ASEAN-Korea Music Festival 2025 Kicks Off in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR— The ASEAN-Korea Music Festival (ROUND) 2025 was officially launched this evening (June 20) at Saloma, Kuala Lumpur, marking the beginning of a vibrant two-day celebration of music, cultural exchange, and regional unity.
The event was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, and attended by dignitaries, cultural leaders, artists, and guests from across ASEAN and the Republic of Korea.
In his opening remarks, Khairul Firdaus highlighted the festival’s theme, “Come Around, Here to Shine,” as a reflection of Malaysia’s vision for a new era of cultural diplomacy during its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship.
He noted that the festival aligns with the Malaysia MADANI framework, which promotes inclusivity, sustainability, and mutual respect.
“Through the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival, we reaffirm the importance of cultural exchange as a conduit for social cohesion, deepening our mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds between the peoples of ASEAN and the Republic of Korea,” said the Deputy Minister.
“Malaysia continues to prioritise creative and cultural cooperation, recognising it as a vital tool for people-to-people connectivity and regional growth.”
The festival, jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and Korea Broadcasting System (KBS), showcases top talent from ASEAN and Korea, providing a platform for artistic expression and cross-cultural appreciation.
Representing the Republic of Korea, Ambassador Yeo Seung-bae praised the festival as a meaningful example of ASEAN-Korea collaboration.
“Korea’s hosting of APEC and Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year offer a timely and valuable opportunity to elevate our cooperation to the next level,” he said.
“Through the universal language of music, I hope to strengthen further the bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between Korea and ASEAN.”
The festival is more than a celebration of music — it underscores the growing role of culture in diplomacy, socio-economic development, and tourism. As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, events like ROUND 2025 position the country as a centre for cultural convergence and artistic innovation in the region.
MOTAC reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing culture as a driving force for sustainable development and international collaboration, in line with the values of Malaysia MADANI — unity in diversity, cultural empowerment, and global cooperation.
The ASEAN-Korea Music Festival (ROUND) 2025 continues through the weekend, promising electrifying performances and meaningful moments of cross-cultural connection.
Photo: MOTAC Facebook
