5. Zi Ying Cui

Raised in Paparoa, New Zealand, Ying Ying began piano studies at age 8 with Stella Clyde, Valerie Needham and Qu Yong. During her high school years, she completed the ATCL piano performance diploma and was broadcasted on the National 60 Minutes Television Show in New Zealand for recognition of her achievements in both academia and music. She has also been a recipient of major prizes in a number of competitions, including West Auckland Piano Competition and North Shore Auckland Piano Concerto Competition. During her high school years, Ying Ying was also invited to perform at Auckland Town Hall and Auckland Sky City Theatre as well as with the Aotea Youth Symphony Orchestra.

At age 17, Ying Ying commenced medical studies at Griffith University School of Medicine at the Gold Coast. Following the completion of medical school and her years working as a junior doctor, Ying Ying realised that her passion for music had not faded. In 2020 after a decade long intermission, Ying Ying made the decision to recommence piano studies under the guidance of Oscar Wong and Oleg Stepanov. Ying Ying continues to work full time as a doctor at the Gold Coast University Hospital and she is currently completing her specialist training with The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Drawn to the desire to pursue many interests, Ying Ying also enjoys hiking, and has completed the trek to Mt Everest Base Camp, as well as dancing, power-lifting and yoga.