Following its successful debut in 2024, Indigenous Rhythms Festival (Irama Asli & Asal) returns for its second year to captivate audiences with the rich and diverse heritage of Malaysia’s indigenous communities. Organised by Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal (YKOA) and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), the festival will be held at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, from 12 to 14 December 2025. Irama Asli & Asal 2025 brings together the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia and the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak, offering a dynamic platform for cultural expression through traditional performances, live indigenous music, craft exhibitions, workshops, and an ethnic artisan bazaar. This three-day festival aims to raise awareness, foster appreciation, and promote the preservation of indigenous knowledge, customs, and creative expressions among Malaysians and international visitors alike. The festival also continues the legacy of the late Datuk Antony Ratos, founder of YKOA, who for decades organised indigenous exhibitions, cultural showcases, and rural health camps to preserve and uplift Malaysia’s indigenous heritage. Irama Asli & Asal is a natural extension and modern evolution of his lifelong mission to protect and celebrate the identity of Malaysia’s first peoples. “The soul of a nation lies in its roots, and our indigenous cultures form the heartbeat of Malaysia’s identity. Irama Asli & Asal is more than a festival, it is a movement to honour and protect our ancestral legacies,” said Dr. Andre Ratos, Chairman of YKOA. In line with its mission to empower indigenous communities through the arts, YKOA invites the public to participate as vendors in support of Irama Asli & Asal 2025. Dr. Andre added, “We are excited to host this year’s festival at Berjaya Times Square with even more diverse representation, new collaborations, and a renewed commitment to cultural sustainability.” The free-entry festival will run from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm daily. For partnership inquiries, program highlights, and real-time updates, follow YKOA on Facebook and Instagram at @ykoa.malaysia. About Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal (YKOA) Established in 2002, Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal (YKOA) – or the Indigenous Culture & Arts Foundation – was founded by Datuk Antony Ratos with a vision to elevate the livelihoods of Malaysia’s indigenous peoples through the preservation and celebration of their rich cultural heritage. Inspired by the strength and spirit of the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia and the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak, YKOA is committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact on indigenous communities across the nation. YKOA protects, promotes, and revitalises indigenous identity through cultural programmes, traditional arts, music, education, and community-driven initiatives. By connecting the generosity of donors with the energy, ideas, and time of individuals and partners in society, YKOA champions inclusive development while building greater national and global appreciation for Malaysia’s indigenous heritage.

The post INDIGENOUS RHYTHMS FESTIVAL 2025 appeared first on Asian Itinerary.