KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — Malaysian singer and songwriter Aina Abdul will represent Malaysia in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, November 14, 2026.

The announcement occurred during AJL: Anugerah Juara Lagu 40 (AJL 40), where 10 artists competed in the 40th edition of the annual song competition at Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday, August 15.

This year, Aina won the Best Performance Award, taking home RM12,000, and also received the Anugerah IKON Artis Pilihan Shopee during the ceremony.

Shortly after, Aina was also announced as Malaysia’s representative at the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia, giving her the opportunity to perform on an international stage.

Her AJL 40 performance has garnered strong attention among audiences in attendance, with viewers praising the singer’s elaborate stage presentation. 

Aina took the stage with her song Kamu, delivering a dramatic volcano-themed performance that saw her emerge from a massive rock prop as red and orange lights illuminated the venue.

The singer began her performance by greeting the audience before rising from what appeared to be a molten lava fissure within the rocky set.

She was then lifted above the stage on a concealed platform, adding to the theatrical spectacle.

Speaking to the media at the press conference after AJL 40, Aina said being chosen to represent Malaysia felt like the real victory of the night.

“When I heard my name being announced, I thought, ‘Allah, this is the real win for me.’

“I have watched and learnt a lot from Eurovision.

“Even before AJL, I watched many performances from Eurovision.

“Of course, I wanted to go and experience what it is like to perform in another country.

“It’s more stressful than AJL.

“I hope I can do well because sometimes I think, when will I get the opportunity to raise Malaysia’s name?

“I think Allah is saying, ‘This is your chance,’” She added.

Aina previously clinched the coveted AJL title at AJL 37 with Terus Hidup, where she also won the Best Vocal award.

At AJL 38, her self-penned hit Jangan Mati Rasa Itu secured third place and another Best Vocal win, while last year’s AJL 39 saw her take home the Best Performance Award for Puas Sudah.

With a string of acclaimed and chart-topping singles, many of which she has written and composed herself, Aina will now take her music to an international audience as Malaysia’s representative at the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia.