Osaka: Caklempong Acastra, a group of 14 students from Akademi Sains Pendang in Kedah, has captivated visitors of the Expo 2025 Osaka with their rendition of traditional Malaysian music.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the group secured second place at the International Music Talent Competition (IMTC) held in Fukuoka, Japan, on Aug 8. Group leader Muhammad Aidil Adib Mohd Nor Azizi, 15, said it was their first time openly performing before an international audience. He shared that preparation for Fukuoka took about two months, during which they practised various pieces and refined older songs to deliver a stronger performance.

Teachers Iza Harlydia Azis and Siti Zulaikha Alias supervised the group’s training to ensure the students’ academic performance was not affected. Iza Harlydia explained that practice sessions were held from 8 to 10 pm after Maghrib prayers, while the students focused on their studies during the day. She emphasized the importance of not taking up the students’ leisure time, considering it equally important.

For the two-day performance in Osaka, Caklempong Acastra showcased Kedah’s identity through a fusion of folk songs, traditional Malay tunes, and popular Japanese numbers, such as Sakura and Mirai. The main performance featured a five-song medley comprising Tari Tualang 3, Ayam Didik, Inang Bakawali, Kuda Hitam, and Cindai, which had previously earned them championship titles at the Fully Residential Schools Traditional Music Competition, Kids Got Talent Malaysia, and the Bangkok IMTC. This same medley also secured their recent success in Fukuoka.

Iza Harlydia expressed her pride in the students, aged between 14 and 15, for successfully bringing traditional music to the international stage. She voiced her gratitude to everyone, especially the parents, for their support, acknowledging that such opportunities might not come twice.

Established in June 2023, Caklempong Acastra first gained recognition when they won Season 9 of Kids Got Talent Malaysia, earning the title of national champion in the traditional musical instrument category. Following that success, the troupe received an exclusive invitation to audition for Season 21 of America’s Got Talent, representing Malaysia on one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages later this year.