Jakarta: The Asia Pacific music festival industry has entered a transformative phase with the official launch of the Asia Pacific International Music Festival Association (APIMFA) at the LaLaLa Festival Jakarta 2026 in Indonesia. This initiative brings together music festivals, organizers, and industry stakeholders from key markets across the Asia Pacific region, creating a unified network to enhance collaboration and connectivity across borders.
According to Thai News Agency, APIMFA aims to connect diverse music markets such as mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The association's primary goal is to facilitate collaboration, expand audience reach, and foster the exchange of knowledge and experiences across the industry. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned industry professionals, APIMFA seeks to integrate the unique music ecosystems of each market.
In China, Shen Yue, Vice President of Modern Sky, leads the initiative, drawing experience from the successful Strawberry Music Festival. Similarly, in Japan, Yuta Nomura, organizer of the CUEW Showcase and Conference, plays a pivotal role in connecting Japanese and Asian artists with international music experts. South Korea's Kwangmin Seo, Taiwan's Chris Liu, and representatives from other countries contribute their expertise to strengthen the association's network.
APIMFA encompasses organizations such as Row One Asia from Singapore and Australia's Untitled Group, expanding its reach to the Australian and Southeast Asian markets. Indonesia, represented by Dewi Gontha and Donny Heru, plays a crucial role in driving the network, while Thailand's Sarun, CEO of Fungjai, adds a perspective on community development through music.
The association's vision extends beyond networking, focusing on realistic collaboration through four core programs: Cross-Market Collaboration, Artist Exchange Program, PR and Communications Support, and an Annual Conference and Showcase Festival. APIMFA also plans to produce the "Asia Pacific Festival Industry Report," providing insights into audience behavior and industry trends.
In the long term, APIMFA aims to build infrastructure for music collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region, encouraging festival partnerships, artist mobility, and cultural exchange. The association invites music festivals and organizations from across the Asia-Pacific to join its growing network, with membership details to be announced soon.