KUCHING, 12 July: The power duo of Aleysha Shareef and Ryan Zachary Shareef touched down safely in Kuching on Thursday.
Welcomed by their friends and family, the twins returned triumphant from their impressive outing at the Grand Finals of the 27th World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Long Beach, California.
The 11-year-olds clinched multiple awards at the prestigious festival, including a gold medal in the Vocal category and a bronze in the Pop Vocal category.
Upon arrival, the twins were ecstatic at their recent wins, brandishing their medals and plaques for photographs. Reflecting on their recent victories, the twins expressed desire for more success.
“It felt good, it felt really good. But if I ever go for this competition again, I think I want to bring back more medals,” said Ryan.
“I’m really happy with what I got, but if I ever go back again, I aim to get more medals for Malaysia,” added Aleysha.
Aleysha herself received a gold medal in the Broadway Vocal category and became the winner for her division.
She also became the lone recipient from Malaysia to receive a scholarship from the New York Film Academy.
Accompanied by their mother, Shirley Hasmani Datuk Eddie, she expressed her pride in the twins’ amazing performance.
“I’m very proud and very happy that these two can go to the Grand Finals. To be chosen as representatives for Malaysia is huge.”
Speaking with their coaches, former Miss Malaysia World 2014, Dewi Liana Seriestha, and Malaysian model, Viviana Lin Winston, they both recalled how hard the twins had worked and their pride in seeing them succeed.
“They listen to every teaching, both from me and their modeling coach. We are so proud of them.” said Dewi.
Reflecting on their experience in the United States, the twins loved it, but they still missed home, especially local Sarawakian dishes.
“In the US, I kept thinking of teh tarik because I love it,” said Aleysha.
“There’s no laksa in the US, or nasi lemak too,” Ryan added on.
Looking forward to the future, the twins thanked their supporters and promised to do better in the future representing Malaysia and Sarawak.
“Thank you for supporting us and helping us throughout this whole journey, next time if we go for another competition, we’ll try to win more medals,” they said. – TVS
