To promote the inaugural 2025 Sunshine Island Vibe Fest, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-Mai joined representatives from the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand stationed in Kaohsiung to form a multinational band. Together, they performed “A Man on the Sea,” a hit by the Golden Melody Award-winning band Fire EX. This week also saw the launch of a theme light rail showcasing cultural elements from Taiwan, Kaohsiung, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, and the United States, officially kicking off the festival's promotional campaign. Chang Yen-Ching, Director-General of Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, revealed that nearly 200 brands will take part in a multi-national market at the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest. The event will also feature performances by renowned artists from various countries, outdoor lectures by key opinion leaders (KOLs), and interactive photography exhibitions. Residents of Kaohsiung and international friends are invited to Central Park on February 22 and 23 to experience the vibrant energy of the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest.
The collaboration between Mayor Chen and the envoys marks another first. The group filmed a promotional video as a band, performing “A Man on the Sea” by Kaohsiung’s local band Fire EX., to convey the power of music in showcasing cultural exchange and international friendship. On the day of filming, Director Ma. Karina Bercasio Perida-Trayvilla of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office Kaohsiung Extension Office, acting as the guitarist, energized the atmosphere with a shout of “Are you ready?” Mayor Chen served as the lead vocalist, Branch Chief Neil Gibson of the American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch Office took on the drums, while Director Nutchyawach Sanguanchaiyakrit of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office Labor Division Kaohsiung played the keyboard. The standout of the group was Director General Masafumi Oku of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office, who brought his own bass guitar and, having played in a band during his university days, demonstrated meticulous preparation, showcasing true professionalism. In the video, the five band members used Chinese, Japanese, English, and Thai to invite friends from around the world to Central Park on February 22 and 23 to immerse themselves in the diverse island cultures.
Chang Yen-Ching highlighted that the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest embodies the spirit of islands and cultural inclusiveness, bringing together features from Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, the United States, and other New Southbound regions. The event will include performances by popular international artists and migrant worker bands, exotic cuisine, high-quality handcrafted brands, KOL-led outdoor lectures, interactive photography exhibitions, and sepak takraw hands-on experiences. The festival aims to showcase the cultural vibrancy of these nations and foster joyful interactions and deeper understanding among attendees.
In addition, a theme light rail for the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest has been specially designed. According to Chang, the train features motifs of landmarks and cultural elements from the United States, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Kaohsiung. Running through the port city from now until February 23, the train creates a mobile landscape that captures the essence of island life.
The Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is co-hosted by the Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office Kaohsiung Extension Office, the American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch Office, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office, and the Thailand Trade and Economic Office. Special thanks go to ASE Holdings, the Taiwan Fu Hsing Foundation, Quilter International Enterprise Co., iPASS, FamilyMart, and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation for their generous support.