Watch: Elijah & Malaysia’s industry experts discuss live events & talent growth in Asia

On March 22, Close The App, Make The Ting author Elijah joined Malaysia’s industry figures for thought-provoking discussions on the future of Southeast Asia’s music scene.

Hosted by Mixmag Asia and Jambu Jambu Asia, the event marked the debut edition of Jambu Talks—a new platform designed to foster dialogue and knowledge-sharing within the creative industry.

The first panel, “The Future of Live Music Events in Southeast Asia”, saw Elijah joined by Iqbal Ameer of All Access Anonymus alongside Wan Alman of Future Sound Asia, with Joey G moderating. The speakers explored how audiences today seek more than just music, delving into the rise of experiential events and the necessity of building a sustainable music ecosystem.

Wan, known for curating Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival, highlighted the rise of headline shows rather than the festivals and their broader line-up. Meanwhile, Iqbal highlighted the importance of experience in promoting an event, using the success of IT’S THE SHIP’s branding as a reference.

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The second panel, “Talent Development & Music Innovation in Southeast Asia”, featured Elijah alongside Emir Hermono, an electronic music artist from Limkokwing University and Hayze Menon of Creative Agency Asia. The discussion tackled Southeast Asia’s evolving sonic identity, questioning whether the region has a distinct sound on the global stage.

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Emir shared his perspective that each country in Asia has its own unique identity, which collectively drives the region’s musical landscape, and also emphasised the importance of adaptability as an artist, while Hayze reflected the challenges of helping new talent break through and also touched on the significance of “super fans”.

True to Elijah’s Yellow Squares ethos, the discussions were direct, impactful, and deeply engaging. Panelists shared personal experiences, challenged industry norms, and encouraged artists to embrace self-sufficiency in today’s digital-first landscape.

Watch the entirety of both panels below.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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