VOV Vice President Vu Hai at a press conference on ASEAN+3 Song Contest

This is the first time that Voice of Vietnam has hosted a pop singing contest for ASEAN members. Pop music was selected as a medium to encourage enthusiastic exchanges between the young people of ASEAN countries. 24 singers,19 from ASEAN countries and 5 from China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, will participate in the contest. Contestants will demonstrate their own musical technique and voice as well as the cultural identity of their country. Voice of Vietnam hopes young artists are enabled to express themselves and musical talents are nurtured within the ASEAN community. VOV Vice President Vu Hai said: “Previously, Voice of Vietnam organized an ASEAN singing contest where singers performed different musical genres. This year, we selected Pop because we want to focus on young singers aged between 18 and 35. ASEAN is 50 years old now and its future depends on the younger generation, who will join efforts to develop the ASEAN Community, which was set up in 2015 on the three pillars of Politics, Economics, and Culture. Music will contribute to ASEAN friendship and strength.”

Through music, the audiences will better understand the rich cultures of ASEAN countries. Hosting the ASEAN+3 Song Contest, VOV wants to demonstrate its important role as a national media agency in boosting Vietnam’s cooperation with other countries and creating an environment of peace, friendship, and development. Mr. Hai again: "Participating singers will celebrate the 50^th anniversary of ASEAN and strengthen friendship cooperation between ASEAN members. We invite our partner countries to sing in order to enhance our friendship with them.”

The contest will be held in Thanh Hoa province on Saturday and Sunday and will be broadcast live on VTC1, VTC3, VOVTV, VOV3 and VOV5.