ESTR CHIAM
Shian Li Esther Chiam (born 13 May 1999), known professionally as Estr, is the eldest of the Chiam siblings and was born and raised in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Estr is a pianist, violinist, band arranger and manager. She recently graduated from Piano Performance at Mcgill University. She also won the Junior Instrumentalist Award at the World Championships of Performing Arts Los Angeles, California in 2015.
She also has launched airbus airplanes, four wheeler drives, s-class series and sedan vehicles.
Born: May 13, 1999
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
Ethnicity: Chinese
Citizenship: Canadian
Education: International School Brunei,
Jerudong International School
Relatives: Eden Ye Den Chiam (sister), Evan Dao Ho Chiam (brother)
Musical Career:
Instrument(s): Piano, Violin
Genres: Classical, Jazz
Label: Independant
Chinese Name:
Chinese: 詹贤丽
Pin Yin: Zhān Xián lì
Early Life & Childhood:
Estr attended the International School of Brunei for Junior School and transferred to Jerudong International School for high school. She completed her iGCSE O’Levels with 7 A*’s and 3 A’s and got an A for Music for A Levels.
She received an excellence award twice for her music studies as well.
Music
Estr was taught music from her mother who created a toddlers program. She was classically trained in the piano and violin from the age of 3 and 4, respectively. She finished her piano Grade 8 (Trinity syllabus) in 2010 and Violin Grade 8 in 2011. Two years later, she completed her ATCL piano diploma in 2013.
Estr Musical Accolades
Bachelor’s Degree
In 2018, Estr entered the Schulich School of Music at McGill university in the Piano Performance stream and after a hand injury, and COVID delays, she successfully graduated in 2023, under the tutelage of Dr. Ilya Poletaev.
Competitions
From 2006 to 2017, Estr competed in numerous national and regional competitions, amassing a total of 71 music awards. Some of her significant achievements include:
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Jr Grand Champion Instrumentalist of the World (WCOPA) in 2014 (Violin)
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1st Place String Ensemble, Malaysian Youth Orchestra Festival (MYOF) in 2013 (Violin)
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1st Prize at the 1st Steinway Competition in Brunei in 2012 (Piano)
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2nd Prize at the 4th Hong Kong International Festival in 2017 (Piano)
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1st Prize Gold Combo Band at the 23rd KK Music Society in 2016
1st Prize Combo Band Regional Trinity UK Pop & Soul Contest in 2015 (Keyboard)
Performances
Estr gave her first performance at a relative’s wedding, in Kota Kinabalu in 2004, at 5 years old. Later that year she performed at the 1st Expression Music Mega Concert at The Empire Theater to an audience of eight-hundred and consequently performed biennially at the Expression Music Academy Concerts: Dream Expands (2006), Dream Ascends (2008), Leap of Creation (2010), the Heart Sings (2012), and Leap of Creation II (2014).
As a member, and later, concertmaster of the Jerudong International School orchestra from 2010 to 2017, Estr performed triannually each school year for their annual showcases, international day concerts, and musicals.
Chiam has played for many launches including, but not limited to, the Mini Cooper launch – 2021 Model (Violin), DIO Navi — Dental Implant Launch, Philippines (2017), Volvo Trucks — New Model Launch, Brunei (2016), Royal Brunei Airlines — Boeing 787 Dreamliner Launch and Inaugural Flights to KL, SG, LDN (2013), Mazda — Mazda 6 Car Launch, Brunei (2013) and the Mercedes Benz — A Class Sport Launch (2013).
The Chiams
Estr frequently collaborated with her siblings as accompanist and band leader for their performances. Since the official formation of their group in 2019, Estr primarily acts as chief operations officer; she usually takes the initiative to organize logistics, plan rehearsals, and provide technical support in areas such as lighting, visual display/projections, and live sound/backing tracks. She also raps and sings in a few songs ‘Remember’, ‘Loving Life’ and ‘New Chinatown.’
Personal Life and other interests:
Chiam is a Christian, an avid reader, a self-taught graphic designer, and currently working with her brother to design, create, and someday build a clothing line.