KUALA LUMPUR: Tonight’s Gala Dinner for the 47th ASEAN Summit serves as a powerful symbol of cultural diplomacy and regional unity.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are hosting the event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
ASEAN leaders and international dialogue partners will witness artistic performances reflecting Malaysia MADANI aspirations.
Renowned artists including Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk M. Nasir, and Dayang Nurfaizah will showcase regional cultural diversity.
Creative Director Mohd Azli Othman explained the performances begin with children before featuring main artists.
Each segment highlights unique ASEAN cultures with sand artist Bernice Wong depicting regional monuments through visual art.
This year’s programme differs from previous editions by featuring diverse musical genres instead of focusing solely on ethnic songs.
Three orchestra entities will perform together on the same stage for the first time in Malaysian history.
The Malaysian Traditional Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, and Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra will combine their talents.
Istana Budaya leads the performance coordination in collaboration with the ASEAN Summit organising committee.
Mohd Azli hopes the event becomes a platform for cultural unity rather than mere entertainment.
He emphasised the performance symbolises ASEAN solidarity built on harmony and mutual respect.
All participants from Malaysia and ASEAN member states will unite in a final song representing regional togetherness.
The gala dinner demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to fostering ASEAN cultural exchange and diplomatic relations.
This cultural showcase reinforces the importance of artistic expression in international diplomacy and cooperation.
Through this event, Malaysia strengthens its position as a cultural hub within the ASEAN community.
The combination of traditional and contemporary elements reflects the dynamic nature of ASEAN cultural identity.
This unprecedented collaboration between Malaysia’s top orchestras sets a new standard for cultural presentations.
The event represents months of careful planning and coordination between various cultural institutions.
Mohd Azli’s vision transforms a formal diplomatic dinner into a meaningful cultural experience for all attendees.
This approach to cultural diplomacy aligns with Malaysia’s broader foreign policy objectives in the region.
The gala dinner serves as both celebration and statement of ASEAN’s shared cultural heritage and future aspirations.
– Bernama
