Singer and songwriter Aina Abdul will fly the Malaysian flag in Bangkok when the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia takes place on Nov 14 (Saturday).
The announcement was made during the show AJL: Anugerah Juara Lagu. A total of ten artists competed in the 40th edition of the annual song competition on Saturday 15 August. This year, however, there was an added element to the prize. The opportunity to represent Malaysia on an international stage like no other.
Broadcast live from Unifi Arena in Kuala Lumpur, the glittering entertainment gala showcased new Malaysian music while celebrating the 40-year history of the show and the music it has produced.
Shortly after, Aina was also announced as Malaysia’s representative at the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia, allowing her to perform on an international stage.
Also in focus was the future of the country's music scene, with an exciting new chapter to talk about as viewers in Malaysia and beyond can now look forward to Aina Abdul representing the nation at the first Eurovision Song Contest Asia.
The selection panel chose Aina based on professional jury scores, which aligned with the official criteria set for the contest.
Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Eurovision has evolved from a European music competition founded in 1956 into a global cultural phenomenon.
The upcoming two-hour live spectacle will showcase top-tier vocalists from across the Asian continent.
Malaysia becomes the second country to find its singer for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026. On Tuesday (Aug 11), Nyendra won the inaugural edition of Rhythm of Bhutan and will become the first artist to represent Bhutan. He'll perform the song, Lhayi Semo.
At the AJL 40, Aina's performance has garnered strong attention among audiences in attendance, with viewers praising the singer’s elaborate stage presentation.
Aina took the stage with her song Kamu, delivering a dramatic volcano-themed performance that saw her emerge from a massive rock prop as red and orange lights illuminated the venue.
The singer began her performance by greeting the audience before rising from what appeared to be a molten lava fissure within the rocky set.
She was then lifted above the stage on a concealed platform, adding to the theatrical spectacle.
Speaking to the media at the press conference after AJL 40, Aina said being chosen to represent Malaysia felt like the real victory of the night.
“When I heard my name being announced, I thought, ‘Allah, this is the real win for me.’ I have watched and learnt a lot from Eurovision. Even before AJL, I watched many performances from Eurovision," said Aina after her success on the night.
“Of course, I wanted to go and experience what it is like to perform in another country. It’s more stressful than AJL. I hope I can do well because sometimes I think, when will I get the opportunity to raise Malaysia’s name? I thank god for giving me this chance."
Aina previously clinched the coveted AJL title at AJL 37 with Terus Hidup, where she also won the Best Vocal award.
At AJL 38, her self-penned hit Jangan Mati Rasa Itu secured third place and another Best Vocal win, while last year’s AJL 39 saw her take home the Best Performance Award for Puas Sudah.
With a string of acclaimed and chart-topping singles, many of which she has written and composed herself, Aina will now take her music to an international audience as Malaysia’s representative at the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia.
