RIUH x ASEAN 2025: Where Southeast Asia’s Creativity Takes Center Stage
From 15 October to 3 November 2025, the city will transform into a pulsating hub of music, art, food, and community as RIUH x ASEAN 2025 takes over. Organized by the Ministry of Communications through the MyCreative Ventures Group, this mega-celebration of Southeast Asian creativity is expected to pull in over 30,000 visitors from across the region.
This year’s theme, “Forging Ahead Together: Inclusivity & Sustainability,” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a movement. RIUH x ASEAN isn’t just a festival; it’s a regional stage where Malaysia and its ASEAN neighbours come together to celebrate creativity, connect cultures, and redefine what it means to be part of this dynamic community.
The Heartbeat: RIUH x ASEAN Marketplace
24 – 26 October | Stadium Merdeka | 11am – 11pm
Imagine over 150 creative brands from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia — all in one place. The RIUH x ASEAN Marketplace, presented with QSR Brands and supported by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) as venue sponsor, will fill Stadium Merdeka with the best of Southeast Asia’s craft, food, fashion, and culture. Add live performances into the mix, and you’ve got a sensory overload in the best possible way.
For the Music-Lovers: frequenSEA Music Conference
21 – 22 October | Grey Box, GMBB | 12.30pm – 8.30pm | FREE ENTRY
Malaysia’s first-ever ASEAN Music Conference, frequenSEA, is turning up the volume on conversations that matter. Expect TED-style talks from acclaimed artists, producers, and music industry leaders who are ready to spill the real stories behind the beats. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or just someone who believes in the power of sound, this one’s a must.
School’s Back — The Creative Kind: RIUH School ASEAN
15 – 19 October & 29 October – 2 November | Online
Forget boring lectures — this is the school you’ll actually want to attend. With 16 free online creative classes and a panel webinar spanning visual arts, music, digital marketing, and performance, RIUH School ASEAN is where knowledge meets imagination. Bonus? It’s free for the first 20 sign-ups, so move fast if you want in.
Art That Speaks: Suara Belacu
17 – 31 October | ODEON KL | FREE ENTRY
Step into Suara Belacu, an exhibition designed to champion Malaysia’s artistic voice within the ASEAN narrative. Featuring contemporary Malaysian paintings infused with an integrated soundscape and large-scale digital visuals, it transforms the historic ODEON KL into a multi-sensory experience. Think of it as art that doesn’t just hang — it hums.
Words That Move: SEA Slam
19 & 25 October | Grey Box, GMBB & ODEON KL | FREE ENTRY
The mic is open and the energy’s electric. SEA Slam is a spoken word poetry competition bringing together Southeast Asian voices to express, challenge, and connect through raw words and rhythm.
Knockout Round: 19 October, 2pm @ ODEON KL
Final Round: 25 October, 2pm @ Grey Box, GMBB
Public Workshop: 26 October, 10.30am @ Grey Box, GMBB
Whether you’re there to perform or just vibe, SEA Slam proves that poetry isn’t quiet — it’s powerful.
For the Indie Souls: RUMASORA
23 & 31 October | Grey Box, GMBB & ODEON KL | 8.30pm – 10.30pm | RM20 per entry
If underground music and creative community are your thing, RUMASORA is where you need to be. This immersive experience fuels Malaysia’s indie music scene with the kind of energy you can’t fake.
Show I: Upclose – 23 October @ Grey Box, GMBB
Show II: Music & Art Synergy – 31 October @ ODEON KL
It’s a sonic journey that reminds you why live music hits different.
Laughter, Served Fresh: Panggung Gelak Festival
18 – 26 October | Tong Shin Terrace & Grey Box, GMBB
Laughter really is the best therapy, and Panggung Gelak is serving it in generous doses. Featuring comedy greats like Pinball Monkeys, Papi Zak & Kavin Jay, and Shamaine Othman, this festival celebrates Malaysia’s sharpest humor across stand-up, improv, and workshops.
Action Baby (18 Oct) – Workshop (3.30pm), Show (8.30pm) @ Tong Shin Terrace | RM35 (meal & drink included)
Big RIUH Energy (25 Oct) – 8.30pm @ Grey Box, GMBB | RM20
Stand-up Sis! (26 Oct) – Female-only workshop (10am – 6pm), open show (8.30pm) @ Tong Shin Terrace | RM35 (meal & drink included)
Comedy with a side of culture? Yes, please.
For the Storytellers: Lit Connect
25 – 26 October | Grey Box, GMBB
Lit Connect is where words meet typewriters and creativity flows old-school. Guided by writers, participants get to craft short stories based on a theme — no laptops allowed.
Workshop 1: 25 October, 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Workshop 2: 26 October, 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Because sometimes, the best stories start with the click-clack of keys.
A Celebration Beyond Borders
From music to poetry, comedy to craft, RIUH x ASEAN 2025 is more than just a festival — it’s a celebration of everything Southeast Asia stands for: diversity, creativity, and connection. It’s a reminder that our region’s voices, flavours, and stories are stronger when shared together.
For updates and full event details, visit baskl.com.my/riuhxasean or follow @riuhinthecity on Instagram and Facebook.
So mark your calendars, Kuala Lumpur — it’s time to get RIUH.
