An Indonesian singer has won the grand prize at the finals of the "C-Wave Global Music Co-creation Plan · Joy Resonance of Nanyang" held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with an Indonesian-language adaptation of a Chinese song that has surpassed 2 billion global streams. Kezia Kaithlyn's winning entry, "Aku Masih Memikirkanmu," is an adaptation of the Chinese song "Later I Met Him." She hopes the adaptation will help Southeast Asian listeners understand the emotional core of Chinese-language music, according to the announcement reported by Media OutReach Newswire.
The project, hosted by China's Guangdong Radio and Television, is open worldwide with no restrictions on nationality or age. It features three tracks: original creation, adaptation, and AI co-creation. Within just 30 days of launch, it received over 5,000 submissions from around the world, with musicians from more than half of APEC member economies participating. The initiative's global appeal is significant because it demonstrates how amateur musicians can gain international exposure and contribute to cross-cultural dialogue through music.
The finals brought together 300 guests, with 68 local media outlets including Radio Televisyen Malaysia covering the event. A Malaysian member of parliament said music can dissolve differences and expressed hope the event becomes a regular fixture. A local tourism and culture official described the project as building a bridge for Asia-Pacific youth exchange under the framework of APEC's China year. Scholars from multiple countries also recognized Chinese-language music's value in connecting hearts across regions. These endorsements underscore the event's role in fostering regional ties and cultural understanding.
The program has generated an enthusiastic response. Experts on international affairs and China studies, the president of the UNESCO Culture Without Borders association, and Chinese-language schools worldwide have followed it closely. Overseas reach has totaled 300 million, with 137 domestic and international platforms simultaneously promoting it. The initiative helps ordinary amateurs reach the international stage, using music as a vehicle for civilizational dialogue and conveying an open and inclusive Chinese culture to the world. For readers, this signals a growing trend of grassroots cultural exchange, where music transcends language barriers and creates opportunities for global collaboration. The success of the adaptation also highlights the potential for AI co-creation and other innovative formats to further democratize music production and distribution.
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