16

16 September 1963, the date holds significance for its relation to the formation of Malaysia, the inclusion of Sabah, Sarawak, as well as our now neighbouring country Singapore (Less than two years later, Singapore left the Federation of Malaysia on 9 August 1965). In 2010, the former Malaysian government designated every 16 September as a gazetted public holiday, known as Malaysia Day.

Lav Looi, being a Malaccan, is surely a proud Malaysian, even if she was educated across Malaysia, the US and Spain. This Malaysia Day, Lav Looi has something special from the bottom of her heart – her own vocal rendition of the classic “Standing in the Eyes of The World”. For those who grew up in the ‘90s, you would likely have heard the original version by Malaysia’s Queen of Rock, Ella. Other than Ella’s own signature raspy, sweet voice that helps give the inspiring, powerful lyrics a certain edge, the original remains close to your hearts because it’s one of those songs which is perfect for learning suku kata/syllables, especially if you’re a learner of Malay.  

Producer, composer and singer Looi’s latest 2026 version transitions from pop to rock, before you hear a blend of Malaysian instruments and percussion, giving the song a beautiful climax and ending.  The track, with a timestamp of 3 minutes and 52 seconds, also features the violin, with the help of Martin Looi, her younger brother.

The vocal version by Lav Looi, in her early-30s, is an expansion on a finished composition for a new album by Martin Looi, named “Velvet Alibi”, released earlier in March 2026.  Notably, Lav Looi meant to keep the song as a mini project, by posting a snippet of “Standing in the Eyes of the World” on her Instagram page. But once that was done, she felt that she had more to offer, which is why you have a full version of the song, which opens with the piano, acoustic guitar, and finger snaps, as well as shakers. The later parts of the song are rock-infused, maintaining the original sound.

Bread, the American soft rock band, had a hand in the English lyrics, with its frontman David Gates composing the lyrics and even recording his own version entirely in English. For the local flavours, renowned composer Datuk Wah Idris also helped with the melody, chord progressions and rhythm, working alongside lyricist Habsah Hassan.

“Standing in the Eyes of the World” was chosen as the theme song for the Commonwealth Games in 1998, when Malaysia was the host. Its lyrics are motivating and quite universal, given that the lyrics translate to how in life, there’ll always be ups and downs, and sacrifices, in order to attain success, hence its use for different scenarios outside the sporting arena.

The vocal/audio version is now available on Spotify.

At present, Looi is based in Spain for work.

Note: Malay is the national language of Malaysia and it is taught in schools from kindergarten level through Form 5, where it is compulsory. It is also the language that government departments across Malaysia operate in. English is used, in acknowledgement of being a former British colony. Depending on where you end up working, documents and emails may either be entirely in English, or bilingual, or maybe even trilingual. Due to Malaysia’s multicultural make-up, various other languages and tongues like the Portuguese creole, Tamil, Bahasa Iban, Hakka, Cantonese, and Hokkien are allowed, although its usage would also depend on one’s audience, influenced by your family, upbringing, your circle of friends, acquaintances, and neighbours. Those who grew up in a mixed environment would usually end up having a broader perspective of what it means to have the best of both or maybe even up to four or five cultures.