PRESS RELEASE
EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA MANILA
MALAYSIA-PHILIPPINES ART FESTIVAL OPENS AT CENTRO DE TURISMO INTRAMUROS
The Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, in collaboration with Artdialogo Asia, Tourism Malaysia and the Department of Education (DepEd) Manila, formally opened the SENI SIKAT: Malaysia-Philippines Art Festival on 26 November 2025 at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros in Manila City.
SENISIKAT (a fusion of Seni, the Malay word for "art" and Sikat, a Filipino term connoting brilliance or recognition) is a cross-cultural festival in celebration of Malaysia and Philippines’ socio-cultural cooperation and bilateral relations. This initiative was specially designed to promote mutual understanding, creativity and collaboration between Malaysia and the Philippines through the arts. It highlights the value of inclusive public or cultural diplomacy, particularly the active role of the community in promoting Malaysia-Philippines bilateral relations.
This event also takes place at a meaningful moment for Malaysia’s engagement with the region. Malaysia recently concluded its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, a period focused on strengthening inclusion, sustainability, and community-building across Southeast Asia. In October 2025, Malaysia formally handed over the ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines, an important milestone for the region and a proud moment for Malaysia. Despite the transition, Malaysia reaffirmed its strong commitment to ASEAN and to working closely with the Philippines. The spirit of partnership underscored throughout Malaysia’s chairmanship is mirrored in initiatives such as SENI SIKAT programme, which further deepen people-to-people ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Gracing the grand opening ceremony were Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso and Department of Education Director Atty. Amorsolo Camara, Jr. who delivered messages in support of the SENISIKAT. Other Philippine government officials and members of the Diplomatic community were also present, signifying strong support to the initiative as well as to the overarching goal of the festival which is to foster inclusive and sustainable relations among nations through the arts.
The highlight of the grand opening of SENI SIKAT was the fashion show which showcased the artistic talents of Malaysian and Filipino designers. Among the creative minds who showcased their masterpieces were Anuar Faizal and Dr. Kenny Loh from Malaysia, and Jean Yu Aves and Roald Sena from the Philippines.
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SENISIKAT
In conjunction with the success of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year, the SENISIKAT consists of three key components, reflecting the theme inclusivity and sustainability: SENISKWELA 2025 Manila, Creative Forum, and Creative Exhibitions. The SENISKWELA 2025 Manila was held on 25 November 2025 at Lakan Dula High School in Tondo Manila. It is a cross-cultural program intended for the youth and educators. The program mainly consisted of workshops, mural installations, lectures and teacher training – all designed to empower the youth and teachers through arts for them to become effective ambassadors of Malaysia-Philippines relations. The SENISKWELA in Manila is the fourth iteration of the program since its inception in 2024.
The Creative Forum, which will be held on 27 November 2025 at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros, consists of panel discussions that delves on Malaysian and Philippine art and culture, the role of the creative industry in diplomacy, as well as in promoting tourism. Among the speakers for the forum include the Founding President of IDEAS International, HRH Tunku’ Zain Al Abidin, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, and the President of Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines, Ms. Gina Nebrida-Ty. Artworks and fashion ensembles will also be exhibited at Centro de Turismo Intramuros from 27 to 28 November 2025, allowing the general public to appreciate the creative talents of Malaysians and Filipino artists. Both the Creative Forum and Exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Through the SENISIKAT, the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila hopes that visitors will further appreciate, not only the talent of Malaysian and Filipino artists, but also the important role that the arts and culture play in fostering stronger relations among nations, particularly between Malaysia and the Philippines.
Embassy of Malaysia, Manila
26 November 2025