By Nina Farzuin Md Sharom
PETALING JAYA, Aug 26 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will represent Malaysia as the host of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Youth Folklore Festival, which will occur from September 21 to September 26.
Mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir said the festival, to be held in the city centre of Section 52, is expected to be attended by 20,000 participants and visitors throughout its duration.
"A total of 26 Asia-Pacific countries have been invited to participate in this festival, with 13 of them confirming their participation.
"The participating countries include China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Iran, the Philippines, Singapore, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Qatar, and Brunei," he said during the pre-launch event yesterday.
The festival, themed Celebrating Culture and Heritage, will feature eight activities, including a concert featuring well-known Malaysian artists.
"The programmes we have organised include international cultural performances, an art career seminar, the PJ International Arts Conference 2023, performances at five selected schools, and more.
"Simultaneously, at an evening concert event, we will showcase well-known local artists including Datuk Hattan, Ziana Zain, Ella, and Datuk Awie," Mohamad Azhan said.
He described the Asia-Pacific Youth Folklore Festival as an expression of love for the uniqueness of culture, art, and heritage, to foster harmony and unity among the global community.
"The visitors who attend will play a role as ambassadors, and they will undoubtedly share their exciting experiences at this festival with those outside.
"This also strengthens Petaling Jaya's image as an artistic city and a tourist destination," Mohamad Azhan said.
In 2015, the state government declared Petaling Jaya a city of art in line with MBPJ's commitment to being a tourist destination, through the organisation of the PJ International Folklore Festival, which has been held since 2013.
[caption id="attachment_323675" align="aligncenter" width="863"]
Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir (back row, centre) with performers during the pre-launch of the Asia-Pacific Youth Folklore Festival, at the Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel on August 25, 2023. — Picture by FACEBOOK/MAJLIS BANDARAYA PETALING JAYA[/caption]
