KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim presided over the ASEAN Friendship Concert 2025, featuring musical performances by artists representing all 10 ASEAN member countries. The concert took place at Seri Angkasa Hall in Kuala Lumpur on 18 October 2025, celebrating Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship and its role as host of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, scheduled for 25-28 October 2025. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is also expected to attend the upcoming summit. Malaysia will hand over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines in 2026.
Organized by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the event was themed “Melody of Unity, Rhythm of Friendship.” The concert aimed to highlight friendship, solidarity, and close cooperation among ASEAN member states, using music as a universal language to strengthen regional bonds.
Representing Thailand was Valentina Ploy (Valentina Giardullo) — a Thai-Italian singer-songwriter and former contestant on The Voice Thailand Season 6, who has also collaborated with international artists. She performed the song “Cheers to Life” alongside artists from other ASEAN countries, including:
- Cidalia (Timor-Leste) – “Hein”
- Pach Kimmouy (Cambodia) – “How Do You Do”
- Dila Junaidi (Brunei Darussalam) – “Anugerah Terindah”
- Adriane Roy Calangian (Philippines) – “Madaling Araw”
- Peter Holly (Indonesia) – “Mangu”
- Thinlamphne Mahavong (Lao PDR) – “Phao Lao Ery”
- Vo Hoai Anh (Vietnam) – “Mưa Bay Tháp Cổ”
- Aina Abdul (Malaysia) – “Jangan Mata Rasa Itu”
The concert also featured special performances by renowned Malaysian artists Aisha Retno and Hael Husaini.
Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department (PRD), as an ASEAN partner, has obtained official broadcast rights from RTM Malaysia to air the recorded concert in Thailand. Audiences in Thailand will soon be able to enjoy the performances and experience the spirit of friendship and unity expressed through the shared language of music — a bridge connecting all ASEAN nations. (PRD)
