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—a vivid embodiment of the global co-creation initiative, according to Media OutReach Newswire.
Hosted by China's Guangdong Radio and Television, the project is open worldwide with no restrictions on nationality or age, featuring 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 finals brought together 300 guests, with 68 local media outlets including Radio Televisien 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.
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.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond a single contest. For the music industry, it demonstrates that cross-border adaptations can achieve massive streaming success, opening new avenues for artists and rights holders to reach global audiences. For cultural diplomacy, the program offers a model of people-to-people exchange that leverages amateur participation and digital platforms to foster mutual understanding among APEC economies and beyond. The involvement of media outlets and officials in Malaysia underscores how local stakeholders can amplify such initiatives, potentially boosting tourism and cultural ties. As the project continues, it may encourage more grassroots musicians to participate in international co-creation, further blurring the lines between local and global music markets. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
