MARSHA, DOLLA TO REPRESENT MALAYSIA AT ASEAN-KOREA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- Popular local artistes Marsha Milan Londoh and the girl group Dolla have been selected to represent Malaysia at the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival (Round 2025), which will be held at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on June 21 and 22.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said both artistes were chosen for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements, in line with the festival’s aim of strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering closer ASEAN-Korea ties through the arts.
“Marsha Milan is recognised for her powerful vocals and Kadazan Dusun heritage, which highlight Malaysia’s cultural diversity and ethnic communities as part of the national identity.
“Meanwhile, Dolla is a Malaysian girl group known for their modern musical style and stage presence on par with K-pop artistes. With a large number of social media followers and an international fanbase, they serve as a valuable asset in Malaysia’s digital cultural diplomacy strategy,” he told reporters after appearing as a guest on the Hello ASEAN programme at Wisma Bernama here today.
Shaharuddin said the festival is part of Malaysia’s strategic efforts as the ASEAN Chair in 2025 to enhance regional socio-cultural cooperation, promote cultural and heritage tourism, and support the growth of the country’s creative economy.
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“Cultural initiatives such as this festival show that arts and culture can serve as a bridge that unites regional countries in pursuit of unity, stability and shared prosperity.
“The festival is not only about entertainment performances but also includes industry networking opportunities and artistic exchanges, in line with ASEAN’s mission to foster a strong regional identity through cultural platforms,” he added.
The event will also feature artistes from other ASEAN countries, namely He’ Lay (Myanmar), 1st One (Philippines), Minh Toc & Lam (Vietnam), Thay Champasak (Laos), Yung Raja (Singapore), The Pujanggas (Brunei), Retrospect (Thailand), Tep Boprek (Cambodia), Yan Josua (Indonesia), as well as Dragon Pony, Paul Kim and Touched from South Korea.
Shaharuddin expressed hope that the festival would not only serve as a platform for entertainment and artistic expression but also as a symbol of the close cooperation between ASEAN and Korea in the fields of arts, culture, tourism, and the creative economy.
“We also hope the festival will attract more tourists to Malaysia in the coming years, in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 target.
“We view this festival as an opportunity to promote Malaysia’s cultural and heritage tourism products more widely, including to international markets, which will in turn positively impact the national economy,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
