(VOVWORLD) - With her powerful voice and an explosive performance, Malaysian singer Rosario Ninih Chamini Bianis was crowned the winner of the 2019 ASEAN+3 Song Contest at the grand finale on Sunday night in the northern province of Quang Ninh province.
Hosted by the Voice of Vietnam (VOV), the contest attracted 22 singers from 10 ASEAN states and guest singers from China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.
“The biennial event creates a venue for regional singers to show their talent. It is also part of Vietnam’s activities to mark the 52nd anniversary of ASEAN establishment, August 18,” said VOV President Nguyen The Ky.
 Malaysian singer Rosario Ninih Chamini Bianis performs at the finale of the ASEAN+3 Song Contest, July 28, 2019. |
The contest aims to boost cultural exchanges between Vietnam and regional countries.
“I appreciate VOV’s organization of this contest. The government supports activities to strengthen unity and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries. I believe the contest will become a popular playground for ASEAN artists,” said Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh.
Two runner-ups were from Vietnam and the Philippines.
“I gained lots of friends here. We came here with the same goal. We all love music so it’s easier for us to make friends here,” said contestant Ng Zhen Long Desmond from Singapore.
“I’m proud to represent my country, Cambodia, and introduce unique Cambodian cultural features to friends in ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, and China,” said contestant Ma Chanpanha from Cambodia.
“This is the first time I have been to Vietnam. Everything here is far better than my imagination. The scenery is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the people are friendly,” said guest singer Ju Eun Young from South Korea.