Clarence Kang ─ Malaysia’s autistic-savant pianist ─ needs no introduction to the world of fame, glitter and prodigy. Written about and televised in almost all of Malaysia’s media channels and those overseas, as well as being acclaimed and awarded for his competitions and public performances, his talent has been lauded, applauded and broadcast far and wide across the world.
In 2017, he was on the world stage performing with Yuna at the ASEAN 9th Para Games Opening Ceremony, playing the theme song We Are One. In the same year, he was one of the worldwide speakers using Piano Narration on Tedx Petaling Street. He was also on TV shows appearing in I Dream China by Zhejiang Broadcasting Television and even and gained the attention of Lang Lang ─ China’s most celebrated international concert pianist ─ who dedicated a Special Message to Clarence which can be seen here.
In 2016, Clarence won two awards: “Best Expression Award” and the ‘Excellent Performance Award’ in the Hong Kong’s International Autistic Talent Gala 2015. Clarence won for his performance of a duet composed by his mother Joyce Lim called Hold My Hand ─ a song written by Joyce about Autism inspired by Clarence. The song has now been released as Clarence’s debut album titled Hold My Hand.
In 2015, Clarence represented Malaysia in Asia’s Got Talent and got four “yesses” from the judges David Foster, Anggun, Jay Park and Melanie C.
Tony Fernandez, Founder of Air Asia had this to say: “Now here is a kid we are truly proud of! Clarence Kang has ADHD & Autism but he also has an amazing talent for music. We had the honour of having Clarence Kang perform for us at our AGM last year and we are proud of his achievements today! Clarence earned a resounding YES from all four judges for his performance at Asia’s Got Talent. Clarence, you may not be in the running in the semi-finals but this is just the beginning of many great things to come your way, we will cheer you on as you make us proud!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6CrhdOk9gA&feature=youtu.be
[dropcap letter=”Y”]esterday, on the commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day April 2, 2019, Clarence performed Ludwig Van Beethovan’s Sonata No. 8 in C minor Op. 13 “Pathetique” 1st movement in the presence of YB Hannah Yeoh, deputy minister of Women, Family & Community Development, Feilina Feisol, Chairman of NASOM, Prof TS Dr Hj Mohamad Kamal Hj Harun, Dep Vice Chancellor and HC Chan, CEO of Sunway Malls and Theme Parks as well as an uproarious crowd held in Sunway Putra Mall ─ Malaysia’s first autism-friendly mall.
Clarence, alongside 11 others, also received a Certificate of Recognition as Autism Star (THE NATIONAL AUTISM CHAMPION) award in recognition of their contribution to the Autism community.
Early Confusion and Finding His Way
Clarence Kang was diagnosed with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) at the age of three. His mother Joyce told Motherhood that although he developed normally in the beginning and exhibited extraordinary abilities ─ like being able to recite the alphabet at 10 months old, read English by age one, read entire children’s encyclopedias and music notes and had photographic memory remembering entire scores by age two ─ he started to withdraw from the world, isolated himself and started staring into space for hours on end by age three. He also began to lose eye contact with people and subsequently was formally diagnosed.
He went to many special schools for therapies and programmes including those at the National Autistic Society of Malaysia (NASOM). Even though there was progress, all was not lost as soon, Joyce discovered Clarence’s penchant for art and music. Although he could not speak well, Clarence found solace and expression through art, drawing all kinds of vehicles such as cars, ships and planes and of course, playing the piano. By eight, he would listen to songs on the radio and then play them off by heart. As an artist and musician, his debut artworks and concert were held at PJ Live Arts (PJLA) and KLCC ‘Purple Day’ Art Exhibition where two of his artworks were reproduced on T-Shirts to be sold as premium items at the said events.
Of course, it helped that Clarence’s parents owned a music centre so music surrounded Clarence’s environment giving him inspiration while musical instruments were always at his disposal. Without formal training, Clarence was able to read music notes, memorise pieces easily due to his photographic memory, transcribe, compose, and analyze complicated chords.
Seeing his inclination for music, Joyce put Clarence to formal classes at age 10 and the rest, as they say, is kismet. Some notable teachers who have taught Clarence are Dr. Nicholas Ong and Tay Cher Siang.
Clarence has since graduated with a London College of Music diploma from the University of West London.
It hasn’t been an easy road for Joyce as she recalls raising a son who is “differently-abled” but today, Clarence, at age 22, has inspired, encouraged and touched the hearts of so many people, autistic or not, from all walks of life all over the world.
Back home, his performances on local stages have led him to meet and be known to the top-most people in the highest echelons of society. He has even performed for our Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s 87th Birthday. With NASOM, he was the pianist for their choir ensemble called NASOM Maestro where the group performed together at numerous glittering events including NASOM Maestro’s debut performance overseas at the Special Music and Arts Festival in conjunction with the 2018 Winter Olympic in Pyeongchang (Korea).
Do visit Clarence’s Facebook Fan Page and Instagram to get to know him better.