Koay Loong Chuen (better known as Jellal Koay, b. 2001) is a Malaysian composer whose works mainly attempt to craft multifaceted experiences through complexity. Interested in the potential of creating paradoxical states by challenging the limits of conscious perception, his current musical pursuits explore the possibilities of subconscious perception in music by overloading perception through the complicated interweaving of musical information. Jellal’s works have been showcased in various countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, Germany and the United States.

Jellal’s musical journey began in 2012 when he started piano lessons with Ms. Kwan Yin Hui. His passion for music quickly flourished, and he became the choral accompanist for SMK Seri Kembangan in 2015-2019, where the choir earned prestigious accolades, including awards at the Malaysian International Choral Festival in 2015 and the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod National Competition in 2017. As a pianist, he has been recognized with a merit award in the final round of the Southeast Asia International Piano Competition in 2020.

 

After picking up composition as his second study at the Malaysian Institute of Art, he won several awards as a student composer such as the 1st Prize for Solo Harmonica & Orchestra category in the Hong Kong International Composition Competition for Chromatic Harmonica 2021, 2nd Prize for Brass Trio category at The Diversity Initiative Call for Scores, and featured composer in the Malaysian
Patriotic Music Composition Competition 2019 (Choir Category).
 

A prominent advocate for the development of contemporary music in Southeast Asia, Jellal has actively participated in regional festivals such as the Manila Composers’ Lab, SoundBridge Contemporary Music Festival, UiTM-klpac Malaysian Composers Concert Series and the Composers Society of Singapore Festival. His dedication to fostering new music led him to co-organize a workshop introducing contemporary music to young musicians at a local high school. He has also recently co-presented a collaboratively composed piece with fellow Singaporean composer Joan Tan at the YST Conservatory Performers’ Present International Artistic Research Symposium 2023, which explored the assimilation of diverse musical cultures.
 

Jellal is currently a 3rd year composition student studying at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music with a full scholarship. His composition mentors include Assoc. Prof. Peter Ivan Edwards, Dr. Wong Chee Wei and Adeline Wong.