BoAPA 2025 Showcases ASEAN Youth Talent and Cultural Unity
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — The Best of ASEAN Performing Arts (BoAPA) 2025 officially kicked off on Saturday (October 25) at the Auditorium Seri Angkasa, Angkasapuri, Kuala Lumpur, celebrating the artistic talents of ASEAN youth and the region’s shared cultural identity.
Themed “ASEAN Cultural Seed: Nurturing Cultural Leaders”, the week-long regional cultural exchange brings together 22 young artists aged between seven and 13 from across Southeast Asia. The event is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) in collaboration with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Pertubuhan Anak Seni Malaysia (PASM).
The opening ceremony was officiated by H.E. Dato’ Mohd Yusri bin Mohd Yusoff, who represented Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
In his speech, Dato’ Mohd Yusri highlighted the important role of arts and culture in fostering peace and understanding within communities.
“Cultural diversity, heritage and artistic expression help address the root causes of conflict and foster healing and reconciliation, especially at the community and grassroots level,” he said.
“Through initiatives such as BoAPA, cultural legacies can be safeguarded and continue to evolve, particularly among children and youth.”
He also noted that cultural tourism is emerging as one of Malaysia’s most promising sectors, particularly in concert and music tourism, which attracts both local and regional audiences to experience world-class performances.
Nurturing ASEAN’s Next Generation of Cultural Leaders
BoAPA 2025 serves as a regional platform to nurture and empower young ASEAN talents through performing arts, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration. The programme aims to strengthen ASEAN identity among youth while promoting appreciation for the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
This year’s edition features a six-day intensive workshop in traditional and contemporary performing arts — including dance, music, and creative expression. The workshops are designed to enhance participants’ artistic skills, cultural awareness, and leadership potential.
The programme will culminate in a showcase performance featuring contemporary interpretations of ASEAN’s shared cultural identity.
Grand Finale at ASEAN Summit Gala Dinner
As the highlight of the programme, the young ASEAN performers will take centre stage at the 47th ASEAN Summit Gala Dinner, presenting a collaborative performance symbolising ASEAN unity and friendship.
Through this platform, MOTAC continues to advance initiatives under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Pillar, reinforcing Malaysia’s leadership in promoting regional cultural cooperation, creativity, and sustainable development.
In line with the Malaysia MADANI vision, MOTAC remains committed to elevating Malaysia’s arts, culture, and heritage — and those of the wider ASEAN region — to the international stage, in conjunction with Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN 2025.
For more information on ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) programmes and Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 events, visit: https://ascc2025.motac.gov.my/.