ASEAN BAZAAR 2025: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, COMMUNITY, AND CONNECTION 13 SEPTEMBER 2025
ASEAN BAZAAR 2025: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, COMMUNITY, AND CONNECTION 13 SEPTEMBER 2025
On 13 September 2025, the ASEAN community in Phnom Penh celebrated Southeast Asia’s shared identity and rich diversity through the ASEAN Bazaar 2025. This second iteration of the Bazaar was held to showcase the unique cultures, cuisines and traditions of each ASEAN Member State, and to promote mutual understanding, friendship, and unity among the ASEAN countries.
Organised by the Embassies from ASEAN Member States in Phnom Penh and spearheaded by this year’s ASEAN Chair, Malaysia, the bazaar featured stalls from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste. Visitors enjoyed a
colourful array of traditional foods – from Bruneian pais daging to Vietnamese b‡nh o, Laotian sin hang and pad Thai – and had the opportunity to browse artisanal crafts and specialty items such as Myanmar jade and Filipino South Sea pearls. Familiar brands such as Singapore Airlines and the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also set up interactive booths.
The opening ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn. In his opening remarks, he praised the event as a living celebration of ASEAN’s common identity and highlighted that the celebration captures what makes ASEAN exceptional. He said: ÒA single taste of a traditional dish, the rhythm of a folk song, and the beauty of a handmade craft transcend language and politics leaving memories that last long after today. The bazaar strengthens people-to-people ties and deepens understanding. That is the very foundation of the ASEAN community which stands together as one family bound by friendship, solidarity, and a shared dream of peace and prosperity.Ó Malaysian Ambassador Shaharuddin Onn delivered the welcome remarks and said: ÒMalaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme ‘Sustainability and
Inclusivity’ is very apt and relevant today. This year, we will see the expansion of ASEAN to 11 Member States with the inclusion of Timor-Leste. 2025 is also the 10th anniversary of the formal establishment of the ASEAN community.Ó The Ambassador underlined how the Bazaar reflects ASEAN unity, solidarity and cooperation.
The bazaar attracted over 700 guests, including Cambodian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the public. Guests were treated to
cultural performances across Southeast Asia – including traditional dance and live music – reflecting the creativity and warmth of the region. A karaoke competition and live raffle draw added to the festive atmosphere.
Performer Raksa (25) from the Indonesian Embassy who performed ÒTari PiringÓ (plate dance) expressed joy at having the opportunity to participate in the event. She said: ÒIt was novel and exciting to perform on such a big stage. I feel proud to represent Indonesia at this ASEAN event and watch the performances of the other ASEAN countries. There are differences but also similarities in our traditional performances.Ó
The bazaar was not only a cultural festival but also a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation among ASEAN nations.
Organised by the Embassies from ASEAN Member States in Phnom Penh and spearheaded by this year’s ASEAN Chair, Malaysia, the bazaar featured stalls from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste. Visitors enjoyed a
colourful array of traditional foods – from Bruneian pais daging to Vietnamese b‡nh o, Laotian sin hang and pad Thai – and had the opportunity to browse artisanal crafts and specialty items such as Myanmar jade and Filipino South Sea pearls. Familiar brands such as Singapore Airlines and the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also set up interactive booths.
The opening ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn. In his opening remarks, he praised the event as a living celebration of ASEAN’s common identity and highlighted that the celebration captures what makes ASEAN exceptional. He said: ÒA single taste of a traditional dish, the rhythm of a folk song, and the beauty of a handmade craft transcend language and politics leaving memories that last long after today. The bazaar strengthens people-to-people ties and deepens understanding. That is the very foundation of the ASEAN community which stands together as one family bound by friendship, solidarity, and a shared dream of peace and prosperity.Ó Malaysian Ambassador Shaharuddin Onn delivered the welcome remarks and said: ÒMalaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme ‘Sustainability and
Inclusivity’ is very apt and relevant today. This year, we will see the expansion of ASEAN to 11 Member States with the inclusion of Timor-Leste. 2025 is also the 10th anniversary of the formal establishment of the ASEAN community.Ó The Ambassador underlined how the Bazaar reflects ASEAN unity, solidarity and cooperation.
The bazaar attracted over 700 guests, including Cambodian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the public. Guests were treated to
cultural performances across Southeast Asia – including traditional dance and live music – reflecting the creativity and warmth of the region. A karaoke competition and live raffle draw added to the festive atmosphere.
Performer Raksa (25) from the Indonesian Embassy who performed ÒTari PiringÓ (plate dance) expressed joy at having the opportunity to participate in the event. She said: ÒIt was novel and exciting to perform on such a big stage. I feel proud to represent Indonesia at this ASEAN event and watch the performances of the other ASEAN countries. There are differences but also similarities in our traditional performances.Ó
The bazaar was not only a cultural festival but also a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation among ASEAN nations.
