Fukuoka: The Caklempong Acastra ensemble, comprising 14 students from the Pendang Science Academy in Kedah, is set to represent Malaysia at the International Music Talent Competition (IMTC) at Aiwa Hall, Fukuoka, Japan, on August 8.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the group is also scheduled to perform for two days at the Malaysia Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka, in conjunction with ASEAN Week, to introduce traditional Malaysian music to an international audience.

The leader of Caklempong Acastra, Muhammad Aidil Adib Mohd Nor Azizi, 15, from Setiu, Terengganu, stated that their breakthrough came when they performed at the IMTC in Bangkok, Thailand, recently. “Our unexpected success there paved the way for us to qualify for the finals in Fukuoka, Japan, an honour rarely given to new participants. As the group leader, I feel incredibly proud that we have the opportunity to represent Malaysia on the global stage,” he said in a statement.

Muhammad Aidil is known for his musical talent, possessing an auditory memory that allows him to identify and reproduce the bonang-caklempong melody by ear alone.

Another team member, Airil Muamar Azizi, 15, a top student at Pendang Science Academy, expressed hope that he and his teammates will make Malaysia proud at the competition. Although Airil leads the school’s robotics team and considers robotics his primary passion, caklempong holds a special place in his heart.

Head of the Caklempong Acastra delegation, Dr. Mohd Hafizi Nordin, described their participation in the IMTC and Expo 2025 as a pivotal moment for the students and a source of pride. “For most of them, this will be their first trip to Japan. I hope this experience will inspire them and that, with the support of all Malaysians, they will go on to achieve even greater success in the future,” he said.

Formed in June 2023, Caklempong Acastra quickly rose to prominence after winning Season 9 of Kids Got Talent Malaysia, earning the title of National Champion in the Traditional Musical Instruments category. Following that achievement, the group received an exclusive invitation to represent Malaysia in the upcoming 21st season of America’s Got Talent, further solidifying their status on the international stage.