Last month I attended the Golden Melody Awards & Festival in Taipei. The Golden Melody Awards is Taiwan’s equivalent of the Grammys — running since 1990. The festival component was added more recently to expand it beyond a ceremony into a full industry event.
Why Taiwan?
Taiwan punches well above its weight in the music industry. With a population of just 23 million, it has produced globally recognized acts and built a music infrastructure that many larger countries envy. The key isn’t just talent — it’s the systematic way Taiwan has built its music industry from policy to production.
What I Observed
A few things stood out during the event:
- Government involvement done right. Taiwan’s Cultural Content Agency (now the Cultural Content Institute) actively invests in the music industry — not through red tape, but through practical support: grants, international showcases, and export programs.
- The festival is genuinely global. Attendees and performers from across Asia, Europe, and beyond. Not just a local celebration.
- Infrastructure matters. Taipei has world-class venues of every size, from intimate clubs to stadiums. The live music ecosystem is healthy at every level.
Lessons for Indonesia
Taiwan shows that a mid-sized country can build a globally relevant music industry with the right policies and long-term commitment. Indonesia has far greater natural resources — population, cultural diversity, musical talent — but lacks the systematic approach Taiwan has developed over decades.