Shekou witnessed a vibrant explosion of colors, flavors, and rhythms at the “Hello APEC: Into Southeast Asia” cultural fair, organized by the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE) on June 14.

Participants pose for a group photo at the "Hello APEC: Into Southeast Asia" cultural fair in Shekou on June 14. Photos courtesy of Shekou MSCE

The immersive event transformed the neighborhood into a bustling marketplace celebrating the rich heritage of seven Southeast Asian countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The fair drew a massive crowd of both local and international residents.

Expats in traditional costumes perform an Indonesian dance.

The air was thick with the aromas of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, as visitors indulged in a diverse array of tastes, ranging from the intricacy of spicy Malaysian Nyonya sauces and the iconic sour-and-spicy kick of Thai Tom Yum noodles to the sweet comfort of mango sticky rice. Singaporean and Bruneian snacks shared the spotlight with the bold, creamy notes of Vietnamese salt coffee and fragrant grilled pork vermicelli. Filipino skewers and Indonesian satay offered savory delights, perfectly complemented by delicate desserts like pandan coconut rolls.

A visitor takes photos of performances.

Beyond the food, the event showcased the region’s meticulous craftsmanship. Traditional Malaysian Kebaya garments told stories of centuries-old cultural fusion, while Wau Bulan moon kites evoked the agricultural history of the Malay Peninsula. Thai Ganesha ornaments display exquisite artistry, and creative renditions of Singapore’s Merlion sparked imaginations. The Philippines’ stalls were packed with fashionable souvenirs, while Indonesian Batik textiles and intricate wood carvings fascinated onlookers with ancient patterns.

Views of the bustling cultural market in Shekou.

At the DIY Som Tum stall, visitors learned the art of pounding spices for Thai green papaya salad, while children brought Singaporean landmarks to life with colorful pens.

The enthusiasm among attendees was palpable. "I didn’t expect the fair to be so vibrant,” said Julien Sater, a Canadian resident in Shekou. “Now I’m already looking forward to the upcoming South American event.” Beejee, a participant from the Philippines, shared the dedication behind the scenes, noting that her community formed groups to prepare everything from traditional food to authentic attire, enjoying the process of sharing their culture.

Performers stage a Muay Thai demonstration.

As the sun set, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch with live performances. The rhythmic thumping of Filipino Ati-Atihan tribal drums echoed through the venue, energizing the crowd. Dancers from the Indonesian Overseas Chinese Home, dressed in traditional costumes, moved gracefully to folk melodies, followed by a stirring performance of Indonesian love songs. The energy surged again during a Muay Thai demonstration and reached its peak with the Tinikling bamboo dance. Led by Filipino residents Mark and Jerry, children and adults alike jumped between the rhythmic clapping of bamboo poles, laughing and cheering.

The "Hello APEC: Into Southeast Asia" Cultural Fair is part of a series of events hosted by the Shekou MSCE themed around APEC economies.

Participants in traditional Indonesian attire pose for a photo.