C asean Consonant in Malaysia (2016) – Dayung Sampan (Singapore)

C asean Consonant in Malaysia (2016) – Dayung Sampan (Singapore)

The Sound and Spirit of ASEAN, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Arranged by Alicia Joyce De Silva and Watchara Pluemyart

Dayung Sampan is a regional song unifying the courageous "orang laut" (sea gypsies) who formed the backbone of the Great Asian Sea Trade Route. This trade route originated in China and passed through the Straits where lots of seafaring gypsies contributed to its dynamic inter-island trade. The version in Singapore praises this link with China and the deep happiness when the boats (depicted, figuratively,as little sampans or small boats) come. The flowing speed and strong hand movements and lots of smiles makes this one of the happiest songs for ASEAN interaction.