KOTA KINABALU, Sept. 24 -- Two young Sabah singers have struck gold on the international stage, earning the Special Gold Award at the Tian Lai Xin Sheng 2026 Global Auditions in Beijing, China.

Ten-year-old girl Chloe Chong Zi Han from Keningau scored 98.76, while 11-year-old Rainie Wong Jing Ru from Kota Kinabalu scored 99.46 in the competition, which drew more than 700 young singers from over 10 countries and regions.

Chloe, a pupil of Yuk Kong Chinese Primary School in Keningau, was also named the 'Global Top 100 Young Singers'.

The Beijing competition marked her first overseas performance.

Chloe said she was nervous about competing alongside participants from different countries, but support from her family and vocal coach Susheen...