Straw Lim

Malaysian independent artist (Kuala Lumpur / Sabah)

Multilingual singer-songwriter Straw Lim explores diversity and social awareness through cross-cultural collaborations. After travelling across 50 countries in search of purpose–a journey that inspired her 2019 debut album Excursion–she returns to her roots with her second album, Pulang (2025). The lead single “Home” fuses traditional rhythms with modern arrangement, earning “Best Overall Production” and “Creative Excellence” at the Short+Sweet Festival Malaysia 2024, and won Top 10 Single of the Year at the 19th Freshmusic Awards.

Straw has graced international stages including Rainforest World Music Festival, Music Lane Festival Okinawa, Jade Music Fest, George Town Festival, City ROARS! Festival, RIUH ASEAN, and more. Whether performing solo with live-looping or with a band, her versatile style brings depth and tranquility to every performance. Offstage, she has participated in community music projects with marginalised groups, driven by her belief in music as a tool for compassion and quiet transformation.

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While studying, Straw released “Straw’s Demo” in 2012, an EP produced at home with her previous band, Astrawnomi. Upon graduation, she worked full time as a multimedia designer in a non-profit organisation while producing “Excursion” and “Pulang”.

Straw early music education and exposure in school includes ABRSM Grade 8 Classical Piano, Grade 5 Viola (Strings Quartet), Yangqin and Percussion (Chinese Orchestra), Snare Drums (Marching Band), and Choir.

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Astrawnomi

Astrawnomi is a space where Straw’s creativity roams freely.

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Why “Straw”?

Only in Malaysia, the drinking straw is commonly known as “shui cao” in Mandarin, which actually means aquatic plants. This is to reflect her unique Malaysian identity, as well as her love for the ocean.