Lee Shiak Yao graduated with a MMus from the University of Hull, UK and studied conducting, vocal and piano accompaniment under the tutelage of Andrew Penny and Dr. Lee Tsang, June Stephenson, Lim Cheng Hock, Paul Wade and Dr. Michela Bertagnolli. He is actively involved in a variety of musical performances and pedagogy which include conducting wind and symphonic orchestras, choirs and experimental ensembles and theatrical productions, adjudicating music competitions and conducting master classes, workshops and clinics.

His career has brought him all over the world. Affiliated with the IFCM, World Youth Choir, World Chamber Choir and Asian Youth Choir; currently serving as conductor of the Time Ensemble; vice-president of Malaysia Choral Federation; music director of Klang Music Festival; and conductor of a number of wind orchestras and choirs.

Some highlights of his recent years’ achievements: was awarded the ‘Honourable Music Art Contribution Award’ by the 2010 Klang Music Festival; received ‘The Best Conductor Award’ in 2011 Venezia in Musica International Choir Competition & Festival, Italy, and in 2nd Voices of Asia International Choir Festival in November 2014; performed with the World Youth Choir in the 2011 Nobel Prize Award Ceremony in Norway; adjudicated for the 9th Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival 2012, 10th Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival 2014, 2nd Bali International Choral Festival 2013, as well as being the tenor solo in F.Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.2 ‘Lobgesang’; conducted 500-strong festival orchestra and choir in the 85th anniversary celebration of Sin Chew media in September 2014.