MALAYSIA'S top singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, 45, highlighted her 13-year-old niece, Ummi Umairah Saiful Anuar, by giving her a singing slot during her recent 'Cinta Di Awan' concert at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands, Pahang.
According to a news report, Siti said Umairah had proven her ability by making the country proud when she won a gold medal during the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) at the Long Beach Performing Arts Centre in California, USA last month.
"All of this is my intention to highlight Umairah even though people know that she is my niece. However, Umairah has proven her vocal prowess and ability to compete abroad.
"So I think that it's time for Umairah to be known and appreciated. That's why I invited her to this concert... to give her an opportunity. Just like how I was also given an opportunity before.
"When we get an opportunity, we take it and make the best use of it. God willing, it will also benefit my niece," she said after her concert.
Siti added that Umairah initially struggled to get any sponsorship to participate in the international competition and almost didn't make it.
"I found out Umairah was going to WCOPA, and that she had been looking for a sponsor but didn't tell me and that she almost wasn't able to go.
"But, I remember that I was once given an opportunity. I felt that Umairah had her own greatness and I gave her the opportunity to go and compete in Los Angeles," said Siti before beginning her performance with her niece.
The two singers entertained more than 5,000 fans who attended the concert with a duet of the Mandarin song, 'Zheng Fu', as well as an English number, 'You Are The Reason'.
Previously, Umairah took home the Junior Champion Vocalist Of The World category beating four other contestants from the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.