Monday, October 26, 2026

7 Rising Asian Artists. One Anthem. Toyota Motor Asia Launches Move Your World Beat with Cross-Asia Collaboration “New Day Rising”

Hi Everyone, 

Toyota Motor Asia brings together seven rising artists from across Asia to turn car sounds, heritage and innovation into one original anthem. “New Day Rising” premieres exclusively on YouTube on 23 October 2026. 

[Download the media kit here]
ALBUM LINK | STREAM THE YOUTUBE PREMIERE

Toyota Motor Asia today launches Move Your World Beat, a regional music programme that brings together seven rising artists from six countries to create original music that fuses cultural heritage with modern innovation. At the heart of the collaboration is “New Day Rising”, an original song that blends traditional instruments from across Asia with the everyday sounds of Toyota vehicles, reimagining the region’s diverse musical heritage through a more contemporary, future-facing sound. The song, part of the collective's inaugural album, Move Your World Beat Volume 1, will premiere exclusively on YouTube on 23 October 2026, 8pm Singapore Time (SGT), alongside a behind-the-scenes film revealing the creative exchange, experimentation and shared discoveries that shaped the collaboration, and how seven distinct creative perspectives became one collective work.

Seven artists, six countries, one collective sound

Move Your World Beat is an extension of Toyota Motor Asia's Move Your World platform, rooted in the belief that movement is about more than getting from one place to another. It is about empowering people from different backgrounds to come together to create progress and achieve more than we ever could alone.  

The inaugural collective brings this belief to life, showing what becomes possible when different voices, cultures and creative perspectives move forward together. Each brings a distinct cultural and creative perspective, while pushing beyond convention in how they make, shape and share music. Natasha Noorani blends South Asian musical traditions with electronic pop, while Belle Sisoski brings Southeast Asia's traditional instruments into contemporary music production. Singapore's Shye writes, produces and engineers her music all on her own, carving out a distinctive sound on her own terms. Valentina Ploy draws on her Thai and Italian heritage to bring raw, authentic self-expression to her music, while 2pillz constantly experiments across genres, challenging conventional approaches to music production. Twins Miguel and Paolo Benjamin grew their acoustic duo into Ben&Ben, a nine-member band that has become one of the Philippines' most beloved musical acts.

Together, they represent Pakistan, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, and styles ranging from folk-pop and R&B to electronic, dream-pop and experimental production. Different as they are, they are united by a desire to create across cultures, expand the possibilities of Asian music and shape what comes next.

Where cultural heritage meets modern innovation

At the heart of Move Your World Beat is a collaborative process that reimagines the familiar sounds of everyday journeys as musical building blocks.

The artists sampled the click of a turn signal, the shift of a gear, the hum of a power window and the thud of a closing door, transforming familiar Toyota vehicle sounds into rhythm and melody. These became the building blocks for their individual tracks, alongside traditional instruments rooted in their respective cultures, from the Alghoza, a Pakistani double flute, to the Đàn tơ rưng, a Vietnamese bamboo xylophone.

Those individual ideas were then brought together in “New Day Rising”, a collective anthem that fuses six musical styles, cultural influences and creative perspectives into one shared sound. The finished track moves between powerful lead vocals and more intimate moments, layered with rich harmonies, cinematic arrangements, shoegaze textures and experimental production.

The result is a track that brings heritage into conversation with contemporary production, opening up future possibilities for Asian music

Creating progress for Asian music

For Toyota, moving people forward has always meant more than getting from one place to another. That same belief extends to culture and creativity. Asia’s next generation of artists is already pushing music in new directions. The opportunity is to create more spaces for them to meet, collaborate and grow together across the region.

Through Move Your World Beat, Toyota brings its belief in collective progress into music, creating a platform for rising artists to connect across cultures, showcase their work on a regional stage and grow alongside the communities that support them.

“Our ambition is to contribute to the growth of Asian musicians while uplifting the communities behind them. By bringing artists from different cultures together, we hope to push the boundaries of what Asian music can become, while inspiring people across Asia to connect and discover what more we can achieve together,” said Jaja Ishibashi, General Manager, Toyota Motor Asia.

A lyric from “New Day Rising” captures the spirit of the collaboration: “We come together to create change.” It is a simple expression of the belief at the heart of Move Your World Beat: when different sounds, cultures and perspectives come together, we can create something new and move forward together.

Meet the artists of the Move Your World Beat Collective: 

ABOUT NATASHA NOORANI  

Natasha Noorani is one of Pakistan's defining contemporary artists, blending South Asian musical traditions with electronic pop, R&B and dance music. A trained ethnomusicologist with an MMus from SOAS , her critically acclaimed debut album RONAQ (2023), co-produced with Talal Qureshi and Abdullah Siddiqui, introduced her signature "Lolly-Pop" sound through songs like "Choro," "Baby Baby" and the Hasan Raheem collaboration "Faltu Pyar." Her 2024 EP Club Sandwich pushed further into UK Garage, Amapiano and House, and she appears on the soundtrack for Riz Ahmed's series Bait with "SAYA." A Spotify EQUAL Pakistan Ambassador who has headlined Boiler Room's first Pakistan edition and toured the US, UK, Germany and Nepal, she is also co-founder and Festival Director of Lahore Music Meet. 

ABOUT 2pillz 

2pillz is a Vietnamese Music Producer and DJ whose work moves freely across genre lines, guided by taste and feeling rather than category. His debut album PILLZCASSO has surpassed 3 million streams across major digital platforms, while his production credits include “Nếu Lúc Đó” for tlinh, “Chơi Như Tui Mỹ” and “Em Iu” for Andree Right Hand, “MỘNG YU” for AMEE and MCK, and “Đi Tìm Tình Yêu” for MONO... He has also produced albums for tlinh and Juky San, and is a resident Music Producer on Rap Việt, and DJ performances for music show - 8WONDER, GENFEST, FORESTIVAL. 

ABOUT BELLE SISOSKI  

Belle Sisoski is a Malaysian live-act DJ, producer, composer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for a one-woman show that folds the textures of Southeast Asian ethnic instruments into cinematic and electronic music. Her artistry is built around preserving those traditional instruments while exploring how far they can travel in modern, genre-blurring production. With more than 3 million organic followers built entirely on her own, her music reaches a wide international audience. She composed the 2019 Malaysia Day anthem "We Are Malaysia," placed first runner-up as the first Malaysian finalist in the Commonwealth Song Contest, and has been named a Tatler Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow, BURO Impact Awards Artist of the Year, and one of Rolling Stone UK's Best Independent Artists of 2025. Recognized as Malaysia's Top30 Women Of Excellence 2025, she has performed at F1 Grand Prix Singapore, Ultra Taiwan, Sundown Festival and Rainforest World Music Festival, Opening Act for Borderland Music Festival and staged her solo ethno-cinematic orchestra EDM concert : ETHNOSPHERE with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. 

ABOUT MIGUEL BENJAMIN AND PAOLO BENJAMIN (FROM BEN&BEN) 

Miguel Benjamin Guico is a Filipino singer-songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and recording artist. He began his professional career in 2016 alongside his twin brother, Paolo Benjamin Guico, as the acoustic duo The Benjamins, which expanded into the nine-piece band Ben&Ben in 2017. Since then he has remained one of the group's principal vocalists, acoustic guitarists and songwriters, contributing to its recordings, live performances and original compositions. Ben&Ben has become one of the Philippines' most successful contemporary folk-pop acts, releasing studio albums including Limasawa Street, Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno and The Traveller Across Dimensions, touring extensively at home and internationally, and earning numerous industry awards.  

Paolo Benjamin Guico is a Filipino singer-songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and recording artist. He began his professional career in 2016 alongside his twin brother, Miguel Benjamin Guico, as the acoustic duo The Benjamins, which grew into the nine-piece band Ben&Ben in 2017. Since then he has remained one of the group's lead vocalists, acoustic guitarists and songwriters, shaping its recordings, live shows and original material. Ben&Ben has released multiple commercially successful studio albums, performed throughout the Philippines and internationally, and become one of the country's most-streamed musical acts. 

ABOUT SHYE  

Shye is an independent Singaporean artist crafting a hazy blend of dream-pop and soft alt-rock drawn heavily from shoegaze. A fully self-taught writer, producer and engineer, she handles songwriting, production, recording, mixing and mastering herself, building an intimate DIY universe with complete creative control over her music and visuals. What began as a bedroom passion project has become a steadily growing career, taking her from demos to stages across Asia and the United States. She has opened for Clairo, Men I Trust, Daniel Caesar and Wisp, appeared as a special guest with The Jesus and Mary Chain at Esplanade Concert Hall, and joined Softcult on their 2026 Southeast Asia tour. Her 14-track album The Doves Came Home arrived in May 2026 with rotation on more than 20 North American college and independent radio stations. She is a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30, Dazed 100 and BandLab NME Best New Act from Asia honouree. 

ABOUT VALENTINA PLOY  

Valentina Ploy is a Thai-Italian singer-songwriter who grew up in southern Italy before making her home in Bangkok, and that double inheritance runs through everything she writes. Her songs are where she works through her own feelings and experiences — accessible, melodic pop with traces of electronica and folk, often pairing candid lyrics with bright arrangements. After early exposure on X Factor Italia and The Voice Thailand, she built a following across Southeast Asia with releases including "See You in Life," "Love You Better" and the Satellite EP. In 2024 she opened for Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour in Bangkok and performed at NEON OASIS FEST in Taipei, followed by Pestapora Festival in Jakarta in 2025. Formerly signed to Warner Music Asia and now fully independent, she is fluent in Thai, Italian, English, French and Spanish, with a new single out in late of 2026 and an album to follow in 2027. 

ABOUT TOYOTA MOTOR ASIA 

Toyota Motor Asia is the regional corporate headquarters and subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, based in both Singapore and Thailand. 

 

Toyota Motor Asia leads and supports the Asia Pacific region in Sales and Marketing activities, Service Parts, Accessories and Customer Services, Product Planning, Production Control & Logistic, and Aftersales thus contributing to the overall development of auto industry and the growing economies in the region. 

 

Toyota envisions the future mobility society to bring freedom of movement to all. Moving forwards, Toyota will provide a diverse range of mobility services and transportation solutions to people around the world as we transform Toyota into a mobility company. 

 

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Avenue K Presents “EmpowHER Art – Celebrating Women Visionaries”,

Hi Everyone,

Avenue K Shopping Mall is proud to announce its flagship cultural event, “EmpowHER Art – Celebrating Women Visionaries”, a contemporary group art exhibition bringing together 50 professional artists and creative professionals from diverse backgrounds. The exhibition celebrates women’s strength, creativity, resilience, and vision through contemporary art.


Taking place from 1 to 11 October 2026 at Rooftop (Level 4) @ ABOVE, Avenue K Shopping Mall, the exhibition is open daily from 11am to 7pm, with free admission.



Presented and produced by Avenue K, EmpowHER Art is curated by Malaysian artist Phillip Wong and presented in meaningful partnership with the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA). Over 11 days, the rooftop space will be transformed into an inspiring gallery, showcasing 100 fine art canvas paintings by 50 Malaysian artists from diverse backgrounds. Exploring themes of womanhood, empowerment, achievement, and resilience, the exhibition also features artists who have overcome physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges while continuing to develop their craft and express themselves through art. Their works offer perspectives on hope, perseverance, individuality, and renewal, inviting visitors to connect with the stories and experiences behind each piece.

“EmpowHER Art aims to create an inspiring cultural experience that brings people together through art, stories, and meaningful connections, while encouraging us to see what is possible when we look beyond boundaries,” said Rachel Er, Centre Manager of Avenue K Shopping Mall. “Art has a unique ability to tell powerful human stories and evoke emotions that transcend words. Through this 100-piece showcase, we are delighted to bring together 50 Malaysian artists, each offering their own perspective as we explore the many dimensions of womanhood — from strength and resilience to creativity, identity, and empowerment. We hope the exhibition inspires visitors to see beyond limitations and appreciate the stories behind each work. We are also pleased to support the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA) as part of this meaningful exhibition.”

In support of BCWA’s breast health initiatives, 10% of proceeds from artwork sales will be donated to the association. BCWA will also host a Public Education Booth and Mobile Clinic session on 9 October 2026, providing visitors with resources on breast health, self-examination, and early detection.




Through EmpowHER Art, Avenue K hopes to show how art can be more than a form of expression — it can create connection, raise awareness, and inspire meaningful change. By bringing together diverse artistic voices and perspectives, the exhibition celebrates the stories, strength, and vision of women while turning creativity into positive impact.


Thursday, September 24, 2026

Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Broadway

Hi Everyone,

Roald Dahl’s scrumptiously inventive world is coming to life on stage as CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY makes its Selangor premiere at Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre from December 22, 2026 to January 10th, 2027. Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, in association with Sunway South Quay Sdn Bhd invite audiences of all ages, including fans of the book and movies to step inside an immersive theatrical world of pure imagination.


Following a sold-out run at Shanghai Culture Square in November, 2025 and wildly enthusiastic reviews from audiences, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, the Broadway Musical has announced that theatre fans can purchase tickets through CloudJoi from 24 September at jcpac.my/charlie. Follow CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Global Tour @charlieglobaltour on Instagram for show and international tour updates.

Based on Roald Dahl’s globally beloved novel, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY follows young Charlie Bucket’s golden-ticket adventure into the mysterious and magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. From chocolate rivers to nut-sorting squirrels and mischievous Oompa-Loompas, the musical dazzles with eye-popping visuals, larger-than-life characters, immersive delight for the audience, and toe-tapping music. The musical features iconic songs from the classic 1971 film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” along with original music by Grammy® and Tony Award® winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Mary Poppins Returns).




“Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is a dazzling fantasy for everyone from everywhere. This new production features miraculous special effects and cutting edge hologauze 3D technology based on advanced magic principles. We are so excited to share the breathtaking world of this beloved Broadway musical about the power of imagination, and the art of invention with Selangor audiences in this spectacular new immersive production from an all-Broadway creative team!” Simone Genatt and Marc Routh, Producers and Co-Owners of Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia said in a joint statement.

Transforming Willy Wonka’s fantastical factory into a world where the impossible feels possible, renowned Las Vegas magic and illusion designer Tim Clothier joins the Broadway team and says, "Willy Wonka is the king of imagination, and being able to design new stage wizardry for that character is a dream come true.”

The Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory premiered in 2017 running for over 300 performances, followed by a four-year North American tour through 2022. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory also ran on London’s West End where the production received two Olivier Awards. This Global Tour is scheduled to tour for two to three years in Asia, the Middle East and India in leading cities around the world including Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, Taipei, and Seoul.



CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY features music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, book by David Greig, based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Songs from the Motion Picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Including original direction by four-time Tony Award® winning director Jack O’Brien, and original choreography by Joshua Bergasse, the global tour features Direction by Matt Lenz, Choreography by Alison Solomon, and Musical Supervision by Nate Patten and Greg Jarrett as well as an award-winning Broadway creative, design, and production team. Mark Thompson, set and costume design; Christine Peters, tour scenic design; Jeff Sugg, projections design; Rory Beaton, lighting design; Mike Thacker for Orbital Sound, sound design; Basil Twist, puppet design; and Tim Clothier, illusions. Orchestrations by Doug Besterman, and Musical Arrangements by Marc Shaiman. Casting is by Paul Hardt Casting. Joseph Longthorne serves as General Manager and Tayn Yeo as Associate Manager for Broadway Asia International.

Simone Genatt, Marc Routh, Broadway International Group, and Broadway Asia are Producing, along with Co-Producers HY Culture Company, Doug Meyer Productions, Bergamot Front Row Fund and Willette Klausner. CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is presented in special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), and Broadway Asia Company.

For more information, please visit www.broadwayasia.com