PUTRAJAYA, Aug. 13, 2025 – The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has unveiled a major collaboration between the ASEAN Indie Youth Festival (AIYF) and TAPAUfest 2025 ASEAN, aiming to spotlight Southeast Asian indie culture and empower young creatives across the region.
The two-day event, set for Aug. 23-24 at Resort Tasik Raban in Lenggong, Perak, is expected to draw 500 students and 200 youth participants for workshops, discussions, and artistic activities. Organizers described it as a platform to foster cross-border collaboration, amplify youth voices, and celebrate creative freedom through art, music, and more.
“This festival embodies Malaysia’s commitment to the creative industry during our ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025,” a KBS statement said yesterday. It aligns with the Rakan Muda program, particularly under the Rakan Muzik and Rakan Ekspresi themes, which promote safe, progressive outlets for youth to avoid social issues like drug abuse.
By partnering with TAPAUfest, AIYF will infuse the event with diverse, inclusive content from ASEAN nations, building sustainable cultural networks and encouraging innovation in line with Malaysia MADANI values.
The festival will feature six key zones:
- PASAR: A creative market highlighting indie brands, art, zines, and handmade goods from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei.
- BENGKEL: Workshops and talks led by regional artists, activists, and leaders, including sessions on “What’s Up with ASEAN?”, “Stay Loud, Be Relevant,” and “The Struggles of Finding Your Visual Identity.”
- LAYAR: A two-hour showcase of indie short films from six ASEAN countries, curated by the SEA SHORTS Film Festival.
- WARUNG: A culinary zone exploring Southeast Asia’s favorite foods, emphasizing food as a cultural bridge.
- PENTAS: The main stage with 12 live performances by emerging and established indie artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
- CAMP VIBES: Managed by Santuy Camp, offering two-night stays amid scenic lake views, with relaxing music and community vibes.
Beyond entertainment, the event seeks to unite ASEAN youth in shaping an inclusive future, forging friendships, and driving progressive cultural change.
Tickets are on sale at tapaufest.asia, with a special student weekend pass at RM99 (limited to the first 500 buyers). Day passes cost RM189 for either Aug. 23 or 24, while standard weekend passes are RM349.