Spirit Of Unity To Be Highlighted By Performances In Conjunction With 46th ASEAN Summit
The performances are meant to highlight Malaysia's rich multicultural heritage and pay tribute to the cultures of ASEAN member states and external partners such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and China.
Dancers from the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) actively undergoing rehearsals in preparation for the Gala Dinner in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, at the venue yesterday.
By Nurhafizah Tan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- ASEAN's cultural diversity and spirit of unity are key elements that will be highlighted during the performances lined up to entertain delegates at the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings which begin this week.
National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Director-General Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said that each performance has been curated not only to showcase Malaysia's unique multiracial identity and also to pay tribute to the cultures of other ASEAN countries and external partners such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China.
He stated that JKKN, which is leading the performance segment at official events, including the May 26 gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aims to strengthen regional ties through an inclusive cultural showcase that promotes the ASEAN spirit.
'We're incorporating elements from various cultures -- from contemporary dances that reflect the Malaysian identity to ASEAN songs performed in the various languages of the region.
'It's vital that all delegates feel a sense of belonging when watching the performances and for everyone to be able to enjoy the show. This is aligned with the theme of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 that promotes the spirit of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' among member countries,' he told Bernama.
Sharing details about the gala dinner, Mohd Amran said the event will feature performances by renowned Malaysian artistes such as Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Zainal Abidin, Shila Amzah, Bob Yusof, Asmidar, and Yasmin Aziz.
'The performances also cater to guests who hail from the various participating countries. For example, the Arabic song 'Kun Anta' will be sung by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and the Permata Seni Choir in consideration of the GCC's participation, while singer Shila Amzah will perform the Mandarin song 'Zheng Fu'.
'As for ASEAN countries, the evening's entertainment will be enriched by a medley of ASEAN national songs performed by Bob Yusof, Asmidar, and Yasmin Aziz,' he added.
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