‘’We Don’t Need It’’ Critics Call To Boycott Eurovision Asia
Thailand is set to hose the song competition in November this year.
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The Eurovision Song Contest is coming to Asia (ESCA), and it would appear that the broadcasting rights in Malaysia goes to Media Prima’s TV3.
The renowned international song competition’s first-ever Asian chapter is scheduled to kick off soon, with the grand finale set for 14 November 2026 at IdeaLive in Bangkok, Thailand.
On 29 March 2026, the official website stated that the contest would feature nine countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
According to Asia News, South Korea is joining the contest as well.
The idea of launching ESCA has been in the works since March 2016. The idea was to have an adaptation of Eurovision for the Asia-Pacific region.
Unsurprisingly, the idea of having an Asian version of Eurovision did not sit well with some Malaysians online, especially when Malaysia is listed as a participant.
A Twitter user said it’s shameful for Malaysia to join ESCA since the country has positioned itself as largely pro-Palestine and against genocide.
Journalist Hadi Azmi (@amerhadiazmi) pointed out that countries like Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain have boycotted the original Eurovision over Israel’s genocide of Palestinians.
Others believe Malaysia already has its own song competitions like Asia Bagus and Juara Lagu. If anything, Malaysia could create another song competition show of its own and didn’t need to ride on Eurovision’s coattails.
TV3, however, has not officially acknowledged the airing rights.
According to Eurovision, each participating broadcaster will choose its entries via national finals.
Apparently there’s a Eurovision Asia, and Malaysia’s @tv3malaysia is broadcasting it here. This is while Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain are boycotting the actual Eurovision over Israel’s genocide of Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/2azYGvlRvI
— Hadi Azmi (@amerhadiazmi) March 31, 2026
It's shameful amidst a boycott for the Euovision brand for not expelling Israel, that Asian countries want to participate in this. Especially Malaysia who is pro-Palestine
— #ProRakyatFreePalestine 🇵🇸🇲🇾 (@reviewstuffs) March 31, 2026
Stop this. We should not associate ourselves with a brand known for genocide apologia, Eurovision. Boycott.
we had asia bagus..
— abolish UNSC veto (@janggut34544893) March 31, 2026
kenapa nk amik title mat saleh?
just bring back asia bagus..
the concept is better anyway pic.twitter.com/URcbePnYUL
meanwhile indonesia, whose government is really pro-israel unlike malaysia, wasn't even included, what even was their goal
— @leap.nekoweb.org 🦋 (@leap123__) March 31, 2026
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