MRSM FELDA Trolak's MAWO Victory In Prague Highlights Power Of Cross-sector Collaboration

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- The MARESMAF Wind Orchestra (MAWO) from MRSM Ulul Albab FELDA Trolak has made the nation proud by winning the prestigious Golden Diploma Award at the 2025 International Wind Orchestra Festival in Prague, Czech Republic.

Their success, achieved through strong cross-sector collaboration, is a testament to what can be accomplished when various parties unite for a shared goal.

FELDA chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said FELDA is deeply grateful to everyone who supported MAWO’s journey to international recognition.

“This victory is more than a musical achievement – it symbolises the spirit, determination, and identity of FELDA’s children and grandchildren, proving that big dreams can become reality,” he said in a statement today.

He extended special thanks to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and Director-General of the Department of Broadcasting Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman for their close cooperation and unwavering support.

Ahmad Shabery also recognised the contributions of MRSM Ulul Albab FELDA Trolak’s teachers and parents, particularly MAWO’s mentor Raja Muzafar Shah Raja Abdullah, as well as RTM’s  Music Services director, Datuk Mokhzani Ismail, a respected national music figure who served as an inspiration and advisor.

FELDA also appreciated the involvement of strategic partners such as U Mobile, FGV Holdings Berhad, Sustainable Future Sdn Bhd, Seri Pacific Corporation Sdn Bhd, and others whose support helped ensure smooth coordination of the group’s mission.

Held on June 20 and 21, the festival featured 13 orchestras from 11 countries, divided into three categories – lower, middle, and higher class – based on musical complexity and technical capability.

Competing in the middle class category, MAWO earned the highest marks from a panel of professional judges, emerging as the best in its group and outperforming seven other orchestras from six countries.

The Golden Diploma is the highest honour in the competition, followed by silver and bronze awards. Winners are evaluated based on technical skill, performance, and overall musical cohesion.

This year, Malaysia was the only representative from Asia, with most other participants hailing from European nations – making MAWO’s triumph even more meaningful.

Meanwhile, MAWO team leader Adwa Syazani Mohd Soleh, 17, expressed his gratitude and pride over the team's achievement in winning the award.

"Despite only having four months of intensive training, the team overcame various obstacles, including a demanding academic schedule.

"We are very proud of this outcome. It was truly worth it and rewarded all our hard work," he said.

Adwa Syazani said the team's ultimate dream of winning a gold medal was finally realised despite the numerous challenges they faced during preparations, including sacrificing study time and holidays.

Earlier today, the flight carrying MAWO members, which included 53 students from Form 2 to Form 5, 39 of whom were children of FELDA settlers, landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at 2.32 pm.

MAWO emerged victorious against competitors from 10 other countries, including the Czech Republic, Croatia, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Austria and Switzerland. Founded in 2008, MAWO has established itself in both the local and international music scenes.

-- BERNAMA