Songwriter and recording artiste Brian John Yim says he owes it all to his mother.

Yim belting it out at the Outstanding Young Malaysian Award night.

"I am who I am because of my mother," said Yim, who recently received The Outstanding Young Malaysian Award 2008 for his musical achievements and outstanding contributions to society.

Yim, who is also an educator, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and ambassador for a number of charitable organisations, was nominated for the award by Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

A gifted individual, Yim excelled academically despite the hardship and challenges he faced while growing up without a father. He graduated with the highest honour from Western Michigan University.

As the only Malaysian on the America’s Dean List at the time, he completed his MBA at Phoenix International University with high distinction and was valedictorian of his graduating class in 2002.

His musical genius first surfaced at the age of four when he climbed up onto the organ at home and played the entire tune of Wang Chao Jun.

At an age when he had not begun to read or write, he would spend hours on the organ, playing in tune as his mother sang simple tunes and nursery rhymes.

When Yim was in college, he was invited to perform at the Pacific Rim Business Collaboration Symposium which was chaired by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

As his fame grew, he received invitations to perform at dinner functions and balls.

But Yim wanted something more; he felt a need to help a wider community.

He wanted to give his talent back to the community who had been kind to his mother when she was at the lowest point of her life.

It was his faith in God that encouraged him to develop non-secular music in Malaysia.

In 2003, Yim embarked on an ambitious project to write and produce his own album.

He produced an orchestral Christmas album that received encouraging reviews from local music producers.

His latest album The Time Has Come is available at MPH One Utama, MPH Mid Valley and Rock Corner Mid Valley.