Photo: NG KOK LEONG/The Star
Music scene set to ignite in 2025 with over 40 top artistes lined up
PETALING JAYA: It will be music to Malaysian ears throughout the year, literally, as international stars are coming to the country to stage high-profile concerts.
Next year, Puspal (Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes) confirmed that Malaysian fans will see even more big international names arriving on the Malaysian shores, with over 40 concerts confirmed so far.
They include rock bands Linkin Park, Green Day, and Hoobastank, pop-rock group Maroon 5, and South Korean girl group 2NE1.
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Those concerts are estimated to generate about RM200mil in revenue, which includes the expenditure by the concert-goers on accommodation, food and transport.
The list of concerts for 2025 is set to grow as the year progresses, so the projected revenue may exceed this amount.
Puspal also said the concert industry in Malaysia has been steadily growing, with 294 shows held in 2023 and the number reaching 332 by November this year.
“This upward trend underscores Malaysia’s increasing appeal as a destination for world-class live entertainment,” Puspal said in a statement to The Star.
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In addition, Malaysian fans can look forward to more concerts in the first three months of 2025. The year kicks off with South Korean duo Super Junior-D&E, who are set to dazzle fans with their pulsating performances.
Following them, Taiwanese balladeer Wakin Chau will charm audiences at Genting Highlands with his timeless hits. In Kuala Lumpur, Chinese pop sensation Jason Zhang will captivate listeners with his powerful vocals. Irish rock band The Script, known for hits like Breakeven, will make a much-anticipated return.
Hong Kong’s vocal powerhouse G.E.M (Gloria Tang) will grace the National Stadium Bukit Jalil with her commanding presence. Meanwhile, fans of South Korean entertainment can look forward to a live event from the beloved variety show Running Man in Kuala Lumpur too.
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Irish singer-songwriter Ronan Keating is scheduled to deliver a night of nostalgia at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, South Korean boy band Infinite will perform at Mega Star Arena KL.
Emerging Asian-American artiste Keshi will showcase his unique lo-fi, R&B-influenced sound at the Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil, promising a fresh musical experience. And then there’s Taiwanese singer A-Lin who will enthrall Malaysians with her emotive performances at the Arena of Stars in March.
Ethel Da Costa, the founder of lifestyle content company Think Geek Media, called it a “concert-goer’s dream year”.
“The year 2025 is Malaysia’s moment in the sun, with huge acts slotted for concerts, reflecting the local audience’s desire for experiential memories.
Some of the best pop, indie, Korean, and rock-punk acts are heading to Malaysia like Wave to Earth, Glass Animals, Kehlani, Niki, Russel Peters, Boney M, Boyz to Men, and Aurora.”
Major draw: Andy Lau’s concert in Bukit Jalil in October was among 2024’s highlights. — Screencap from Star Planet’s Facebook page
She added that this would be a boost to “concert tourism”, luring music fans from South-East Asia to Malaysia.
“This translates to hotel bookings, bustling food experiences, and local transport hires for sight-seeing, creating a ripple effect for businesses and services.”
She said Malaysia deserves the best “because we have the best wholesome and holistic experiences to offer”.
Da Costa said Malaysia’s entertainment and media industry revenue grew by 2.3% to RM50.3bil in 2023. This is projected to grow to RM58.9bil by 2028, she said.
“This is encouraging. With the correct balance of will and intention from government agencies supporting local entertainment brands, an economy built around entertainment-driven tourism can catapult Malaysia onto the map.
“What it needs is true will from the top to push the people forward, consistency in market performance, stability in industry policies, an openness to the equal playing field for foreign talent to attract and sustain foreign investments in skill, innovation, intellectual, economic and cultural partnerships,” Da Costa added.
Resorts World Genting executive vice-president of sales, marketing and public relations Spencer Lee said hosting large-scale gigs benefit multiple sectors, including boosting fan drive both internationally and domestically, improving the local economy, and creating employment opportunities in logistics, hospitality, production and event management.
“It also enhances Malaysia’s global reputation as an entertainment hub,” he said.
During any concert at Resorts World Genting, Lee said the hotel’s occupancy rate would be close to full capacity.
“To maximise the benefits of hosting major concerts, we encourage the government to streamline the permit and visa application processes for foreign artistes.
“Tax rebates or subsidies for event organisers would also help offset the costs of bringing high-profile acts to Malaysia.”
He also called for improvements in infrastructure and venue accessibility, particularly in the Klang Valley.
Lee said that Resorts World Genting, which is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary, has a busy line-up of stars including Wakin Chau, A-Lin and Ronan Keating.
“These artistes have already confirmed their dates at our resort,” he said.
But concerts by global stars here tend to “attract” calls for boycotts, such as objections to Selena Gomez’s show in 2016 by those who deemed her too sexy and the protest against Coldplay in 2023 over the group’s support for the LGBTQ community.
Asked about this, Puspal said: “Any issue about a boycott will be directed back to us. The committee will decide the best way forward.”
