SING NATIONAL ANTHEMS OF 83 COUNTRIES? NO SWEAT FOR KL GUY

Ummi Nadiah Rosli

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- "I love to sing", he said
enthusiastically.

A few seconds later, he belted out a foreign song and the melody became
increasingly fervid, urging some foot-tapping from among the listeners.

But it was what he had sang that left the listeners in awe.

"That was the Italian national anthem. It's number 21 in the list," he said
before handing the writer a piece of paper with a list of the names of
countries.

A brief scan of the paper found Canada at the top with Turkmenistan making
the tail end. In between there were Bulgaria, Morocco and Vanuatu.

"You can sing Vanuatu's anthem? Most people don't even know where Vanuatu
is!", the writer exclaimed, barely able to contain her surprise.

Introducing 23-year old Thean See Xien, a Kuala Lumpur (KL) native who can
sing 83 national anthems (and counting) by heart.

It is hard to believe that Thean's anthem-singing prowess started out of
sheer boredom.

While other people his age were busy memorising their favourite Top 40
tunes, Thean's unique hobby spawned six years ago during his A-Level Days.

"I came across MP3s of national anthems when looking for good music to
download, and I decided it would be kind of fun to try and learn them.

"At the same time I would try to learn more about the country where the
anthem was from. After that it (this hobby) just snowballed from there. I
learned more and more and eventually it became a passion of mine, which I still
harbour today."

Interestingly, Thean is a Mensa member with an IQ of 176. Could this explain
why he can master the different national anthems right from the sibilant Russian
anthem to India's anthem in Punjabi , rather effortlessly?

"I don't think it's a matter of ability as it is of passion and dedication.
Anybody can memorise stackloads of their favourite songs. Some of my favourite
songs happen to be national anthems, that's all.

"If your interest lies in something, then given enough practice and
commitment you'll eventually become good at it," emphasised the young legal
officer of a local company.

When you can sing 83 national anthems, forging international friendships
have never been an easier task.

Building bridges through his musical ability, Thean accounted that his
anthem singing has been a tremendously effective icebreaker.

"When I left for the UK for my university education, I met many fellow
international students. I'm slightly reserved by nature so it was a great tool
in helping me to make friends. Also, foreign friends I've met back home
have responded favourably."

Whether he is singing to new friends or to unsuspecting tourists, it is easy
to see why the foreigners are impressed.

Apart from displaying patriotism, a national anthem is often the key to
the soul of a nation. Its historic symbolism and language gives a special
insight into the spirit of a country's people as well as her struggles and
aspirations.

While learning a new anthem, Thean also reads as much as he can about the
particular country, its culture and its quirks and although he can sing the
anthems of countries from all over the world in perfect pitch and
pronounciation, he admits that some languages leave his tongue twisting.

"English and Malay are obviously the easiest. I find Arabic anthems to be
the hardest due to the unfamiliarity of some of the consonants, I had a hard
time with the Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese anthems," he said.

His ability marks a memorable event for many countries.

On his singing of Sweden's anthem, "Du gamla, Du fria" (Thou ancient, Thou
free), Ambassador of Sweden, Helena Sångeland said: "He has remarkably good
pronunciation considering that he does not speak Swedish.

"His interest in different countries' national anthems is representative of
the interest that Malaysians have for other cultures and is yet another display
of Malaysian hospitality. His singing is a fine contribution to the national
spirit in Malaysia and to the Independence Day ahead."

Counsellor/Charge d'Affairs of the South African High Commission, Andre van
de Venter said that their anthem, "Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika" (God bless Africa)
incorporated four of their eleven official languages into the anthem to make it
as inclusive as possible.

"For Thean as a Malaysian, to sing these words, is not only most unusual,
but implies that he can identify with the aspirations of our nation and its
people," he said.

By being able to sing the anthems of so many countries, Thean is setting an
example to others on how to bridge the cultural and ethnical divide.

With the Independence Day around the corner, Thean's talent in belting out
foreign national anthems should serve as the inspiration for Malaysians from all
walks of to rally behind Prime Minister Najib Razak's concept of 1Malaysia.

Venezuelan Ambassador, Manuel Guzman was clearly moved by Thean's stirring
rendition of the Venezuelan anthem "Gloria al Bravo Pueblo" (Glory to the Brave
People).

Guzman stated, "Our national anthem is about the cry and struggle for
freedom. To hear a young Malaysian sing the anthem is very good, it's beyond
what I imagined.

"The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela would like to congratulate Malaysia on
the occasion of its 52nd year of Independence. Thean is a great example on how
all of us can join in the feeling of Merdeka (independence)!"

Thean's simple hobby could soon put him as the latest addition in the
Malaysian Book of Records (MBOR).

Ricky Yap from the Research Department of MBOR stated that Thean's unique
ability was the first in the country, and that he has already submitted a formal
application to register it as a record.

Although not officially included in the MBOR yet, Yap said Thean's
renditions of national anthems'is a testament to the 'Malaysia Boleh' (Malaysia
Can) spirit.

Perhaps Thean's pursuit of learning the national anthems of foreign
countries strikes a chord with us during a time when many do not even know their
own national anthem by heart, or singing it like a meaningless rhyme.

"Learning how precious one's anthem is has made me appreciate my own more.
Listening (and singing along) to the 'Negara Ku' (My Country) during my stint in
the UK really helped to alleviate my homesickness, and to this day I still get
emotional whenever I hear it played."
-- BERNAMA