B i o g r a p h y

Wayne Lau Tsan Wai
DipMus (Malaysia), CertChrWorship (Singapore)
​
Baritone | Music Educator | Songwriter
​​
Wayne Lau Tsan Wai is a Malaysian-Chinese baritone, music educator, songwriter, and assistant conductor from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. A rising talent in opera and classical music, he holds a Diploma in Music Studies (Vocal Major, Violin Minor) from the Sabah Institute of Art, Malaysia, where he was recognized with the Best Academic Achievement Award, Most Promising Student Award, and an Appreciation Award. He further pursued studies in church music, earning a Certificate in Christian Worship from the Singapore Methodist School of Music.
In addition, Wayne has obtained a Certificate in Choral Conducting from the International Christian Choral Conductors Society (ICCCS), Singapore and holds ABRSM Grade 8 Vocal Performance as well as ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), UK.
​
Musical Journey and Church Involvement
Wayne has been actively involved in church music, serving as a chorister, conductor, and soloist in ensembles such as the Hakka Sunday Service Choir, the Sabah Christian Festival Chorale Association, BCCM Voice of Praise, and the BCCM KK Church Choir. From 2022 to February 2024, he served as the Assistant Conductor for the BCCM KK Hakka Service Choir, where he led rehearsals and assisted in choral direction, contributing to the choir’s musical growth. Additionally, Wayne has actively participated in numerous church music conferences, training programs, and camps organized by the International Christian Choral Conductors Society (ICCCS). Through these events, he has deepened his knowledge of choral conducting, sacred music, and worship leading, further refining his musicianship and leadership skills. He previously worked as a music teaching assistant with the BCCM Joyful Voice Children's Choir and frequently performed as a vocal soloist in church services. His leadership skills were evident during his high school years, where he served as chief choral conductor of his school choir.
​
Performances and Competitions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wayne showcased his adaptability by joining the online opera scene, performing the famous "Champagne Song" from Die Fledermaus in a Quarantine Opera production. He has also actively participated in international music conferences and festivals, including events organized by the International Christian Choral Conductors Society (ICCCS), Singapore. He earned a Certificate in Choral Conducting in 2017 and performed in the Opera Gala Friendship Concert, a collaborative event between Korea and Malaysia.
​
As a competitor and composer, Wayne has achieved numerous accolades:
-
Seil International Korea Art Song Competition (2024)
-
Jury Member – Elegant Event Chinese New Year Singing Competition (2023)
-
Kuala Lumpur City Opera National Opera Competition (Opera KUL 2021) – Silver Award (21+ Category)
-
Medici International Music Competition (Voice) – Final Round (2021)
-
London Classical Music Competition (Voice) – Final Round (2021)
-
2020 International Vocal Open Competition – Second Class Award (Hong Kong International Musician Association)
-
Sabah HIS Music Feast Church Music Composition Contest – Final Round, Second Class Award (2019)
-
Let the Praise Fill This Land Church Music Singing Competition – First Class Award (BCCM KK Church, 2012)
Operatic and Theatrical Roles
Wayne made his operatic debut as King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors by Fiamma Opera Studio, Malaysia, staged in Ipoh, Malaysia (2024). Additionally, he performed in the chorus for the 2022 musical theatre production of Evita at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC).
​
Future Aspirations
Wayne continues to bring his passion for opera, choral conducting, classical music, and music education to wider audiences while contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s music scene. With his dedication to performance, education, and composition, he remains committed to shaping the future of vocal music in the region and beyond.
​