Spirit Of Unity To Be Highlighted By Performances In Conjunction With 46th ASEAN Summit

By Nurhafizah Tan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- ASEAN’s cultural diversity and spirit of unity are key elements that will be highlighted during the performances lined up to entertain delegates at the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings which begin this week.

National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Director-General Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said that each performance has been curated not only to showcase Malaysia’s unique multiracial identity and also to pay tribute to the cultures of other ASEAN countries and external partners such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China.

He stated that JKKN, which is leading the performance segment at official events, including the May 26  gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aims to strengthen regional ties through an inclusive cultural showcase that promotes the ASEAN spirit.

“We’re incorporating elements from various cultures --  from contemporary dances that reflect the Malaysian identity to ASEAN songs performed in the various languages of the region.

“It’s vital that all delegates feel a sense of belonging when watching the performances and for everyone to be able to enjoy the show. This is aligned with the theme of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 that promotes the spirit of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ among member countries,” he told Bernama.

Sharing details about the gala dinner, Mohd Amran said the event will feature performances by renowned Malaysian artistes such as Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Zainal Abidin, Shila Amzah, Bob Yusof, Asmidar, and Yasmin Aziz.

“The performances also cater to guests who hail from the various participating countries. For example, the Arabic song ‘Kun Anta’ will be sung by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and the Permata Seni Choir in consideration of the GCC’s participation, while singer Shila Amzah will perform the Mandarin song ‘Zheng Fu’.

“As for ASEAN countries, the evening’s entertainment will be enriched by a medley of ASEAN national songs performed by Bob Yusof, Asmidar, and Yasmin Aziz,” he added.

Mohd Amran said the artistes will be accompanied by musicians from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), children from Permata Seni Choir and Dance, JKKN Cultural Artists as well as non-governmental organisations.

He said that the approach of incorporating cultural elements from various countries demonstrates how arts and culture can serve as a strong diplomatic bridge, in line with ASEAN’s mission of a united and sustainable community.

"In this era of geopolitical and social challenges, cultural elements have the power to unite. ASEAN is not just about economic or political cooperation, but also about cooperation in spirit, heritage, and identity,” he added.

JKKN has previously participated in other ASEAN-related programmes, including the ASEAN Festival of Arts in Melaka and the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Meeting, all of which emphasised elements of regional cultural unity and understanding.

The 46th ASEAN Summit will kick off with the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on May 23, followed by ministerial-level meetings on May 25, and culminate with heads of government meetings starting May 26.

-- BERNAMA