Malaysia on track to host 450 concerts in 2025, aims to be hub for international acts

KUALA LUMPUR – Concerts are expected to inject nearly RM1.7 billion (S$521 million) into Malaysia’s economy in 2025, with the country fast emerging as one of the region’s most vibrant destinations for international performances.

The surge is not just reflected in the number of concerts, but also in the ­increasing number of high-wattage stars appearing on Malaysian stages.

Bollywood playback singer Arijit Singh held a large-scale ­concert in November 2024, drawing a massive regional attendance.

In 2025, rising K-pop girl group Babymonster visited Malaysia during their first world tour in June and K-pop icon G-Dragon held two sold-out shows in July.

Cantopop ­legend Jacky Cheung also packed arenas during his tour in Malaysia in August, doubling the number of nightly shows from three to six due to strong demand.

Come November, there will be two more major shows. South Korean boy band Winner will bring their world tour to Malaysia on Nov 1, while British singer Craig David will thrill fans with his TS5 Live concert on Nov 10.

According to the Communi­cations Ministry, Malaysia is on track to host about 450 concerts in 2025, a steep rise from 104 in 2022, 335 in 2023, and 408 in 2024.

The government is keenly aware of the role of international concerts in spurring economic activity as well as raising Malaysia’s cultural profile, said Mr Nik Kamaru­zaman Nik Husin, the ministry’s ­deputy secretary-general for stra­tegic communications and creative industry.

“The government aims to ­position Malaysia as a competitive and culturally vibrant ­destination,” he added.

“Concerts attract large ­numbers of both local and international attendees, which boosts revenue for the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, transportation and retail businesses.”

He said such events generate benefits across multiple sectors, including employment for event management companies, ­tech­­nical crews, security ­personnel, vendors and service providers.

Beyond the immediate impact, the influx of visitors also ­boosts Malaysia’s image as a vibrant cultural destination.

“Hosting internationally renowned artistes enhances Malaysia’s position on the ­regional entertainment map, encouraging further investments in the ­creative economy and infrastructure development such as concert venues and related facilities,” he said.

“We view foreign artiste concerts as a strategic opportunity that drives economic growth, promotes cultural exchange and fosters Malaysia’s development as a dynamic hub for arts and entertainment in South-east Asia,” he added.

The projected RM1.7 billion in revenue for 2025 includes both direct and indirect spending such as ticket sales, accommodation, food and beverages, ­transportation and other related expenses.

He pointed out that concerts by big names such as Hong Kong singer-actor Andy Lau and Taiwanese singer Jay Chou each drew more than 60,000 fans to Kuala Lumpur, with many ­travelling from abroad and spending heavily in the ­hospitality and retail sectors.

Similarly, shows by South Korean girl group Blackpink and British rock band Coldplay collectively contributed about RM200 million to the economy, covering hotels, transport and logistics.

“Large-scale concerts also ­generate substantial tax revenue. The Blackpink concert contributed RM2.7 million, while the Coldplay concert added RM8 million in tax revenue for the government,” he said.

To attract more global superstars, he said the government introduced the Puspal Guideline Reform (GPP 6.0) in May, streamlining approvals for international acts.

The new rules outlined requirements for attire, conduct, promotional activities and scheduling, while introducing a “kill switch” to halt performances if guidelines are breached.

Approval times for smaller events have been reduced from 14 days to seven, with promoters receiving pre-approval clarity on ticket sales and advertisements.

Another boost comes from the Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives scheme, which provides rebates of up to RM1.5 million for concerts attracting 15,000 or more attendees.

To qualify, promoters must ensure at least 20 per cent of spending is local and that 30 per cent of the crew are Malaysians.

Malaysia’s growing infrastructure is also keeping pace with demand.

The newly opened Idea Live Arena in Petaling Jaya can seat 5,000 or accommodate 7,000 in a flexible set-up, offering a ­premier venue for large-scale international shows and strengthening Malaysia’s capacity to host world-class acts.

Industry stakeholders are tackling fan concerns too.

The TiketSelamat campaign, launched by the Malaysian Association for Arts, Live Events, Concerts and Festivals, aims to combat scalping and inflated resale prices through ­public education, oversight of ticketing platforms, and law enforcement and policy advocacy for fairer ticketing.

Mr Nik Kamaruzaman said that the combined initiatives – from streamlined guidelines and financial incentives to modern venues and anti-scalping measures – will enhance the appeal of Malaysia as a safe and accessible concert destination.

“Hosting international artistes enhances Malaysia’s global ­profile as a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub, potentially attracting future tourism and investment,” he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK