Malaysia-PH art festival opens at Intramuros, celebrating cross-cultural exchange

The Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, in collaboration with Art dialogo Asia, Tourism Malaysia, and the Department of Education (DepEd) Manila, formally launched the SENI SIKAT: Malaysia-Philippines Art Festival at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros on Nov. 26, 2025.

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Manila City Administrator Atty. Eduardo 'Wardee' Quintos, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, ArtDialogo CEO Anna Karina Jardin, and DepEd Manila Director Atty. Amorsolo Camara, Jr.

The festival's name, SENI SIKAT, a fusion of Seni (Malay for “art”) and Sikat (Filipino for “brilliance” or “recognition”), captures the spirit of cultural cooperation and creativity between the two nations. Designed to promote mutual understanding and collaboration through the arts, the initiative underscores the importance of inclusive cultural diplomacy and community participation in strengthening bilateral ties.

The festival comes at a significant moment in regional diplomacy. Malaysia recently concluded its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship, a term focused on inclusion, sustainability and community-building across Southeast Asia. In October, Malaysia formally handed over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines, marking a milestone for both nations.