Forging closer music industry ties between Taiwan and New Southbound Policy nations is the focus of a project launched Aug. 28 by the Ministry of Culture, with Malaysia and Thailand the first markets to be targeted.
 
Under the initiative, the MOC’s Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development will organize business networking events and music concerts in NSP countries.
 
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
 
BAMID Director Hsu Yi-chun said this approach will create deeper music industry links between Taiwan and Southeast Asia, adding that she hopes the project will also lead to better collaboration in other entertainment industries such as television production.
 
The bureau will lead a delegation of around 50 artists, music producers and company representatives Sept. 2-5 to Malaysia to explore business opportunities. It will host a concert Sept. 3 at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre headlined by indigenous artist and Golden Melody Awards winner Pau-dull with singers Kowen, Fang Wu and Malaysian Reza Salleh also performing.
 
Another delegation will visit Thailand Nov. 23-27 when Taiwan bands Quarterback and The White Eyes along with singer Matzka will take the stage at the Cat Expo, the NSP country’s largest indie music festival. (CPY-E)