Hsu Yi-chun (third right), director of the MOC’s Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development, takes part in a news conference for upcoming artist and business representative visits to NSP target countries Aug. 20 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of BAMID)
 

A delegation of Taiwan musicians and music industry representatives is set to visit Malaysia Aug. 28-31, underscoring government efforts to bolster cultural ties with Southeast Asia.
 
Organized by the Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development under the Ministry of Culture, the four-day trip features artist exchanges, business matchmaking sessions and a concert at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Center.
 
Scheduled for Aug. 30, the KLPAC event includes showcases by indigenous Amis musician Chalaw Pasiwali, singer-songwriter Enno Cheng and rock band Elephant Gym. Experimental electronic music duo Pastel Lite from Malaysia will also perform.
 
According to the bureau, the visits are part of an MOC-sponsored initiative to assist Taiwan’s music industry expand into New Southbound Policy target countries. In addition to the Malaysia visit, a trip to the Philippines featuring Amis experimental music trio Outlet Drift, electronic dance music group April Red and rock band 88balaz is set for Oct. 3-6.
 
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP is enhancing 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. (CPY-E)