Wayne Lau Tsan Wai

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Wayne Lau Tsan Wai is a Malaysian-Chinese baritone, music educator, songwriter, and choral conductor from 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, under the tutelage of Adsone Matthew Gabu. 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.

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Musical Journey and Church Involvement

Wayne started his singing journey at the age of 8 as a choir boy in a children choir and as a worship team member under BCCM KK Church. At the age of 15, he became committed to a vocal lesson with Pastor Alvin Lee Kah Haw, and earned a Grade 8 ABRSM in Vocal Performance. Wayne has been actively involved in church music, serving as a chorister, conductor, and vocal soloist in ensembles such as the Hakka Sunday Service Choir, the Sabah Christian Festival Chorale Association and BCCM Voice of Praise 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). E.g. Church choir singing, Kodaly method teaching workshop etc. 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. He is passionate about Korean art songs and actively explores Korean vocal literature. Besides vocal music, Wayne was also a part of an orchestra as a violinist in Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra (2020)

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Performances and Competitions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wayne demonstrated his adaptability by joining the online opera scene, performing the iconic "Champagne Song" from Die Fledermaus in a Quarantine Opera production. While interning at Fiamma Opera Studio, he actively performed in various opera scenes, including excerpts from Don Giovanni, Le Nozze di Figaro, and more.

In 2025, Wayne took part as both chorus member and soloist with the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) in the MPYO at the Opera Concert and also with Petaling Jaya Philharmonic Orchestra (PJPO) in the Embrace Timeless Adventure concert. That same year, he performed as a backup vocalist for renowned Malaysian singer Sheila Amzah and Indonesian singer Rimar Callista at the Golden Bull Award 2025, alongside the Tutan Festival Orchestra.

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As an active musician and performer, Wayne has achieved numerous accolades:

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• 2nd Class Award - 2025 5th SC Bright International Music Concours (Vocal) (South Korea)

• Finalist - Seil International Korea Art Song Competition (2024) (South Korea)

• Gold Star International Music Competition (Vocal), Kuala Lumpur - Silver Award (2023)

• Kuala Lumpur City Opera National Opera Competition (Opera KUL 2021) – Silver Award (21+ Category)

• Medici International Music Competition (Voice) – Finalist (2021)

• London Classical Music Competition (Voice) – Finalist (2021)

• 2020 International Vocal Open Competition – Second Class Award (Hong Kong International Musician Association)

• Sabah HIS Music Feast Church Music Composition Contest – Finalist, Second Class Award (2019)

• Let the Praise Fill This Land Church Music Singing Competition – First Class Award (BCCM KK Church, 2012)

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Operatic and Theatrical Roles

As an active opera singer, Wayne made his operatic debut in Fiamma Opera Studio as King Melchior in Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors, staged in Ipoh, Malaysia (2024), performed as Papageno in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte staged in Sitiawan, Malaysia (2025). Beside opera, he was also performed in the chorus for the musical theatre production- Evita produced by Bentley Music Academy staged at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC).

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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.

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