The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung, ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh, and representatives of ministries, agencies, and embassies.

VOV President Nguyen The Ky addressed the ASEAN+3 Song Contest finale (Duc Anh/VOV5)

In his address at the finale, VOV President Nguyen The Ky said the first ASEAN+3 Song Contest fosters cultural exchange for friendship, cooperation, and development between ASEAN members and other countries. He said: “Regardless of country and nationality, music bears noble humanism, warmness, sincerity, the beauty of soul, kindness, and  aspiration for a world of peace, happiness, and prosperity. The ASEAN+3 Song Contest which took place from Thursday to Sunday, provides an opportunity for artists to introduce music of their countries, show off their talents, and work in a professional art environment.”

Winning singers received awards (Photo: Duc Anh/VOV5)

The finale opened with all contestants and guests singing the ASEAN song in Vietnamese and English. The song is written by Nguyen The Ky and Doan Nguyen.

17 contestants from ASEAN countries and 5 guest singers from China, Japan, and The Republic of Korea took part in the event.