Suara Semua Carnival A Platform To Foster Cultural Harmony, Understanding

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The Suara Semua Carnival (SSC) 2025 singing competition, held in the federal capital today, served as a vital platform for promoting cultural harmony and understanding among communities worldwide.

Programme chairman Jay Hoi Jin Jie said the event, organised by the Kunkwan International Mandarin Training Centre, adopted “voice” as its central theme and has attracted participants from 11 ASEAN+1 countries and China.

“Through voice and performances, participants not only deliver messages of unity but also learn other languages and cultures by performing songs outside their mother tongue.

“This year’s ASEAN theme brought together contestants from across the region, not just Malaysia,” he told Bernama.

Hoi, who is also Kunkwan’s chief capital officer, said 60 contestants joined the audition rounds since March, with 30 shortlisted for the semifinals and 11 advancing to today’s grand finale.

He added that the carnival has paved the way for stronger collaborations among local and regional artists, positioning Malaysia as an emerging cultural hub within ASEAN.

The grand finale, held at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, featured a distinguished panel of judges, including actress Diana Danielle and singers Mark Adam and Meer Nash.

Also in attendance were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Bernama Head of Corporate Affairs Mariati Mohd Arif.

Meanwhile, Kunkwan founder and chief executive officer Kent Ng Kun Kwan said the carnival’s spirit embodies the Malay proverb “tak kenal maka tak cinta” (to know is to love), which highlights the role of language and art in bridging differences and celebrating diversity.

“I believe that when we learn another language, we learn another culture. It reminds us that despite our differences, we share the same emotions, dreams and hopes,” he said.

-- BERNAMA