Prizewinners have been announced at Singapore’s National Piano & Violin Competition (NPVC), following the conclusion of the 2025 edition held from 20 to 30 November 2025. Established in 1997 under the auspices of the National Arts Council, the biennial competition remains one of Singapore’s most significant platforms for identifying and nurturing young musical talent.
Open to pianists and violinists aged 25 and under, the NPVC continues to play a central role in the country’s classical music ecosystem, offering young performers the opportunity to present themselves in a professional, juried environment while engaging with newly commissioned repertoire.
Competition structure and repertoire
The competition is divided into four age categories for each instrument: Artist (25 years and below), Senior (21 years and below), Intermediate (15 years and below), and Junior (11 years and below). In both the Artist and Seniorcategories, competitors were required to perform specially commissioned works by Singaporean composer Koh Cheng Jin, reinforcing the Competition’s long-standing commitment to contemporary Singaporean music.
Across all categories, the top three prizewinners received cash awards of up to SGD 5,000, alongside valuable performance experience and national recognition.
Violin prizewinners
The violin competition produced a strong cohort of prizewinners across all age categories.
Artist Category (25 years & below)
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1st Prize: Ernest Syu
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2nd Prize: Low Peng Guan
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2nd Prize: Madeline Goh Anyi
Senior Category (21 years & below)
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1st Prize: Low Peng Yang
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2nd Prize: Kaleb Toh Yi Chao
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3rd Prize: Isabel Heng Ai Ping
Intermediate Category (15 years & below)
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1st Prize: Cathy Chen Xi
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1st Prize: Sophia Ann Fang
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3rd Prize: Asher Ng An Sheng
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Honourable Mention: Mason Chua Yukai
Junior Category (11 years & below)
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1st Prize: Wu Yueer Angela
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2nd Prize: Khew Jing Kai Kaden
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3rd Prize: Wu Yifan
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Honourable Mention: Wong Jun Bin Maximus
In addition, the Christopher & Rosy Ho Audience Prize was awarded, recognising the performer who made the strongest impression on concert audiences.
The violin jury for the 2025 competition comprised Kaoru Kondo, Mira Wang, and Erik Heide, each bringing extensive international performance and pedagogical experience to the judging panel.
Reflecting on the standard of playing, jury member Mira Wang commented: “What a wonderful opportunity the Singapore Symphony Group has created for Singapore’s young string talents. Their dedication and artistry shine on stage, and I wish them every success as they grow.”
Piano prizewinners
The piano competition likewise showcased a broad range of emerging talent.
Artist Category (25 years & below)
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1st Prize: Toby Tan Kai Rong
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2nd Prize: Goh Kai Cheng
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3rd Prize: Chen Xing-Chi
Senior Category (21 years & below)
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2nd Prize: Tong Yong Kang
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3rd Prize: Tong Yong Jian
Intermediate Category (15 years & below)
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2nd Prize: Ma Chun Yin Phyllis
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3rd Prize: Ooi Yi Kai
Junior Category (11 years & below)
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1st Prize: Angelina Xi Yuxi
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2nd Prize: Enzio Lim Yue Tong
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3rd Prize: Ham Jia Le Harry
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3rd Prize: Zhao Ziwen
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Honourable Mention: Theodore Penn Hur
As with the violin division, the Christopher & Rosy Ho Audience Prize was also presented in the piano category.
The piano jury consisted of Ashley Wass, Noriko Ogawa, and Ran Jia, all of whom are active internationally as performers and educators.
A continuing investment in young musicians
Now approaching three decades since its founding, the National Piano & Violin Competition has become a cornerstone of Singapore’s musical life, offering young artists a structured pathway for artistic development while encouraging engagement with both canonical and contemporary repertoire. The 2025 edition reaffirmed the Competition’s role as a catalyst for emerging talent, highlighting not only technical accomplishment but also musical maturity across a wide age range.
As past laureates continue to progress into professional careers, the NPVC remains a vital forum for discovering the next generation of Singaporean pianists and violinists.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
