- - Written By Chong Ah Kow
                                             (Malaysia Harmonist)

The history of Malaysia's harmonica history is not very long. (Only started after 1930). Harmonicas were a good companion for our ancestors who came from China to work in Malaysia. They were easily carried for entertainment purpose. China was politically unstable and everyone was looking for better living out of China. Most of the Chinese nationals came to work in Malaysia. They not only had no money to buy harmonicas but also could not afford to feed themselves. Therefore, they had to share a harmonica to play homeland and patriotic songs to reduce their homesick feelings and boring moments.

After 2nd World War, the 2nd generation's Chinese living standard had improved due to their ancestors laborious effort. They wish to upgrade cultural activities. Friends and relatives set up harmonica associations.

In 1954, the Chinese who founded Chin Woo Sports Association formed a harmonica association. It was guided by Mr. Deng Han Guang. In 1957, the Chinese Engineering Works Association also formed a harmonica Association and was guided by Mr. Liu Jin Hui. The pioneer members were from the six members of Li De Harmonica Ensemble which was formed in 1955. Subsequently, formation of harmonica association spread very fast. Eg. Selangor's Quartet; Selangor Printer's Association harmonica association in 1957 and it was guided by Mr. Chen Zhen Hao.

After independence in 1957, most of the states had formed harmonica associations. Eg Ipoh and Taiping's Zhong Qing Harmonica Association; Penang's Happy Harmonica Association; Da Bu's Association's Harmonica Association; Qing Gong harmonica Association. They play ensemble songs and also accompany singers. Redifussion frequently broadcast harmonica music. The presence of harmonica association could be felt at every place ie mobile cultural association, schools  and community associations. A breakthrough of harmonica learning in Malaysia in the 60's; When the world well-known Chromatic harmonist, Larry Adler came to perform in Malaysia and Singapore. A lot of people diverted their attention to chromatic harmonica.

In 1971, Mr. Chong Ah Kow (19 years old) who studied in matriculation class at TAR College won the championship in the "Stairway to Stardom" International Talent contest. He also won the championship in Hong Kong. He not only brought popularity home but also lead schools and community associations to form harmonica associations. Mr. Chong frequently visited and guided TAR College's Harmonica Association for 10 years after graduation. He also founded " Yong Jin Harmonica Band ". He performed at many places with the assistance of Mr. Lee Nam Saw who helped and guided the harmonica band.

A lot of foreign musical instrument companies such as  YAMAHA, SUZUKI organized wind instrument band, electronic organ and brass band associations at schools due to the economic boom in the 70's. Everyone started to send their children to learn piano, violin and forgot about harmonica eventually.

A lot of harmonica activities just play harmonica on part-time basis as they had to take care of their living. Nevertheless, Mr. Lee Nam Saw insisted to form "Evergreen Music Institute" and offered harmonica lessons. He put every effort to guide the harmonica bands.

Mr. Chong concentrated on his insurance career after closing down Yong Jing Harmonica Institute in 1979. He only involved in harmonica again after he had built his financial strength within the nest 10 years. In 1988, he was invited to guide the YMCA Senior Harmonica Association. In 1989, he won the 2nd World Harmonica Contest under the soloist tremolo harmonica category in Trossingen, Germany. In 1990, Mr. Chong formed Harmonica World Sdn Bhd (HWSB). He organized 5 national harmonica contest in 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995 and 1997. He not only discovered new talents but also invited foreign harmonists to perform and guide our players; Singapore's Zhou Jin Shi, Tang Yuan Wei, Lim Zi Xian, Li Zhi Xin, Sun Ren Guang. (Sorry for not listing down all the names due to an exhausted list); China's He Jia Yi, Bai Brother's (Yan Sheng, Wen Sheng and Rong Sheng) and Huang Yu Qian; Taiwan's Li Siao Ming, Yang Shu Lin; Korea's Lee Hea Bong; Hong Kong's Dr Ho Pak Cheong; Japan's Saito Juko. Especially Masatoshi Kozakai (Japan) performed in Malaysia from 1990 onwards.

In 1998, Malaysia's 2nd Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival (AHPF) brought the national harmonica activities to a feverish point. The participants of the festival came from Beijing, Tianjin, Lan Zhou, Guang Xi, Shang Hai, Taiwan, Xin Zhu, Kao Hsiung, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Philippines. The harmonica lovers consist of 500 person. The 3 days competition and well-known harmonist performance brought enormous wave to our country. Our country's participants had won 8 top prize from thirteen contested categories. Out soloist for chromatic harmonica also won the champion, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up places for Chromatic categories.

A few years after 1998, Malaysia's harmonica world had become "cool" due to the economic crisis which attacked South East Asia. In 2000, our talented harmonists, Ho Chee Kin, Tan Choon Siang, Koh Keng Hong and Ng Meng Kiat were honoured with awards in AHPF in Korea. In the same year, they also won the champion for trio in the Open Category in "Millenium Harmonica Contest" organized by IHO (International harmonica Organization) in England. Indeed Ho Chee Kin not only won the Chromatic Champion but also the Overall Champion with his excellent harmonica playing skill. In 2002, they won the gold medal for Quartet in Open Category in 4th AHPF in Japan. It was a sensational moment. Mr. Chong and these four player performed 100 Sessions of concerts continuously after returning from Japan.

HWSB guided the "460 People Largest Harmonica Performance" in conjunction with 46th Anniversary of National Day on 30 August 2003. It was entered in the Malaysia Book of Records. This event group-up all harmonica lovers which included a 6 years old and a 89 years old senior citizen. It also consisted of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races.

In 2004, HWSB chose Penang to organize "Malaysia-China Harmonica Competition" to celebrate the Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relation for 30 years. The participants for this friendship competitions consists of 180 students from Hang Zhou, Ze Jiang, Shanghai and 150 students from Malaysia. We invited Mr. Claude Garden (France), Saito Juko (Japan) to perform; Huang Yu Qian and Liu Zheng Yuan (China); Johnny Chan (Hong Kong), Lee Nam Saw & Ho Chee Kin (Malaysia) to be our jugdes.

On 13 January 2004, Claude Garden, Saito Juko, Chong Ah Kow and our national harmonica trio organized 1 session of harmonica concert. The event was broad-casted by ASTRO AEC and it brought harmonica fever to the audience.

On 17 July 2004, Kajang's Yu Hua Secondary School organized a warm-up performance to prepare themselves for 5th AHPF.

Malaysia's harmonica music is not considered as common. It's popularity is limited to Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kajang. We hope everyone will continue to promote harmonica in every town and state diligently. Currently the active harmonica promoters and lecturers in Malaysia are Chan Kit Yap, Tay Keng Seng, Sun Fook Chuan, Liew Kok Chuan, Loke Chee Tion and Tong Meng Shon. Their undivided sacrifices really impressed many harmonica enthusiasts.

Due to limited space, we could not tell the history at this level at this time. We wish to collect more information to compose a history of the development of harmonica activities.