AdminMalaysia etched its name in history by hosting the 4th Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children (SEAVFC), held at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Center in Petaling Jaya. The event, a significant milestone for the nation, brought together young talents from 10 ASEAN nations to celebrate the power of storytelling.
The vibrant festival culminated in an awards ceremony officiated by Deputy Minister of Communications, Teo Nie Ching, who highlighted the festival’s alignment with Malaysia’s forthcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. “As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship, this is a chance for us to highlight what makes Southeast Asia so special—our rich diversity, our cultures, our shared values,” she said in her keynote address. Teo urged young creators to prioritize impactful storytelling, adding, “It is not always about the views or likes. It is about the lasting impression your stories will leave.”
From captivating performances by the Sweet 13 Choir and PERMATA Seni Tari to the colorful parade representing ASEAN nations, the event showcased the region’s creativity and cultural diversity.
Honoring Talent and Inspiring Unity
The SEAVFC Heart Awards were a major highlight, honoring outstanding contributions to children’s storytelling. Among the winners were Malaysia’s Upin & Ipin: Our Friend Susanti, which received the Heart Award in the professional category, and the Philippines’ Kisapmata, which took the same honor in the children’s category.
Elvira Yap Go, founding chairperson of the SEAVFC, praised the exceptional quality of this year’s entries. “The incredible talent and stories showcased reaffirm our belief in the power of young voices to inspire change,” she said. Echoing these sentiments, Festival Director Dato’ Mahyidin Mustakim expressed optimism for the future of children’s content, saying, “This festival has been a testament to the extraordinary potential of our young creators to bridge cultures and spark meaningful conversations.”
Passing the Torch to Thailand
In a poignant conclusion symbolizing ASEAN’s collaborative spirit, hosting duties were handed over to Thailand for the 5th SEAVFC. This transition emphasized the region’s shared vision of fostering unity through creative storytelling.
The festival’s lasting legacy lies in its ability to empower young voices while highlighting the role of media in shaping a more inclusive and empathetic society. As the curtains closed on this year’s event, it left a clear message: the stories of Southeast Asia’s youth are not only worth telling but are vital to building a brighter, more connected future.
Key Winners of the 4th SEAVFC
- Heart Awards: Upin & Ipin: Our Friend Susanti (Malaysia), Kisapmata (Philippines)
- Kids’ Choice Award: Mag-Igsukul (True Friendship) (Philippines)
- Professional Fiction 8-12 Years Old: Poupai The Mahout Girl (Thailand)
- Children Video Makers 12 Years Old & Under: A Silent Connection (Vietnam)
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