Chong Pek Lin, currently the department head of social studies at the Teacher Training Institute, Batu Lintang, is a researcher, teacher and lecturer. She has worked tirelessly to compile, preserve and promote the folk music of Sarawak, in particular the music of the Kenyah Community.

ISME President Gary McPherson presenting Chong Pek Lin with the ISME-Gibson International Award in Music Education, Malaysia 2006.

Concerned about the lack of transcribed Malaysian folk songs, Chong has carried out research projects in this area. Among her many achievements are two song book publications:

(i) Songs from the Kenyah Community published in 1988 funded by the Dayak Cultural Foundation

(ii) Songs from the Baram, Kenyah Songs from Upriver Longhouses, published in 2006, a project funded by the United States Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Chong has also presented papers at numerous conferences and has published articles in journals.  Click here for a report and photos on Chong Pek Lin’s project.