Illustration by Joey Lok (@joeyy.lws)

On the 30th of August, Echoes of Malaysia took over Taylor’s College in a celebration of music, culture, and purpose. Hosted by the Taylor’s College Student Council (TCSC), the event brought together friends, families, and students—united by a shared cause despite their differences.

The dimly lit Lecture Theatre 13 exuded professionalism with a touch of elegance. The air was cool, and faint notes of classic ’90s music drifted through the space. Rows of seats faced the stage, illuminated by a single spotlight. A large screen projected the words Echoes of Malaysia, and the audience buzzed with excitement. Dressed in vibrant cultural attire, everyone chatted warmly, filling the hall with anticipation.

“Music with a Mission,” announced the MCs.

The event was more than a concert—it was a project against cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Its mission: to raise awareness among youth about breast cancer, encouraging early detection and prevention through the universal language of music.

The event’s success was the result of months of collaboration across two student council terms. It showed how powerful faith in collective effort can be.

An alumna of Taylor’s, who founded the initiative, was personally driven by her relative’s battle with breast cancer. Inspired by her story and the unwavering commitment of TCSC, Echoes of Malaysia became a platform for unheard stories—of struggle, survival, and strength.

Working alongside TCSC was the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA), a non-profit organisation founded in 1986 by medical specialists. Next year, BCWA will celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Recognising that many breast cancer deaths are preventable, BCWA’s mission is to support, educate, and advocate for early detection and timely medical treatment.

“You are like a ray of white light diffracting into colours that soaked the entire event hall,” said Arissya, addressing the performers.

That night, Echoes of Malaysia featured electrifying performances by Erika Foo, Dang, The Saints, Tritone, and Jada Faustina Biggs—each bringing their own brilliance to the stage.

Jada and Erika’s velvety vocals hushed the hall into stillness, their soulful melodies swaying the audience gently from side to side. Then came The Saints and Tritone—their roaring guitars and pounding drums reignited the room with pure rock energy, drawing rhythmic claps and cheers.

In contrast, Dang charmed the audience with his heartfelt rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman, infusing the night with warmth and nostalgia.

Each performer represented Malaysia’s diversity through music, performing in multiple languages that reflected the nation’s cultural richness.

“Getting to see my friends as a crew and watching the performance is very rewarding. All the struggles and hurdles we went through were worth it.” — Erika Foo

“Everything has been outstanding, and the fact that the performers are willing to come and support us is really nice.” — Raeshwana, TCSC organiser

Tritone’s final song was a touching tribute to a friend who had recently passed away from cancer. His last Instagram post read, “I’ve been carrying this burden for many years. I want to keep fighting. But sometimes, fate doesn’t always get its way.”

To keep spirits high, the MCs hosted an interactive trivia session. With a quick scan of a QR code, the competition began. Laughter echoed through the hall as participants debated answers, and the MCs’ witty remarks lightened the atmosphere.

Here’s one that sparked discussion: Is “lah” used in an angry or friendly tone? That’s still up for debate.

The night also featured Miss Sumitra Selvaraj, a representative of BCWA, who began her speech with heartfelt gratitude toward TCSC before outlining BCWA’s mission:

“Supporting the diagnosed, shining light on survivors, and bringing free clinical breast health examinations and education to women all over Peninsular Malaysia.”

She emphasised the importance of early breast examinations and the need to break the stigma surrounding breast cancer, particularly for men.

“You guys are now our mission,” she told the audience, stressing that even without a family history, everyone remains at risk. “Ninety-five per cent of people diagnosed have no family link. Being embarrassed is normal—but silence can be deadly.”

The event drew around 100 attendees. For TCSC, that number represented something deeper than turnout—it symbolised unity through music.

Miss Agnes, an attendee and relative of one of the performers, shared, “Music brings together the old and young.” She gestured toward the audience, where both generations swayed to the same rhythm.

According to Airissya, “Music makes us feel emotional, even when we don’t understand the lyrics. The feelings alone remind us there’s something worth fighting for, something to walk toward in life.”

“This is a great way to get everyone to feel the awareness of the cause we are fighting for,” she concluded.

As goodbyes and appreciation filled the hall, a quiet sense of unity lingered. From the passion of every performer to the dedication of TCSC, the night ended not just with applause—but with purpose.

While technology and science may one day eradicate breast cancer, the first step begins within us: being open, being aware, and prioritising our health.