In response to a request from TengriNews, the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan reported that the possibility of the country's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest Asia is being considered, a final decision has not yet been made,El.kz reports.
The Ministry of Culture's Position
The department highly values the significance of such creative platforms for promoting national art and developing international cultural dialogue. However, a final decision on participation has not been reached; the Ministry is currently reviewing the financial feasibility of the project. A candidate to represent Kazakhstan has also not yet been determined.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Information, the "Khabar" Agency received a proposal from the international media company Media Partners Asia, representing Voxovation Inc., which holds the production and distribution rights for the Asian version of the project.
What is the Eurovision Song Contest Asia?
The Eurovision Song Contest Asia is a regional adaptation of the international "Eurovision" music competition, designed specifically for Asian countries. The project is developed under the global Eurovision music brand and is based on a licensed television franchise.
The format involves creating a unified musical platform where performers from different countries across the region present their compositions in a single competitive space. Such projects are viewed as tools for cultural exchange and the strengthening of creative ties between participants.
Significance for Cultural Exchange and Artists
International music competitions of this scale are traditionally seen as platforms for promoting national music industries and expanding a country's cultural presence on the international stage.
Should Kazakhstan participate, the project could provide a significant opportunity for artists to showcase modern domestic music to a wide audience beyond the country’s borders. Such formats also facilitate cultural communication between states within the region.
Format and Participants
The inaugural contest is planned to take place on November 14, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand. The format features a single final stage, where the winner will be determined by a voting system consisting of a professional jury and the public audience in equal proportions (50/50).
To date, ten countries have confirmed their participation: South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Background of the Project
The idea of creating an Asian version of Eurovision has been discussed since the late 2000s and has undergone several rounds of postponement and relaunch. Over the years, the project has been managed by different organizations, and its realization was recently revived with the announcement of the first contest in Thailand.
The question of Kazakhstan's potential participation and the selection of its representatives is not being officially finalized at this moment. Discussions remain at a preliminary level.