Level Up: Art Fairs, Food Expos, and AITech Conventions in Asia (May 2025)

A free, multi-city music series will be touring around Asia this May. 

Future Asian Music (FAM) and innovative lifestyle brand Levi’s® present “Road to FAM,” a free, multi-city series set to tour Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur this May. 

The music series coincides with Levi’s® brand anniversary of its iconic 501® jeans, honoring the brand’s legacy of cultural innovation while amplifying FAM, a community and content-driven music distribution platform from global music collective 88rising, nurturing Asia’s next generation of musical artists.

“Road to FAM” kicks off with intimate hometown showcases featuring Manila’s Zack Tabudlo – the first Filipino male solo artist to hit 1 billion Spotify streams with his viral tracks like “Binibini." There's also Singapore’s FARIZ JABBA, the raw storyteller blending hip-hop with narratives of urban Southeast Asian life and known for his viral tracks like “Ape Sia,” Kuala Lumpur’s ZAMAERA, who became a pioneering force in Malaysia’s rap scene after releasing her viral track “Helly Kelly,” and Jakarta’s RAMENGVRL, a five-time Anugerah Musik Indonesia (AMI) winner, who gained fame after releasing “Cashmere.” 

This music series highlights these four rising artists from Asia, who will be joined by Thai global sensation MILLI in the tour’s finale show at the FAM Bangkok Festival. 

The tour and music series concludes at the Future Asian Music Festival, FAM Bangkok, this June 19, 2025, where these performers will unite for a collaborative showcase, bridging grassroots talent with global audiences. 

“Road to FAM” mirrors Levi’s® 150-year connection to music and self-expression, from the 501® jeans’ role in jazz and hip-hop revolutions to its enduring symbolism for artists. “For 150 years, Levi’s® and the 501® have been part of music and cultural movements around the world. Road to FAM continues that legacy by helping spotlight Asia’s next generation of creative pioneers,” said Levi’s® CMO Kenny Mitchell. “These artists are pushing boundaries and creating something entirely their own.” 

The Road to FAM artists will be featured in mini documentaries that trace their progress, creative roots, and cultural inspirations. This docuseries aims to further elevate the artists to a global audience through 88rising’s original content know-how and influence, and Levi’s® enduring commitment to originality and innovation. 

FAM Bangkok: A New Era of Creativity and Collaboration

FAM Bangkok is Future Asian Music (FAM)’s first event highlighting the future of Asian music, emerging artists, and bands. This festival is set to transform the city’s historic Hua Lamphong Train Station and the neighboring district into vibrant hubs for Asia’s independent music scene. Attendees will be the first to experience genre-spanning and curated performances by rising artists with FAM. 

FAM Bangkok’s City Showcases will highlight regional talents to allow music lovers to discover some of the industry’s next superstars. 

As 88rising’s new music distribution platform, Future Asian Music aims to provide resources to early-stage artists, including heartfelt experiences to acquire skills, collaborate, and build connections through artist-driven communities — bringing opportunities for them to connect to a new, global audience. 

Road to FAM Schedule Details and Line Up

May 14 – Manila 

Zack Tabudlo at Apotheka

May 16 – Singapore

Fariz Jabba at Hard Rock Café

May 21 – Kuala Lumpur

ZAMAERA at Over and Above

May 25 – Jakarta

RAMENGVRL at ZOO SCBD

June 19 – Bangkok

MILLI with Zack Tabudlo, Fariz Jabba, Zamaera, RAMENGVRL at Levi’s® Road to Fam Showcase

Free-entry RSVP is available now via SISTIC or through these portals: 

May 14 – Manila: Zack Tabudlo - Manila RSVP here 

May 16 – Singapore: FARIZ JABBA - Singapore RSVP here 

May 21 – Kuala Lumpur: ZAMAERA - Kuala Lumpur RSVP here 

May 25 – Jakarta: RAMENGVRL - Jakarta RSVP here

On-sale information for FAM Bangkok will be announced soon. 

For more information, follow Future Asian Music on their Instagram and TikTok pages. Visit their website here. 

The Beat Asia is partnering with Chatrium Grand Bangkok to celebrate Songkran with an exciting giveaway, offering three lucky winners the chance to enjoy a luxury staycation, gourmet dining experience, and an elegant afternoon tea. 

Open to both Bangkok residents as well as inbound tourists visiting within the prize redemption period, this exclusive contest brings an extra touch of indulgence to Thailand’s most festive season.

Check out the three exclusive prizes we will be giving away this Songkran! 

A Five-Star Staycation in the Heart of Bangkok

The Songkran Splash grand prize winner will receive a one-night stay in a Deluxe Room at Chatrium Grand Bangkok, a five-star retreat in the city’s central district with direct access to the Siam Paragon mall. 

Known for its world-class service and exceptional Thai hospitality, the hotel offers an opulent escape with top-tier amenities, spacious accommodations, and refined comfort, making for the ultimate city staycation.

A Lavish Buffet Feast for Two at Savio

The second prize is a Savio international buffet for two, where the winner and their guest will embark on a gourmet dining experience featuring an array of global cuisines. 

With live cooking stations, a diverse selection of freshly prepared Thai, pan-Asian, international dishes, and indulgent desserts, this dining experience at Chatrium Grand Bangkok offers a feast to remember, perfect for a unique night out with a loved one. 

An Elegant Afternoon Tea with Stunning City Views

The third prize offers a sophisticated afternoon tea at the Club Lounge on Chatrium Grand Bangkok's 32nd floor, where the winner can unwind with delicate pastries, premium teas, and breathtaking views of Bangkok’s skyline. This exclusive experience is perfect for those who appreciate fine flavors, serene ambiance, and a touch of luxury high above the city.

How to Enter

1. To enter, you must sign up for The Beat Asia’s newsletter via the official giveaway page by visiting this link and submitting your contact information. T&Cs apply (which can be found on the official page) and by submitting, you agree to the giveaway T&Cs.
2. The contest is open to locals and inbound tourists. Should a tourist be a selected winner, they will be required to provide proof of travel within the prize redemption period to redeem their prize. This ensures that those visiting Bangkok can fully enjoy their reward as part of their trip.
3. The giveaway will end on Friday, Apr. 11 and three winners will be announced on our Instagram stories and we will reach to the winners personally via email to validate their identities.

BONUS: Follow The Beat Bangkok and Chatrium Grand Bangkok's Instagram pages for and give our giveaway post a like for an extra entry.

Good luck to all participants, and we can't wait to reveal the winners! T&Cs apply. 

The King of K-Pop is finally going on a world tour after eight years. 

G-Dragon will be embarking on his “Übermensch” World Tour starting March 2025. He recently announced Phase 1 of his upcoming world tour, which includes 14 dates and seven cities around East and Southeast Asia. 

G-Dragon will first start his tour with a two-day concert in Goyang, South Korea from Mar. 29 to 30, 2025. He will then perform in Tokyo from May 10 to 11, Bulacan on May 17, Osaka from May 25 to 26, Macau from June 7 to 8, Taipei from July 12 to 13, Kuala Lumpur from July 19 to 20, Jakarta on July 26, and then conclude his Asia leg in Hong Kong from Aug. 9 to 10, 2025. 

The tour will be in support of G-Dragon’s third studio album titled, “Übermensch,” which was his first studio album in twelve years since the release of his second album “Coup d’Etat” in September 2013. 

The album has three singles, namely “Power,” “Home Sweet Home,” and “Too Bad.” 

Ticketing details have not yet been revealed as of writing. 

G-Dragon: The King of K-Pop

A legend in the K-Pop industry and every idol’s idol, G-Dragon is the leader and member of one of the biggest boy groups in South Korea, BIGBANG. Though he started his career in the entertainment industry at a young age, he formally debuted as a member of BIGBANG in 2006. 

He debuted as a solo artist three years later, with his studio album “Heartbreaker.” The album included collaborations with several artists such as Taeyang, CL, and Sandara Park of 2NE1, Teddy, and went on to win Album of the Year at the 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards. 

G-Dragon went on his first world tour “One of a Kind” in 2013 and became the first Korean solo artist to hold a four-day dome tour in Japan. This tour was held in 8 countries and visited 13 cities. 

His second studio album “Coup d’Etat,” was released in 2013, featuring collaborations with a wide array of artists, including Diplo, Baauer, Boys Noize, Sky Ferreira, Siriusmo, Zion.T, Lydia Paek, and Jennie. The album went on to win four awards at the 15th Mnet Asian Music Awards: Best Male Solo Artist, Best Music Video for “Coup d’Etat,” Best Dance Performance for “Crooked,” and Artist of the Year. 

His second self-titled EP, “Kwon Ji-yong,” was released in 2014, and saw success in several parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, and China. He embarked on his second world tour, “Act III: M.O.T.T.E,” in 2017, and visited 29 cities across Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. 

Apart from his career as a successful solo artist and BIGBANG member, he is an influential figure in the fashion industry who is noted for his androgynous appearance. He is also a businessman, owning a pension hotel and a few cafes, and a philanthropist, showing support for numerous charity organizations and raising awareness for multiple causes. 

For more information and updates on G-Dragon’s “Ubermensch” World Tour, visit the tour’s website, and follow G-Dragon on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

You can also follow FAM on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. 

K-Pop superstar Kai is back! After wrapping up his military service in February, the EXO member is wasting no time, launching his highly anticipated first-ever solo tour, KAION 2025.

Set to electrify ten cities across Asia, the tour kicks off in Seoul at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium on May 17 and 18, 2025. 

EXO have announced that the Melon Ticket pre-sale for the Seoul portion of the tour will be up for grabs on Mar. 17, 2025, at 8 PM (for EXO-L Fanclub members). Meanwhile, the General Sale will begin on Mar. 19, 2025, at 8 PM.

From there, Kai will bring his signature smooth moves and charisma to Kuala Lumpur (Mega Star Arena on May 24).

Find the full list of stops below: 

• Kuala Lumpur: Mega Star Arena (May 24)
• Macau: The Londoner Arena (June 7)
• Jakarta: Tennis Indoor Senayan (June 14)
• Singapore: The Star Theatre (June 21)
• Taipei: Taipei Music Center (July 12)
• Manila: Araneta Coliseum (July 27)
• Bangkok: Thunder Dome (Aug. 2)
• Yokohama: Pacifico Yokohama Convention Hall (Aug. 6-7)
• Hong Kong: AsiaWorld Expo, Hall 10 (Aug. 16)

This tour marks Kai’s long-awaited solo comeback since his hit 2023 mini-album Rover, which took the internet by storm with its viral title track. Known for his sleek performances and hypnotic stage presence, Kai has solidified his reputation as one of K-pop’s most dynamic solo acts since releasing his debut single "Mmmh" in 2020.

Adding to the excitement, Kai is set to drop his fourth mini-album in April — his first project post-military service — promising fans fresh music to vibe to before he hits the road.

More ticket details have yet to be announced, but with Kai’s star power, expect a mad rush when they go on sale. 

Stay tuned for more updates and visit EXO on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter). 

South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, and actress BIBI is set to go on her first-ever world tour “EVE” starting this May 2025. 

She will be bringing the “EVE” tour in multiple cities across North America, Asia, and Oceania. For her Asia leg, BIBI will be performing in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Taipei from August to October 2025. 

BIBI made her official debut in May 2019 with the single “Binu” under Feel Ghood Music. In 2021, she released the single “The Weekend,” as a collaboration single with 88rising. In 2022, she released her first studio album “Lowlife Princess: Noir.” 

In 2024, she released the singles “Bam Yang Gang” and “Sugar Rush,” with the former becoming a commercial success in South Korea.

BIBI has previously performed in music festivals such as 88rising’s Head in the Clouds and Waterbomb in South Korea. 

Ticketing details have not yet been released as of writing. 

Follow BIBI’s Official X (Formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts for more updates on her upcoming world tour!

To get into the hype, listen to BIBI’s songs on repeat. 

 Someone dial 1-800-hot-n-fun and call your friends because LE SSERAFIM is going on their first world tour!

The five-piece girl group from Source Music recently announced the dates and cities for “2025 LE SSERAFIM TOUR ‘EASY CRAZY HOT” on Weverse. 

This marks LE SSERAFIM’s first-ever world tour since their debut in 2021, and the finale of their three-part release project that started with their third EP “EASY” in Feb. 2024, then their fourth EP “CRAZY” in Aug. 2024, and their upcoming fifth EP, "HOT,” in Mar. 2025. 

LE SSERAFIM is set to perform in 10 Asian cities from April to August 2025, kicking off their world tour with a two-day concert at the Inspire Arena in Incheon on Apr. 19 to 20, 2025. They will continue to Nagoya to perform on May 6 to 7, then to Osaka on May 13 to 14, Kitakyushu on June 7 to 8, Saitama on June 12, 14 to 15, Taipei on July 19, Hong Kong on July 25, Manila on Aug. 2, Bangkok on Aug. 9 to 10, and finish their Asian leg in Singapore on Aug. 16. 

The girl group will continue to the North American leg of their tour in September, with more cities and dates to be announced in the future. 

More details, such as ticketing dates, venue, and prices, will be revealed at a later time. 

Stay updated with LE SSERAFIM and their upcoming comeback by following them on their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram!