Kuala lumpur: Malaysia remains committed to strengthening people-to-people connectivity and promoting cultural diversity as part of efforts to deepen regional unity under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar. Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Deputy Secretary-General (Culture) Datuk Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Best of ASEAN Performing Arts (BOAPA) 2025 in preserving and evolving the shared cultural heritage of ASEAN member states while fostering mutual understanding among their peoples.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Yusri emphasized that BOAPA 2025 is not merely an annual cultural project hosted by the ASEAN Chair but serves as a significant platform for cultural tourism, specifically concert or music tourism. This sector is a key segment for Malaysia, drawing visitors from across the region to experience world-class performances by international and regional artists. Speaking at the launch of BOAPA 2025 at the Seri Angkasa Auditorium, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Mohd Yusri noted the role of concert tourism in attracting regional visitors.
The event was attended by notable figures including RTM Deputy Director-General (Broadcasting Strategic) Hamzah Ishak, Telekom Malaysia Assistant General Manager Mohammad Yusof Amirudin, and representatives from the embassies of Vietnam and Timor-Leste. The evening featured dance performances with youths from each ASEAN country showcasing their diverse traditions, costumes, and cultural heritage.
Mohd Yusri highlighted Malaysia's modern facilities such as Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil National Stadium, and Zepp Kuala Lumpur, which provide venues for major global tours and live entertainment events. These venues contribute significantly to the national economy through various channels, including hotel accommodations, local expenditure, and employment in the creative sector.
Regarding BOAPA 2025, Mohd Yusri praised the young performers for embodying the essence of ASEAN's cultural heritage. He described their performances as symbols of unity, creativity, and hope for a more interconnected future in the region.
BOAPA 2025 aims to nurture the next generation of cultural talents across ASEAN, promoting creativity and appreciation for the region's diverse heritage. The program includes a six-day intensive workshop focusing on traditional dance, music, and contemporary interpretations of ASEAN culture. A total of 22 young artists, aged between seven and 13 years, from ASEAN member states will participate in this exchange of knowledge and creativity.