R&F Princess Cove marked a historic moment as it welcomed the New Year 2026 with its first-ever New Year’s Eve countdown celebration, “Harmonious Symphony · Infinite Night”, held beside the iconic Johor–Singapore Causeway. The large-scale celebration not only represented R&F Group’s inaugural New Year’s Eve event in Malaysia, but also commemorated the 6th anniversary of the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House. Featuring a dynamic mix of live music, comedy, theatrical performances and a spectacular six-minute fireworks display over the Johor–Singapore Straits, the event delivered a full-sensory entertainment experience that captivated thousands of attendees until the final countdown.
The celebration showcased a powerhouse line-up of Malaysia’s leading and rising stars, positioning it as Johor Bahru’s largest and most influential New Year’s Eve event to date. Performances by popular artists Diorlying, Fuying & Sam, dance-pop group 1119, DJ Juju, and BBK Network comedians Lucas and Kah Mun electrified the crowd, while emerging talents Jacyntha Chee and Kyndi Lee—winners of the R&F Cantonese Karaoke Competition—highlighted the growth of a new generation of local performers. The overwhelming response further reinforced Johor Bahru’s growing reputation as a next-generation Singapore–Malaysia entertainment hotspot.
Music and laughter powered the night as 1119 opened the celebration with their viral 2025 Chinese New Year hit, which has surpassed 12 million YouTube views, followed by their 2026 festive release and an exclusive debut of their brand-new Year of the Horse song. Lucas and Kah Mun kept the atmosphere lively with their trademark humor, while Fuying & Sam transformed the venue into a massive open-air KTV session with their beloved fan-favorite songs. The night reached its emotional and musical peak with a powerful closing performance by Diorlying, whose finale reflected her artistic growth following her recent solo concert.
As the clock struck midnight, the Johor Bahru skyline was illuminated by a breathtaking six-minute international fireworks show, designed by a renowned professional pyrotechnics team. The dazzling display symbolized a hopeful farewell to 2025 and an inspiring welcome to 2026, creating a shared moment of celebration for both Malaysian and Singaporean audiences along the Straits.
Beyond contemporary entertainment, the celebration paid tribute to culture and the arts in conjunction with the Opera House’s anniversary. The evening opened with a rousing 24-Festive Drums performance by the Johor Bahru Drum Troupe, symbolizing unity and renewal, followed by the elegant “Magpie Bridge” dance that reinterpreted a classic Eastern legend through modern choreography. Adding orchestral depth was the Princess Cove Opera House Symphonic Band—Johor Bahru’s first professional wind orchestra—while the Hana Choir’s heartfelt vocals offered a gentle, hopeful message for the year ahead.
Looking forward, R&F Development Sdn Bhd chairman Mr. Li Mingliang highlighted the significance of the event as a milestone for R&F Princess Cove and Johor Bahru. He shared that with the upcoming Singapore–Johor Bahru RTS Link set to commence operations, R&F Mall’s strategic location at the international checkpoint positions it as a key gateway for increased cross-border traffic. More large-scale, creative and internationally driven events are already in development, underscoring R&F Princess Cove’s ambition to become Southern Malaysia’s premier lifestyle, retail and entertainment destination, as well as a major cultural landmark along the Singapore–Malaysia corridor.
