Adjudicators
Dr. James Philip Sheng Boyle
Award winning Music Director and the Dean of the Faculty of Music of ASWARA, Dr. James P.S. Boyle, is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music and a graduate of Universiti Malaya with a PhD (Musicology) from the Faculty of Creative Arts, and a Master Degree of Art in Performing Arts.
His topics of expertise include contemporary playing styles on the piano, aural and ear training classes, compositional methods, improvisational skills and song writing classes. James, a pianist and band leader also performs in various Jazz festivals in the Asian region. An active composer and also a researcher with various publications in the field of contemporary music and a composer in the corporate and theatre world, James is also a Certified Movie director and a Line Producer from the Hollywood Film Institute.
With over 25 years of lecturing at the top Public and Private Institutions in the country such as Sunway University, UCSI University, Universiti of Malaya, UiTm, Universiti Putra Malaysia and also ICOM, Dr. James with his unique brand of humour and talent, students always emerge from his classes enriched and empowered by his teachings.
Juwita Sulito
Juwita Suwito is an award-winning recording artist, composer, vocal producer and creative activist. She weaves her words into music to create beautiful tapestries of stories that tug at the heartstrings of listeners, and lends her voice to songs with sweet honesty and confidence.
Juwita’s studio and live albums have garnered an impressive list of nominations at Anugerah Industri Muzik Malaysia. Her well-loved singles: Breathe Again, Stand, and Belle of the Ball have hit international airwaves, while her vocals have been featured in television and movie soundtracks and compilation albums alongside internationally renowned artists like Eva Cassidy, A-Mei, and Stefanie Sun.
No stranger to the stage, Juwita has headlined showcases in concert halls in Malaysia, Melbourne and Moscow. She has also performed in jazz, conservation, and film festivals, as well as prominent events like TEDxKL and David Foster & Friends in Kuala Lumpur.
As the founding director of Four Forty Records, a social enterprise that connects communities through music and media, Juwita spearheaded a two-year mentoring program for musicians and vocalists in Sabah, followed by half-year coaching initiatives in Sarawak. Blessed with a rich journey as a backing vocalist for leading artists and vocal coach for Malaysian Idol Seasons 1 & 2, Juwita also founded VoxFest Malaysia—a platform where aspiring singers receive personal guidance, collaborate, and gain industry insights. Its flagship event, Vocal Fest, is supported by programs such as Vocal Masterclass, Vocal Camp, and the latest addition, Vocal Academy—a series of intensive courses designed to nurture and equip young vocalists.
With 30 years of experience in the industry, Juwita remains deeply passionate about nation-building through music. Whether performing, mentoring aspiring musicians, or coaching top artists, her work continues to inspire others to use their talents with purpose and meaning.
Tom Prierard
Associate Professor and Programme Leader for Sunway University's Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Audio Technology), Dr. Tom brings a unique blend of performance experience and pedagogical expertise to his role. A seasoned drummer, his musical background encompasses heavy metal, classical, and a deep specialization in jazz performance and composition. Dr. Tom's performance career includes international and national tours with the acclaimed Strike Percussion (NZ), Desbot (NZ), Dark Matter and numerous other engagements as a professional session drummer.
Beyond his academic commitments, Dr. Tom maintains a vibrant career as a performing and composing musician. He actively tours, composes music for film and television and regularly collaborates on sonic branding projects. His research around innovative music pedagogy directly informs his dynamic approach to instruction in composition and music technology, enriching his teaching across all areas and providing students with a unique perspective that bridges the gap between theory and real-world practice.