Ipoh Lights Up with Nusantara Cultural Festival @ Ipoh 2025
The Ipoh Town Hall became the centre of cultural celebration as it played host to the much-anticipated Nusantara Cultural Festival @ Ipoh 2025 on the evening of 26th July 2025.
Organised by the Ipoh City Council (MBI), this fourth edition of the cultural showcase marked a return to the city’s heritage roots, with the venue’s old-world charm adding depth to the colourful event.
This was the first time the festival took place at the Town Hall, evoking nostalgia for many and highlighting the building’s legacy as a symbol of Ipoh’s civic pride.
The event not only celebrated the city’s multicultural makeup but also strengthened cultural ties.
Colour, Rhythm and Unity on One Stage
The evening unfolded with a kaleidoscope of traditional performances from both local and international cultural groups.
From high-energy Punjabi bhangra beats by Dhol Star Ipoh to elegant traditional dances from Sumatera and Hatyai, audiences were treated to a rich variety of heritage art forms.
Groups such as Kumpulan Kebudayaan & Kesenian Orang Asal Perak (PKKOP), Sekolah Seni Perak Sungai Siput, and Gema Warisan Budaya showcased Malaysia’s own diverse roots, while performers from Indonesia and Thailand added a layer of regional charm.
It was a beautiful reminder of how culture transcends language, uniting people through shared stories, music and dance.
A Distinguished Line-up of Guests
The event’s opening ceremony was graced by YB Tuan Loh Sze Yee, Chairman of the Perak State Tourism, Industry, Investment & Corridor Development Committee, alongside Ipoh Mayor Tuan Zamakhshari bin Hanipah.
Their presence, along with dignitaries Madam Kang Da-Eun, Secretary General of TPO, Busan, Korea; Ms. Chutima Dechdee, Director of Education of Hatyai City Municipality and Deputy Mayor of Medan, Indonesia, underscored the festival’s growing importance as a platform for cultural diplomacy.
Also in attendance were Tuan Megat Amirul Zaini Jamalulail bin Megat Jamaluddin, Perak State Treasurer; YBhg. Clr. Dato’ Mazlan bin Abd Rahman, Chief Whip of MBI Council Members, government officers, and cultural stakeholders from all over Perak, adding further weight to the evening’s significance.
Community Support Shines Through
Starting at 9pm, the festival drew a large crowd of enthusiastic attendees. Families, culture lovers and local residents came together in a spirit of appreciation and pride. The energy in the hall was infectious as people clapped along to the drumbeats and marvelled at the beautifully choreographed dances.
The festival was more than just entertainment. It was a moment of collective joy, bringing people from different backgrounds together in a celebration of heritage and harmony.
Ipoh, a Cultural City
As the final performance wrapped up, the message of the night rang loud and clear: Ipoh is a cultural heartland. Through events like Nusantara Cultural Festival @ Ipoh 2025, the city continues to affirm its identity as a place where diversity is embraced and artistic traditions are kept alive.
With strong support from the community and partners from neighbouring countries, this annual festival is poised to grow even further. It’s a magnificent step towards fostering international friendship, preserving heritage, and shining a spotlight on Ipoh as a city rich in culture and spirit.
Event: Nusantara Cultural Festival @ Ipoh 2025
Venue: Ipoh Town Hall
Date: 26th July 2025
Time: 9pm
