JOHOR BARU: Two young students who took up magic classes as a hobby only about a year ago were surprised when the International Magic competition recognised their talents.

       Yuvan Andrew, 12, from SJKT Masai and A. Jennyfer, 14, from SMK Sultan Alauddin received certificates from the competition organiser and were made lifetime members of the International Magic Club after taking part in the International Online Magic Contest in Vietnam.

       A total of 100 children from 10 countries participated in this virtual competition.

       Their trainer T. Muniandy, a magician for the past 20 years, said it was a great achievement.

       “Each participant had to do a two-minute video of various tricks and submit them online in February,” he said, adding that he decided to teach magic tricks via online courses last year.

       Andrew said he liked magic from a young age and decided to enrol in Muniandy’s academy when his father told him about the school last year.

       “I know a few tricks, including turning fire into a rose flower,” he said, adding that he was happy whenever the audience was awed by his performance.

       Jennyfer said doing performances in public places such as malls had boosted her confidence.

       Spellbound: Muniandy practising some magic tricks with students Yuvan and Jennyfer. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

       “Magicians need to practise their tricks properly to avoid making mistakes. I spend about an hour daily practising my tricks,” she said, adding that at the moment, she would keep this talent as a hobby.

       Muniandy, who is popularly known as Andy among the international magician community and whose three children are also trained magicians, said he had about 25 students.

       “This is my second time getting my students to enrol in such a competition. Last year, my 13-year-old son emerged third in a similar competition,” he said, adding that he was hoping to get more people to dabble in magic.

       Muniandy, who has also won international awards, said that the Covid-19 pandemic had affected his business badly as he was unable to perform publicly.

       “Previously, I was busy with many weekly bookings in Malaysia and Singapore,” he said.

       Muniandy, who can perform more than 100 tricks, said he enjoyed entertaining people.

       “I aspire to be like David Copperfield someday,” he said, referring to the American illusionist.

       He said he hoped that through his magic academy, he would be able to produce at least 50 magicians in the country.