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2015
ACADEMY
18
A Speakeasy
Session with
Dennis Lau
There are many Malaysians who deserve
more than they get. Thus, we are
celebrating these Malaysian individuals
who do things differently because they
strive to be better, and what better
platform for them than the Chivas
Academy 18. These are the people who
stand against conformity and embody
Chivas Regal 18’s devotion to quality and
exceptional craftsmanship. If you are
invited, then mark Acadamy 18 on your
social calendar and await the password and
undisclosed location which will be mailed
to you anonymously.
Anyone who has seen Dennis Lau
perform on stage would know of his stylish
and commanding presence together with
his trusty sidekick or rather, his ‘hero’ - his
customised violin. Like many talented
artists out there, Dennis is a chameleon.
He has the ability to turn a centuries-old
musical art form into a refreshed and
modern performance. His mysterious
personality may be mistaken for a quiet
young chap, but when the spotlight shines
upon him, an energetic man emerges and
a funky and edgy violinist stands on stage.
This persona is well-known among many
Malaysians and it’s truly exceptional to be
able to know more about this enigma.
THE BEGINNING
When he was just three, he began playing
the piano and fast-forwarding five years
later, he picked up the violin. By the age
of eleven, Dennis took the Malaysian
stage by storm as he became the youngest
Malaysian ever to pass a Grade 8 piano
exam from the Royal Schools of Music.
Being able to start young gave Dennis
an edge which saw him playing with the
Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
and the National Symphony Orchestra,
as well as performing at the King’s
Coronation. His most memorable career
milestone would be performing for the
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when
they visited Malaysia.
When asked who he idolises most, his
answer during the speakeasy was a heart-
warming “My mom. She’s my hero”. As
swiftly as the conversation turned to his
mother, Dennis said he credited his mom
for his career. As a piano teacher herself,
his mother was thrilled when her only son
approached the piano without a push or
worst, a shove. Of course, he now only
dabbles in strings of the music world.
He also admitted to having ‘hated’ the
instrument at one point when he was 10.
“I totally rebelled but I had no choice,”

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he added. It lasted for a long eight years,
but once he saw that he was able to reap
some financial benefit from it, he knew
he was on the right path. “I realised music
could actually be useful,” he recalled with
a chuckle.
THE WORK
It’s not surprising that Dennis does
everything on his own, from styling himself
and the music, to signing the contracts.
However, it’s easier said than done
because having to do all these things
alone without the help of a huge team is
definitely a tiring process and sometimes
disadvantageous. “People don’t realise
how much work it is,” he added.
Nevertheless,doingallthework himself
nevergavehim theexcusetoskimpon
aspectsofhisartorhimself.ToDennis,style
issomethingthathetakesveryseriously
anditshows,forit’stheveryessencethat
signifieswhoheis.Thisexpectationof
themusicindustryisspotonevenwiththe
limitedtimehehasonhishandstofurther
speculateonindustrialtrends.When
asked,heelaboratesabouthowanartist’s
appearanceisjustasimportantasthetalent.
“It’s the reality of the industry and we can’t
runfrom it,” he added.
When not busy running around for
shows, Dennis found pleasure in nurturing
the talent of other young musicians.
Crystal Lee, a young singer who now
thrives under his management is one of
his proud prodigies. Dennis has a talent
that’s almost unparalleled in Malaysia and
this rubs off on his young prodigies too. So
it’s not surprising that at a relatively young
age, Dennis has accumulated soaring
achievements and accolades under his
name.
From that ten-year-old boy who loathed
the instrument on which he thrives on
today with abundance of talent, Dennis
has blossomed into a savvy, mature, and
entertaining performer who is aware of
his skills and is happy to pursue the life
that the fates have laid before him. Much
like Chivas Regal 18, he definitely shares
the same attributes and punch as being a
one-man-show. He prefers to enjoy the
moment, while continuing to keep the
future a mystery. “Let’s just see what
happens,” he said with a playful smile,
ending the Academy 18 speakeasy session.