A power couple: Datuk Dr Ken Phua and his wife Datin Cathlyn Lee in the music industry.
By Foong Pek Yee
foongpekyee@gmail.com
Photos: Courtesy of BMGB
May 9, 2026
She plays the piano and her second son follows in her footsteps.
Her firstborn and third and youngest child, both boys, play the drums while her husband plays a few instruments including the guitar.
“A kid who learns and plays music is a happy kid,” says Datin Cathlyn Lee on the power of music.
She says their sons who are 18, 13 and nine now were given the freedom to choose their choice of instrument when they were a few years old.
“As parents, it is important for us to observe, listen and encourage our children to make their choice,” Lee says on picking the right instrument for kids.
With a theme: Children, their parents and music teachers dressed in pyjamas for a performance at Bentley Music Academy.
Lee’s musical journey started with organ when she was a small kid.
She switched to piano later and graduated with Grade 8. She is also into singing.
Fate has it, she met and married Datuk Dr Ken Phua, the managing director of Bentley Music Group Berhad (BMGB) .
Lee is the director of marketing (Steinway Piano division).
BMGB is the exclusive dealer for Steinway since 2006.
Exclusive: at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Wisma Bentley Music in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.
BMGB, listed on Bursa Malaysia LEAP Market this February, was founded by Dr Phua’s father Phua Sin Loke in 1975.
It started in a shoplot in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur and relocated to the bustling Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur in the 1980s. The senior Phua passed away in 2019.
While the senior Phua might not play any musical instrument, the development of his brainchild over half a century speaks volumes of his vision and perseverance.
Conducive: In line with its motto “Performance First”, BMGB is the one-stop-centre for musical needs.
Today, BMGB with its headquarters in Wisma Bentley Music in Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya has six specialized divisions :
I. Showrooms in Petaling Jaya , Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Baru
2. Steinway Piano Gallery
3.Distribution
4. Auditorium
5. Project
6. Academy
Lee says music is a lifelong journey, from music appreciation to learning, performance and practice.
She also points out the need to get professional advice on choosing the instruments and how to take care of the instruments.
And BMGB is a one-stop- centre catering to the musical needs of individuals and institutions/organisations, says Lee.
She says the students in Bentley Music Academy is from age two onwards.
There is no age limit and the students are from all walks of life.
Music has the potential: Making a difference to a child’s development.
Music learning is wholesome – helps to raise healthy and happy children, inculcating discipline and perseverance from young and this goes a long way.
Young talents: At the 7th Steinway Malaysia Youth Piano Competition 2025.
Important venue: For stage performance and music appreciation.
Music is also a good way to de-stress and relax after rigorous training / exercise or a busy day.
Lee says her second son who is into competitive sports will play the piano to relax.
“I play the piano and sing,” says Lee of her packed schedule juggling between family and business and that music is her way to relax.
Among others, she is preparing for the 8th Steinway Malaysia Youth Piano Competition 2027.
And most of all, BMGB is spreading its wings to East Malaysia soon.
