If Malaysia Were a Song - By LIM LE YAN

Written By: LIM LE YAN

Category: POETRY

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

LIM LE YAN's evocative poem "If Malaysia Were a Song" graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This eloquent piece in the poetry category beautifully captures the essence of Malaysia, painting a rich tapestry of its diverse cultures and harmonious unity. The poem invites readers to imagine Malaysia as a symphonic melody, blending various cultural sounds into one cohesive song.

About the Work

"If Malaysia Were a Song" delves into the heart of Malaysia's cultural diversity and unity. Through vivid imagery and rhythmic language, LIM LE YAN crafts a melodic narrative that celebrates the country's multifaceted identity. The poem paints a vibrant picture of Malaysia's sounds and sights, from traditional music and bustling streets to the warmth of family gatherings, embodying a sense of belonging and national pride.

IF MALAYSIA WERE A SONG

Original Submission by LIM LE YAN

If Malaysia Were a Song

If Malaysia were a song,

what would I hear?

Would I hear the gentle sound of waves along our sunny shores?

Would I hear the morning call to prayer floating through the sky?

Would I hear the laughter of children speaking different languages in the same schoolyard?

Maybe Malaysia would be a song with many voices.

A Malay drum beats softly dum, dum, dum.

A Chinese drum answers dong, dong, dong.

Indian music adds its colourful rhythm and traditional dances bring the song to life.

Different sounds, different colours, different stories but together, they make one beautiful melody.

If Malaysia were a song,

I would hear nasi lemak being wrapped,

roti canai being flipped,

noodles dancing in a wok,

and families laughing around a table.

I would hear the waves of Sabah and Sarawak,

the rain falling on green forests,

and the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur.

Above them all,

the Jalur Gemilang would wave proudly,

red, white, blue and yellow,

like a song written across the sky.

And perhaps,

the most beautiful part of this song

would not be one voice, but all of us.

Because we may speak different languages.

We may celebrate different festivals.

We may eat different food.

But when we stand together,

we are one family under one sky.

So, if someone asks me,

“What does Malaysia sound like?”

I will smile and say,

“Listen closely.”

It sounds like children laughing.

It sounds like many cultures living together.

It sounds like kindness, friendship and hope.

It sounds like home.

And if Malaysia were a song,

I would sing it with all my heart.

Because this is my Malaysia.

This is my home.

And this is our song.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the artistry and craft of writers worldwide. It encourages creativity and expression across poetry, short stories, essays, and other creative writing forms, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to LIM LE YAN for sharing "If Malaysia Were a Song" with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poetic exploration of Malaysia's identity resonates deeply, reminding us of the beauty found in cultural harmony and unity. Thank you for contributing to this celebration of creativity and expression.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.