(From left) Nasir Khan, the son of late Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin at the official launch of the Music Score Book of Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab, held during FrequenSEA Music Conference.
THE pulse of South-East Asia’s creative energy came alive at FrequenSEA: ASEAN Music Conference, held on Oct 21 and 22 at Grey Box, GMBB Kuala Lumpur, as part of RIUH x ASEAN 2025.
The two-day conference marked the first-ever edition of FrequenSEA, a regional platform designed to strengthen cross-border collaboration within Asean’s growing music ecosystem.
Blending “frequency” and “SEA,” FrequenSEA symbolised connection and harmony, an apt metaphor for a region whose musical traditions are as diverse as they are intertwined. The event drew over 150 participants, uniting artists, producers, promoters and creative entrepreneurs for a programme of keynotes, masterclasses and live showcases.
According to MyCreative Ventures industry development vice president Zainol Haqim Zainol Rashid, the conference was created to address a key gap in the regional industry.
“While there’s incredible talent in every Asean country, many creatives still struggle with cross-border collaboration, music distribution and adapting to new technologies such as AI,” he said.
“FrequenSEA bridges that gap by encouraging dialogue, knowledge-sharing and partnerships. It’s about building a more connected Asean music ecosystem where local talent can thrive globally.”
The opening ceremony, officiated by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, held a cultural performance celebrating Asean’s musical diversity as well as the launch of the Music Score Book of Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab. The publication will be distributed to institutions and universities to preserve the late music composer’s musical legacy for educational use.
Among the highlights across both days were sessions featuring Balan Kash, Jono, and Rendra Zawawi, whose candid and insightful discussions—reflections on real industry challenges, creative evolution and music’s changing role in the digital era struck a chord with the audience.
In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the conference also featured Australia’s Kartini Ludwig, director and founder of Kopi Su Studio and Koup Music, who explored how technology is reshaping the creative process and industry dynamics.
Her session, “How to Shape the Future of Music and AI Fairly?”, examined the balance between innovation and integrity, addressing issues of originality, ownership and fair compensation as AI becomes increasingly embedded in music creation and distribution.
Rapper, songwriter and performer Balan Kash sharing his journey and vision in “Building Malaysian Identity, Independently” during his keynote at FrequenSEA Music Conference.
Zainol said the aim of the discussion was to create an open dialogue that helps artists understand how to protect their creative rights while leveraging AI to enhance their craft and competitiveness on a regional level.
“For artists, AI opens exciting possibilities for experimentation, collaboration and access to new audiences. However, it also raises important questions about originality, ownership and fair compensation.
“Our position isn’t to reject AI but to encourage responsible and ethical use of it—where technology serves as a tool to empower artists rather than replace them.”
The conference also featured eight live performances, serving as cultural showcases that allowed participants to experience the region’s dynamic creative spirit firsthand. It attracted a young and diverse crowd, from music students and producers to independent artists and promoters eager to expand their regional networks.
By amplifying voices across borders and fostering collaboration, FrequenSEA set the stage for Asean to build a music ecosystem that is both inclusive and globally resonant.
RIUH x ASEAN 2025 is an event centred around cultural experiences across the Klang Valley that features pop-up gigs, conferences, live performances, hands-on workshops and networking sessions to encourage conversations, collaborations and cultivate connections. It ends Oct 31.
To find out more about the programme, visit: https://baskl.com.my/riuhxasean/
