The Nanyang International Music Competition began in 2017 and aims to bring together music professionals and enthusiasts. The organizing committee hopes that through this platform, the younger generation of future musicians can showcase their skills, challenge themselves, and achieve higher levels of performance; But more importantly, to enhance international artistic and cultural exchanges and support the development of the next generation of musicians.
The Nanyang International Music Competition is hosted by the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, School of Music in Singapore, and its purpose is consistent with the mission of the Nanyang Academy of Arts, which is to inspire learning and growth through art. I hope to inspire music talents to understand and master the essence of music through the competition, and share their experiences and achievements in the music learning journey together.
Wong Sun Tat
Head of Chinese Instrumental Studies, School of Music, Faculty of Performing Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Dear Participants,
Welcome to the 6th Nanyang International Music Competition 2025!
Over the past years, this competition has brought together outstanding musical talents from more than ten countries and regions worldwide, showcasing the boundless charm of music. This year, due to the upgrade and optimisation of our website system, the registration process was slightly delayed. We sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding. Registration is now fully open, and we look forward to your enthusiastic participation and brilliant performances. The competition will continue to be held in an online format, with the aim of creating an open and diverse international platform for musical exchange.
For this edition, we have introduced a new framework: Chinese instrumental categories will alternate between plucked-string instruments and bowed-string & wind instruments on an annual basis. This year’s focus is on plucked-string instruments, featuring Pipa, Liuqin, Ruan, and Guzheng. The following year will highlight bowed-string instruments and Dizi. This reform is designed to optimise the participant experience and provide a higher-quality competition platform.
We are committed to ensuring that every participant can fully express themselves, enjoy meaningful exchange, and contribute to the flourishing of Chinese music on the international stage.
I firmly believe that the Nanyang International Music Competition will continue to serve as an important platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, inspiring creativity and passion in musicians everywhere. May each of you find your stage here, and gain both friendship and inspiration.
Let us join hands and move towards an even brighter future!
Thank you.
The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) - School of Music was established in 1984. It is the only institution in Singapore that is funded by the government, offering courses in both Chinese and Western musical instruments, as well as vocal and composition majors. In 2011, under the counsel of then Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the world's number one ranked Royal College of Music, London (RCM) launched a partnership, with students being awarded degrees conferred by the Royal College of Music and recognized by the China’s Ministry of Education. In 2023, NAFA and RCM launched a new masters program, bringing NAFA and the musical educational landscape to new heights
NAFA School of Music provides students with one-to-one and small class education in the form of a "bespoke education". Every semester, it invites numerous international artistes and professors from prestigious conservatories and universities to conduct series of activities such as master classes, lectures and workshops. NAFA School of Music also presents many regular concerts during the year, ranging from orchestral , solo and ensemble concerts by both Western and Chinese Instrumentalists. Through these performances and other activities, students are provided with rich resources and many practical opportunities.
The government of Singapore is vigorously promoting the development of arts and culture. Through the establishment of the new University of the Arts Singapore, it hopes to meet the needs of the arts and cultural sector; and enhance Singapore's position on the global art stage through educational advancement. NAFA is one of the proud founding member college of the new University of the Arts Singapore.
