese music but has also performed solo parts on stage, overcoming language barriers and cultural differences with sheer passion and determination.

A Passion Ignited by Chance

Iman’s love for Chinese music began at the tender age of 12 when he stumbled upon a YouTube video of a Chinese orchestra performing “Bai Niao Chao Feng” (A Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix). Captivated by the intricate melodies and unique instrumentation, he found himself drawn to a musical tradition far removed from his own cultural background. “After I watched it, I really fell in love with the style, so I started listening to more and more,” he recalls. This chance encounter sparked a journey that would shape his teenage years and lead him to explore an unfamiliar yet enchanting world of sound.

During his time at Edgefield Secondary School, where a Chinese orchestra was not offered as a co-curricular activity, Iman joined the concert band and played the trumpet. This experience nurtured his interest in wind instruments, laying the foundation for his later exploration of traditional Chinese instruments. By his upper secondary years, he had saved enough money to purchase his first dizi, a bamboo flute, for 70 Singapore dollars (US$52), followed by a suona, a double-reeded horn, and a siao, a vertical flute. Teaching himself through online videos and playing by ear, Iman developed a deep connection with these instruments, despite having little formal guidance.

Bridging Cultural and Linguistic Gaps

Joining Temasek Polytechnic’s Chinese orchestra in 2024 as a first-year student, Iman faced significant challenges. With only a basic understanding of Mandarin—limited to simple words like “lian” (practice) and “zhun bei” (get ready)—communication with his conductor and peers was initially difficult. Fortunately, his conductor made an effort to repeat instructions in English, while his orchestra mates were eager to assist, often helping him navigate language barriers. Iman also relied on the Chinese dictionary app Pleco to expand his vocabulary and better understand the nuances of rehearsal instructions.

Beyond language, adapting to the musical style of a Chinese orchestra proved to be a steep learning curve. “Everything is different—the instruments, the genres, and my conductors’ personal ways of teaching,” Iman admits. Many of his peers had prior experience with Chinese orchestras from their primary or secondary school days, which made him feel the pressure to catch up. Undeterred, he sought guidance from his friends and dedicated countless hours to practicing challenging pieces, refining his technique on the dizi and other wind instruments.

A Stage for Inspiration

Iman’s hard work paid off when he earned the opportunity to perform solo parts during the orchestra’s annual concert in February. His performances not only showcased his talent but also highlighted the power of passion to transcend cultural boundaries. Walter Yeo Boon Kai, a second-year student in the woodwind section, remembers being struck by Iman’s dedication when they first met. “I asked him what he knew about Chinese culture and how much he had learnt, and I was very surprised,” Yeo shares.

For Iman, the support of his family has been a constant source of encouragement. They attend his performances, cheering him on as he navigates a musical tradition that is unfamiliar to them. This familial backing, combined with his personal drive, has fueled his ambition to inspire others. At the upcoming co-curricular activity fair at Temasek Polytechnic, Iman hopes to share his story and encourage students from diverse backgrounds to join the Chinese orchestra. “I would tell them it doesn’t matter what background you come from, as long as you enjoy the music and have a passion for it,” he says.

A Broader Cultural Exploration

Iman’s immersion in Chinese music has opened doors to other aspects of Chinese culture, including an appreciation for Chinese opera and tea. He describes this exploration as a “natural segue” from his musical interests, reflecting a curiosity that extends beyond the stage. Yet, his heart remains with music, and he dreams of one day joining a professional Chinese orchestra. Even if that dream does not materialize, Iman is certain that Chinese music will always be a cherished part of his life.

As Iman continues his journey, his story resonates as a testament to the unifying power of art. In a multicultural city-state like Singapore, where diversity is both celebrated and challenged, his presence in the Chinese orchestra serves as a small but significant reminder that passion and perseverance can bridge even the widest of cultural divides.