​Pastor Dr. Irene Choon, founder and Chief Ministry Director of Praise Music International (PMI), has made significant contributions to music education in Malaysia and beyond. Born and raised in Ipoh, Malaysia, she has been passionate about making music education accessible to a broader audience. Dr. Irene's innovative TOUCH® System simplifies piano learning, enabling students to achieve competency in a relatively short period, regardless of prior knowledge or training. Holding a Doctorate in Ministry, she began her journey in music education in 1990 with the establishment of PMI in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Over the years, she has written and compiled more than 30 books on musicianship and improvisation.
​Malaysia Influential Educators (MIE), in collaboration with Majlis Tindakan Pengguna Malaysia, has bestowed the prestigious Golden Award upon Pastor Dr. Irene Choon on March 30, 2024. This honor follows an extensive and rigorous three-year selection process to identify the top 15 candidates nationwide, underscoring the exceptional caliber and dedication required to achieve this esteemed recognition.
The Malaysia Influential Educators (MIE) Award recognizes outstanding educators for their excellence in educational services. This prestigious award celebrates those who demonstrate exceptional acumen, talent, and pedagogical skills. It highlights their innovative contributions, commitment to best practices, and leadership in the industry. The rigorous selection process identifies educators who significantly impact the field, ensuring their methods benefit the broader community. The MIE Award not only acknowledges these achievements but also their dedication to nurturing the next generation of educators and students.
As mentioned by Pastor Irene in her acceptance speech, “It’s not just about me but it’s about everyone at Praise Music International who works hard to teach music.” The work to educate others is not a task accomplished alone but within the framework of a greater community.
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What is truly admirable about the work of Pastor Irene at Praise Music International (PMI) is that it makes music accessible to everyone out there. Every person is capable of appreciating music, but the means to start playing and making music for themselves typically involves a long and expensive learning process that is generally out of reach for most people. In contrast, the TOUCH® system invented and pioneered by Pastor Irene breaks piano playing to its very fundamentals to allow anyone, young or old, to be able to play songs in just 9 months!
​The unique TOUCH® System, invented by Pastor Dr. Irene Choon, has revolutionized piano education by offering a comprehensive approach that encompasses reading notes, playing chords, using the sol-fa system, and playing by ear—skills rarely combined in a single program at other piano schools. This innovative method, taught at Praise Music International, allows anyone to become a competent pianist in a remarkably short period, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience. By breaking down complex concepts into manageable formulas, PMI ensures that students develop a strong foundation and confidence in their piano-playing abilities swiftly and effectively.