The "C-Wave Global Music Co-creation Plan · Joy Resonance of Nanyang" concluded its finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with Indonesian singer Kezia Kaithlyn winning the grand prize for her Indonesian-language adaptation of the Chinese song "Later I Met Him." Titled "Aku Masih Memikirkanmu," the single has amassed over 2 billion global streams, according to the announcement distributed via Media OutReach Newswire. The achievement underscores the program's role in bringing Chinese-language music to wider international audiences.
Hosted by China's Guangdong Radio and Television, the initiative is open worldwide without restrictions on nationality or age. It features three tracks: original creation, adaptation, and AI co-creation. Within 30 days of launch, it received more than 5,000 submissions from around the world, with musicians from over half of APEC member economies participating. The finals drew 300 guests and 68 local media outlets, including Radio Televisyen Malaysia, highlighting the event's regional significance.
The program's implications extend beyond music. A Malaysian member of parliament said music can dissolve differences and expressed hope the event becomes a regular fixture. A local tourism and culture official described the project as building a bridge for Asia-Pacific youth exchange under the framework of APEC's China year. Scholars from multiple countries also recognized Chinese-language music's value in connecting hearts across regions. These endorsements suggest the initiative is positioning itself as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange.
The global response has been notable. Experts on international affairs and China studies, the president of the UNESCO Culture Without Borders association, and Chinese-language schools worldwide have followed the program closely. Overseas reach has totaled 300 million, with 137 domestic and international platforms simultaneously promoting it. The scale indicates a coordinated effort to extend the soft power of Chinese-language music and to create opportunities for amateur musicians to reach international audiences.
By enabling ordinary amateurs to participate, the project uses music as a means of civilizational dialogue and conveys an open and inclusive Chinese culture to the world. The success of Kaithlyn's adaptation, which she hopes will help Southeast Asian listeners understand the emotional core of Chinese-language music, exemplifies the co-creation model. The 2 billion streams mark a measurable milestone, but the broader impact lies in fostering cross-border collaboration and expanding the global footprint of Chinese-language melodies.
