{
  "id": 12029956,
  "title": "Solomon and Ramlee bring home gold from Italy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/solomon-and-ramlee-bring-home-gold-from-italy",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/05/solomon-and-ramlee-bring-home-gold-from-italy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Samuel Wong and Chang Song Jie secured gold medals for their handcrafted violas at the 20th International Violin Making Competition in Italy, just after Malaysia Day. Wong, a Sibu native, spent almost six months creating Solomon, inspired by the Amati brothers' design. He faced self-doubt but overcame it with encouragement from his teacher, Tan Chin Seng. Chang, mentored by Tan, crafted Ramlee, a viola with an antiqued finish. Both luthiers have been making violins and violas for about five and a half years, with Wong having made 11 instruments and Chang over 10. Their achievements highlight Malaysia's growing presence in international violin making, showcasing the country's skilled craftsmen.",
  "summary": "Malaysian luthiers Samuel Wong and Chang Song Jie have earned international recognition for their handcrafted violas.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Solomon and Ramlee bring home gold from Italy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/solomon-and-ramlee-bring-home-gold-from-italy-12031326",
        "published": "2026-10-04T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}