Behind Visit Malaysia 2026 theme song - 'Malaysia Yang Unik'
Astro Awani
06/01/2025
In conjunction with the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was delighted with how catchy the theme song is. File pic by Astro AWANI
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malay wedding folk song has been picked as the Visit Malaysia 2026 theme song. How does choosing ‘Kenek-Kenek Udang’ bring inclusivity to the theme?
"Kenek-Kenek Udang" is a Malaysian folk song composed by the late legend Tan Sri P. Ramlee. The chorus lyrics are written in the Negeri Sembilan Malay dialect, and this song is often performed during wedding ceremonies in the Malay community.
In conjunction with the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was delighted with how catchy the theme song is.
“I believe that this is the theme will be something that will be appreciated and memorised by many of our Malaysians, particularly the young,” says Anwar.
By reimagining a traditional wedding song as the campaign’s theme, ‘Malaysia Yang Unik’ highlights how cultural heritage can serve as a universal language, welcoming everyone to partake in the country's beauty and togetherness.
That is the beauty of musical art where it bridges cultural differences, creating a sense of belonging for visitors from diverse backgrounds just like how people are invited to a wedding ceremony.
For the older generations, this song brings back memories of the old-school era but it could be a new sound for the younger generations.
So, no matter what age or walk of life you come from, we need to live as one harmonious voice and sound to show the world that Malaysia is unique and truly Asia.
