Mr Thum Started learning Guzheng under Lian Yoong Ser in 1981. After 1983, received guidance from Guzheng teachers Ng Kim Liang, Ou Yang Liang Rong and Zhang Lu Fen. After 1988 received guidance from Shanghai Music Conservotry Prof He Bao Quan & Prof Sun Wen Yan, China Conservatory of Music Prof Qiu Da Cheng. 1989 awarded 1st prize in the National Music Competition Open Category and 2nd runner-up prize of “ART Cup International Music Instrumental Competition” concurrently.
Thum conducted Guzheng courses in Community Clubs such as Kampong Chai Chee, Katong & Tanglin. Served as Guzheng instructor cum Guzheng ensemble’s conductor in Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ Pri & Sec School, Maha Bodhi Scool, Yang Zheng Pri School, North Brooks Sec School, Nan Yang JC, Bartley Sec School & Xinmin Sec School.
Was the school Supervisor ot Artstratosphere Music School, President of Blue Ocean Guzheng Association, Honorary Committee Member of the Guzheng Professional Committee of the Chinese Music Association of China, member of the Oriental Guzheng Research Society (Shanghai), Music Director cum conductor for Mountbatten Guzheng Performing Group.
In the past three decades teaching in Guzheng, Thum had nurtured many students and won numerous prizes in Guzheng competitions and performances. He regularly organised concerts, overseas performances, seminars and appreciation workshops to promote the versatility of this traditional musical instrument – the Guzheng.
Serve as Guzheng teachers since Tzu Chi Continuing Education Centre started Guzheng course in 2006 till now.
