Performing “Bergending Dang Gong”, a song popularised by Siti Nurhaliza and the late SM Salim, the 17-year-olds captivated the judges and received tremendous applause from the audience.

They outperformed over 40 participants from seven countries in the competition, which ran from Dec 11-20.

Nur Syafawati Damia, a student of SMK Jeli, said it was an unexpected victory given the impressive lineup of participants from across the globe, including from the host country, the US, and Ukraine. All of them displayed exceptional vocal qualities, she said.

“Thankfully, Nik Mohamed Firdaus and I managed to perform well. I am happy to make our country proud and elevate the status of traditional music,” she told Bernama recently.

During the competition, Nur Syafawati and Nik Mohamed Firdaus, who attends SMK Raja Sakti, wore songket attire to promote Malaysia’s traditional costume.

The oldest of four siblings said she inherited the talent from her mother, Siti Nor Abidah Zainuddin, who taught her vocal techniques and delivery.

“I practised whenever I had free time and was also guided by my teacher Suhaida Sukri, as I had to manage my time to focus on my SPM examinations,” she said.

She added that her father, Safwan Mamat, is also supportive of her interest, having allowed her to enter various singing competitions from a young age.