PUTRAJAYA, August 24 – Two young talents from Illy Piano Academy, Aira Mohd Zaki (9) and Amni Khadijah Kamalhafez (12), made Malaysia proud at the prestigious 8th Liszt Ferenc International Piano Competition 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. Aira clinched third place in the Children A category, while Amni received the Second Honourable Mention, sharing the honour with participants from the UK and Hungary.
Their success highlights Malaysia’s growing presence in the international classical music scene and the exceptional training provided by Illy Piano Academy. Founder and Artistic Director Illi Diyana Mohd Isa expressed pride in her students’ achievements, emphasizing that age is no barrier to excellence in music. Held at the historic Liszt Ferenc Old Academy of Music, the competition featured participants from over 18 countries.
Malaysia’s 17-member delegation showcased remarkable talent, further elevating the country’s reputation in classical music education. Illy Piano Academy also extended appreciation to local designer Fuzana Mokhtaza for sponsoring elegant performance attire for the young pianists.
