In a breathtaking display of rhythm, unity, and cultural harmony, Pertubuhan Penyelidikan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Bai Shi Yin, in collaboration with Auto-City Group, Yayasan Sakti, BSY R&D, Oriental Drums (International), and BSY Cultural Arts, has been officially recognised by ASEAN Records for the extraordinary milestone: “Largest Simultaneous Performance of Oriental Drums, Malay Drums, Indian Drums, and Resonant Objects as Drums.”
This landmark event took place at Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang, where a staggering 11,520 drummers gathered in unified rhythm — transcending tradition, age, and background to create a powerful moment of sound and soul.
An Unforgettable Tapestry of Drumming Traditions
The historic performance brought together a rich and diverse array of percussion instruments and drumming traditions, including:
- Malay Kompang Drums
- Oriental Drums
- Indian Traditional Drums
- Golden Drums, Red Drums, African Drums, Japanese Taiko Drums
- Wellness Drums, Hand Drums, Family Drums
- Chinese Drums, performed using originally composed Chinese Drum Scores by Bai Shiyin
This awe-inspiring ensemble not only demonstrated the musical diversity of ASEAN, but also showcased the unifying power of rhythm to connect cultures, generations, and communities through a single shared beat.
Official Remarks: A Vision for Cultural Collaboration
In his official address, Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow expressed pride in Penang hosting this ASEAN-scale achievement:
About the Chinese Drum Scores by Bai Shiyin
A central element of the event was the performance of Chinese Drums using custom-created drum scores developed by Bai Shiyin — a globally respected scientist, moral educator, and innovator in Eastern life sciences.
Recognised as the first permanent ambassador of the Malaysian Technology Inventors Association and one of the Top Ten Role Models among Global Chinese, Bai Shiyin shared her vision during the event’s press conference:
Her Chinese Drum Scores are simple, inclusive, and accessible — designed to be learned by anyone regardless of age, ability, or background. More than just a music method, the scores aim to:
- Reduce time spent on video games among youth
- Spread joy and energy, especially to the elderly
- Promote mental wellness, helping individuals overcome anxiety and fear post-pandemic
- Encourage participation from children with special needs
- Cultivate teamwork, discipline, and character education through the World Harmony Drum initiative
The Impact of Rhythm: Drumming With Purpose
Teachers and community leaders who have adopted Bai Shiyin’s method have reported transformative outcomes:
- Improved student discipline
- Peaceful conflict resolution in schools
- Stronger focus, creativity, and collaboration among children
- Greater sense of inclusion and belonging across communities
Through this 11,520-strong performance, the organisers demonstrated how music and rhythm can be powerful tools for cultural diplomacy, emotional healing, and social progress.
A Cultural Milestone for the ASEAN Region
The success of this record-breaking event lies not just in numbers, but in the deeply human values it represents: unity in diversity, cultural pride, and the universal language of music.
By bridging Malay, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, African, and other percussion traditions, the event sent a powerful message of harmony, resilience, and hope — especially important in the post-pandemic era.
The 11,520-drummer performance is not just a world-class spectacle. It is a living symbol of what can be achieved when art, purpose, and people come together.
