KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 —  The inaugural Rain Rave Water Music Festival (RRWMF) which will transform the streets of Bukit Bintang into a wet dance floor, begins tomorrow.

The three-day free-for-all music festival will take place from April 30 to May 2 in conjunction with the World Labour Day celebration.

With the exciting DJ lineup already announced last week, here is a breakdown of what to expect at the upcoming RRWMF. 

The lineup

Headlining the event is Singaporean DJ Wukong, who will team up with Dutch duo Bassjackers for a special “Wujackers” set.

While both acts are seasoned names in the EDM circuit, their joint performances are rare.

Their first live appearance under the Wujackers moniker took place at Pitt KL’s second anniversary celebration last year.

Wukong has performed at major festivals such as Tomorrowland Ibiza, while Bassjackers are regulars at Tomorrowland, cementing their reputation on the global stage.

Local acts performing at RRWMF include Joe Flizzow, Killa Driz, Dj CZA, Mimifly, De Fam and Dolla. — Picture courtesy of Tourism Malaysia

They will be joined by an all-female international DJ roster featuring Lovezy (Philippines), Moski Love (Indonesia), Pixzy, Yoyo Music, MiJi (Thailand), and Loa (South Korea).

Local names will also take the stage, including Joe Flizzow, Killa Driz and DJ Cza, alongside Mimifly and girl groups Dolla and De Fam.

As the festival is open to all ages, a selection of kid-friendly DJs — including DJ Ameer, Werno, Cube Crushers and DJ Ethan — will also perform.

Event highlights

The festival will feature three themed areas: Rhythm of Rain, Rhythm of Flavours and Rhythm of Cultures.

The main stage, located in front of Pavilion Bukit Bintang, will host international and local acts throughout the three days.

Performances will run from 6pm to midnight on April 30, from 2.30pm to midnight on May 1, and from 2pm to midnight on May 2.

Nearby, JW Marriott Bukit Bintang will serve as the food hub, while Lot 10 will showcase local arts, crafts and traditional performances, alongside Malaysian cuisine. Both areas will operate daily from 10am to 10pm.

Aside from that, here is the scheduled rundown of performances during the three-day festival:

For its first day (April 30), performances will start from 5.45pm with DJ Syko Saw, DJ Werno, DJ Ameer, DJ Ethan, DJ Cube Crusher and DJ Wasabi (featuring Cultural Dance) taking turns on the stage until 7.30pm.

This is followed by the main headliners; Joe Flizzow, Killa Driz and DJ CZA as well as Dolla taking the stage between 8.10pm to 8.30pm which is then continued by another slew of performances by DJ TZ (featuring a Kung Fu performance), DJ Def, DJ Dirty Signal and DJ Noize Factor.

Thai DJs Pixzy and Yoyo will be concluding the first day performances with an hour set each.

For its second day (May 1), the first set of performances which includes a total of 13 DJs will run from 2.30pm until 7.30pm.

This is followed by De Fam taking centre stage at 8.40pm and a special “Symphony of Water and Light” showcase which is then followed by performances by local DJs Bee C and Reeve.

The night continues with Filipino DJ Lovezy who will take the stage at 10.30pm followed by the highly anticipated set by Wujackers at 11.30pm, thus concluding the second day rundown.

The third day (May 2) will kick off at 2pm with a couple of Malaysian cultural fashion shows which is then followed by another slew of DJ performances until 7.30pm.

Mimifly will be the main headliner for the third day with her expected to take centre stage at 8.15pm which is then followed by DJ sets from DJ Sherry Alyssa and DJ Nahsyk.

The final day will conclude with three performances including by Indonesian DJ Moski Love, South Korean DJ Loa and Chinese DJ MiJi. 

Beyond Kuala Lumpur, seven states — Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka, Kedah, Labuan, Pahang and Terengganu — will host complementary Labour Day-themed activities.

 

 

 

 

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Why Rain Rave?

While a government-led EDM festival may seem unusual, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has previously reassured that the festival will be held in an organised manner under strict monitoring and aligns with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

The VM2026 campaign aims to stimulate Kuala Lumpur's economy, drive the tourism industry and support small and medium-sized businesses.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia via a previous press release said that the RRWMF remains rooted in Malaysian identity and they are aiming to merge it with a contemporary approach that reflects both tradition and modern creativity.

“Inspired by rain as a vital natural element in Malaysia’s environment, the festival transforms this familiar element into a creative and cultural expression while showcasing Malaysia’s diverse cultural traditions, through traditional performances, food, and games.

“Held in conjunction with Labour Day, the festival serves as a meaningful tribute to the contributions of all working communities and will be developed as a signature annual event, strengthening its role as a key highlight in Malaysia’s tourism calendar and positioning the country as a youthful and energetic destination,” Tourism Malaysia wrote in the press release.

Road closures

Motorists should note that Jalan Bukit Bintang will be affected throughout the festival period.

Partial lane closures will take place from April 22 to 28 between 11pm and 5am on weekdays, and from midnight to 7am on weekends. The road will be fully closed from April 29 to May 2.

Drivers will be diverted to Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Imbi.

Authorities are encouraging the use of public transport, with MRT, LRT and Monorail services expected to operate at increased capacity.

Visitors are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

For more information and updates on the RRWMF, please visit their official website via https://rainrave.my/#HOME.

 

 

 

 

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KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — The cat’s out of the box: American rock outfit Evanescence are bringing their nu-metal, gothic-fuelled energy to Malaysia for a special one-night showcase.

Best known for evergreen emo staples like Bring Me To Life and My Immortal, the band will take over the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on November 28.

The show marks their return to Kuala Lumpur after their last appearance in 2012, which drew more than 3,000 fans.

Aside from being their only South-east Asia stop, the band is also set to bring along a special guest — yet to be announced.

The reveal by Hello Universe, the same organiser behind the upcoming My Chemical Romance (MCR) concert, follows a teaser campaign that saw a mysterious billboard pop up in Bukit Bintang last week.

Much like the MCR rollout, the brief advert — featuring Evanescence’s iconic ‘E’ symbol — was enough to send fans online into speculation mode about the band’s return.

“Hey guys, I have an announcement to make. We have just booked a very special show and I’ve seen some rumours floating around online and I’m here to tell you that they are TRUE!

“We are coming for one night only to play in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 28.

“It’s been 14 years since we’ve gotten to come and see you and we are so excited,” Evanescence’s frontwoman Amy Lee said via an Instagram post this morning.

She added that tickets will go on sale on May 8 starting from 10am.

 

 

 

 

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Since their commercial debut in 2003 with their first studio album Fallen, Evanescence quickly became a force to be reckoned with, picking up two Grammys in 2004, including Best New Artist.

The band have since released five more albums, including their latest, Sanctuary, which is expected to drop in June this year.

Evanescence currently comprises five members: Amy Lee (vocals), Tim McCord (guitar), Troy McLawhorn (lead guitar), Will Hunt (drums) and Emma Anzai (bass and backing vocals), who joined in 2022.

Tickets for Evanescence Live in KL will be available via https://www.golive-asia.com/

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and major technology firms risk being used as instruments of Western geopolitical dominance, rather than neutral commercial tools.

Speaking at the launch of the Huawei AI Lab and Innovation Centre at The Exchange 106 in TRX, Anwar said parts of the Western tech industry view AI not just as a business sector, but as part of a broader competition for global supremacy.

“We are confronted with some views, a very dogmatic doctrine that certain forms of governance, certain forms of technology, found in the West must dictate our policies,” he said.

He added that such thinking rejects oversight and accountability from democratic governments, while also questioning the viability of plural societies.

“They reject meaningful oversight and demands for accountability from democratic governments. They question whether plural societies can thrive and assert that certain cultures are inherently superior to others,” he said.

Anwar rejected the idea that Western governance or cultural systems are inherently superior, pointing instead to the shared roots of modern knowledge systems.

He said foundational elements of modern computing and science — including algebra, algorithms and the concept of zero — were developed through contributions from Islamic, Indian and Chinese civilisations.

“None of these achievements came from isolation — they were the product of exchange and openness. They reflect a refusal to accept that wisdom belongs to any one person alone,” he said.

“This is the tradition that Malaysia, and we, inherited and it should guide how AI is built, governed and shared.”

Anwar stressed that Malaysia intends to move beyond being a passive consumer of AI, and instead build its own capacity to compete in the global digital economy.

He also expressed hope that AI development could help narrow the digital divide between urban and rural communities, as well as between the wealthy and the poor.

Reiterating Malaysia’s openness to foreign investment, he said the country would continue to welcome partnerships from both East and West, provided local laws and national priorities are respected.

“Malaysia will remain open to investment from East and West, and to partnerships with companies that respect our laws and our priorities,” he said.

“But we will not cede the decisions that matter most: how our data is governed, how AI systems are used in our public institutions, and how new technologies are introduced into the lives of our citizens.”

He concluded with a firm message on sovereignty in technology governance:

“Let us be clear: while the technology may come from anywhere, the rules will be made in Malaysia.”

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said he would address the current political crisis in Negeri Sembilan at a later time.

His response came after media personnel questioned him after the launch of the Huawei AI Lab and Innovation Centre at TRX here today.

“I will announce about it later,” he briefly responded as he was being ushered away by his security detail.

“Just now Pakatan Harapan and the Menteri Besar (of Negeri Sembilan) already did a press conference on it,” Anwar told the press.

Earlier today, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said he would remain in office after His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, advised him to continue administering the state.

He said this was despite 14 Umno assemblymen withdrawing their support for the current administration this morning.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said he would address the current political crisis in Negeri Sembilan at a later time.

His response came after media personnel questioned him after the launch of the Huawei AI Lab and Innovation Centre at TRX here today.

“I will announce about it later,” he briefly responded as he was being ushered away by his security detail.

“Just now Pakatan Harapan and the Menteri Besar (of Negeri Sembilan) already did a press conference on it,” Anwar told the press.

Earlier today, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said he would remain in office after His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, advised him to continue administering the state.

He said this was despite 14 Umno assemblymen withdrawing their support for the current administration this morning.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the new Huawei AI Lab and Innovation Centre in The Exhange 106 at TRX Kuala Lumpur today. 

He also congratulated the Chinese tech company on their 25th year anniversary in Malaysia while also thanking them for their continuous confidence and support for Malaysia. 

“The training, the exposure, the facilities shared, I think is symbolises the real partnership between us. 

“25 years ago, Huawei arrived here in Malaysia, where only a small share of people had access to the internet and today, look at the young students, energetic, very—I should say—very enthusiastic in searching for more information and willing to absorb as much as possible. 

“So Huawei, you have a task: not only to all the experts, but also the young students who have this great desire to excel,” Anwar said. 

The new 13,638 square feet centre is set to serve the whole Huawei Asia Pacific region and it will also act as a space to demonstrate Huawei’s latest solutions and use cases for digital and energy transformation.

It also aims to encourage wider and deeper collaboration on Innovation and ecosystem among Huawei, its customers and industry partners while also enabling closer engagements between industry, research and development and education stakeholders to train more Malaysian AI talents. 

Also at the launch were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil as well as  government chief secretary Tan Sri Haji Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Finance Ministry treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican. 

Anwar and the other delegates were also treated to a private tour of the centre, where they demonstrated AI applications for Government and Education scenarios as well as leading computer infrastructure.  

Huawei also demonstrated its latest Watch FIT 5 Series, a world first for the study of diabetes risks and will be introduced to the Malaysian market in May this year. 

Huawei has been in Malaysia since 2001 with the company registered as Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. 

It has over 4,000 employees in Malaysia with localisation rates of over 80 per cent. 

The company also currently has 11 shared service centres in Malaysia including the Malaysia Global Service Resource Centre and Malaysia Technical Assistance Centre. 

Huawei Asia Pacific regional headquarters is also located in Malaysia, overseeing operations in over 30 countries and regions.