Lee Hieu, a young musical prodigy from International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), has added another prestigious award to his growing list of accomplishments, winning 1st place in both the children's and overall guitar categories at the Hong Kong International Music Festival. We are extremely proud of his incredible accomplishments, after just 3 years of playing the Ukulele. 

Discovering a Natural Talent for Ukulele

Lee Hieu joined ISHCMC in Kindergarten in 2021, transferring from ISHCMC’s sister school International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP), both in the Cognita Schools Group. He began his classes online, joining the millions of schoolchildren across Vietnam over the course of the COVID-19 lockdowns. When asked what motivated Lee Hieu to start he said “I watched the world’s number 1 famous ukulelist, Jake Shimibakaru and with his amazing arrangements, he made me want to start and try.” Lee Hieu then started learning online through the school’s ISHCMC Performing Arts Academy (IPAA). 

Lee Hieu, a young musical prodigy from International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), has added another prestigious award to his growing list of accomplishments, winning 1st place in both the children's and overall guitar categories at the Hong Kong International Music Festival. We are extremely proud of his incredible accomplishments, after just 3 years of playing the Ukulele. 

Discovering a Natural Talent for Ukulele

Lee Hieu joined ISHCMC in Kindergarten in 2021, transferring from ISHCMC’s sister school International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP), both in the Cognita Schools Group. He began his classes online, joining the millions of schoolchildren across Vietnam over the course of the COVID-19 lockdowns. When asked what motivated Lee Hieu to start he said “I watched the world’s number 1 famous ukulelist, Jake Shimibakaru and with his amazing arrangements, he made me want to start and try.” Lee Hieu then started learning online through the school’s ISHCMC Performing Arts Academy (IPAA). 

Lee Hieu’s Kindergarten photo at just 5 years old

Hieu quickly discovered a natural talent for the instrument. Despite being just five years old, he began practicing relentlessly and soon started competing in international ukulele competitions. Hieu's first competition was the Kris Fujigami Competition in Hawaii. He has since returned to Hawaii twice and has won the competition both times. At the age of seven, he also won first prize at the Malaysia International Ukulele Competition. However, Hieu believes that the Hong Kong International Music Festival was his most challenging competition to date. First he competed against other musicians in the Vietnam regional competition, coming first overall, qualifying him for the final round in Hong Kong.

Lee Hieu at the Hong Kong International Music Festival Vietnam Regional Round in Hanoi A Triumphant Performance in Hong Kong

Lee Hieu's participation in the Hong Kong International Music Festival was a major milestone in his young career. The prestigious competition, held at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, attracted over 4000 musicians of all ages from around the world. With 32 instruments and 120 categories, it was the largest and most competitive event Hieu had ever faced.

Despite the immense pressure, Hieu advanced to the final round and was asked to shorten his performance to 4 to 3 minutes, then to 1.5 minutes. Without the guidance of a teacher, he independently arranged his pieces and earned an impressive 97 points from the judges, with 2 judges awarding an almost perfect 99 points. 1st prizes were awarded to any musician with over 90 marks, and of the 4000 contestants, just 60 were awarded a 1st prize, and Hieu was among the top performers.

Lee Hieu at the Hong Kong International Music Festival with his lucky ISHCMC Rhino in hand

In the guitar category, Hieu not only won the children's prize but also claimed the top spot overall, outperforming all adult competitors. His exceptional confidence and stage presence were evident to all who watched him perform. He shared “When I'm playing on stage, I don't feel nervous at all. It's just like a normal thing that comes to me. When I’m not on the stage yet waiting for my turn, usually I'm a little bit nervous. And when I step onto the stage, everything just comes in to flow.  But it's different for school because at my school, I'm really comfortable with it.”Lee Hieu was also chosen to be one of 16 musicians performing in the closing ceremony orchestra. With only 1.5 hours to prepare a new piece, Lee Hieu not only mastered it by himself but began to help other musicians arrange their parts too. Hieu's mother, Sandra, was impressed both by his professionalism and by his empathy and care for others. 

Hieu's maturity and empathy are characteristic of ISHCMC students, who are encouraged to be confident, and caring global citizens. Hieu perfectly embodies the school's values of Curiosity, Achievement, Resilience, and Empathy.

Balancing School and Music

Balancing school life and a demanding musical career can be challenging for any student, but Lee Hieu has managed to excel in both areas. ISHCMC teachers have been instrumental in helping him stay on track with his studies, providing online resources and additional lessons when needed. Lee Hieu shared how grateful he is for his teachers; “I’d love to say thank you to all the teachers when they gave me courage and also they gave me support.” 

He has also formed strong friendships with his peers, who are always willing to help him catch up on missed lessons. Hieu shares that the supportive environment at ISHCMC makes it feel “like a second home, but without [his] parents”.

As Hieu prepares for his upcoming competition, Rockfest in Malaysia, we wish him continued success in his musical endeavors.

Watch the interview with Lee Hieu as part of ISHCMC’s Believer Achiever series, celebrating the incredible achievements of students across the Primary and Secondary Campus.