An internationally recognised entertainer and Commonwealth Union envoy to Australia and the Pacific brought the WCH Royal Summit held in Bali to a memorable finish with a performance that left the hall filled with royalty, traditional leaders, and distinguished delegates from around the world visibly moved.
Appearing alongside his son, Fredrick James Koch, the Sri Lankan-born Australian artist performed a duet of his self-written ballad, “We Are One”, tying together the summit’s theme. This year’s Royal Summit in Bali drew African kings and queens and Asian monarchs, along with rulers whose dynasties hold historical significance in their regions. Over several days, the summit held discussions on humanitarian concerns and community-focused initiatives such as poverty alleviation, education and global welfare.
Koch’s performance was widely regarded as the highlight of the closing ceremony, holding much emotional weight regarding corporation and collective responsibility.
His presence at the summit also coincides with his recent appointment as the Commonwealth Union Envoy to Australia and the Pacific region, positioning him as a diplomatic and cultural representative of the organisation.
His mandates include improving regional collaboration, promoting the Commonwealth Union’s mission of sustainability and inclusivity, and assisting the network’s expansion. Koch would also support the Union’s digital engagement efforts by facilitating introductions, building partnerships, and contributing to strategic outreach initiatives.
Speaking with Commonwealth Union on the sidelines of the summit, Koch described the experience as one that held professional as well as personal significance.
“The Royal Summit held in Bali was an extraordinary experience for me as I met some of the most important leaders, decision-makers and rulers of the most influential territories of Africa, Europe, Indonesia and Asia. It also gave me the opportunity to discuss matters of importance, being the ‘Envoy’ for the Commonwealth Union.”
Koch’s appointment stands in a distinguished international career. Born in Sri Lanka and later moving to Sydney, Australia, the singer rose to prominence during the late 1970s, earning the title of “Asia’s King of Pop”. His music topped charts across multiple countries, including Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and India. As the frontman of Dark Tan, an Australian disco band, he contributed significantly towards the building of a new era of contemporary music in the country; the group achieved major commercial success, including producing a gold-certified hit.
Koch has also made quite some progress outside the music industry, having presented environmental advocacy projects on major global platforms as the Ambassador for Climate Change (ICTP), including the World Trade Organisation and the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. He has also been recognised by the California State Senate and the United States Congress for his contributions to community development.
His continued involvement in film and cultural promotion further enhances his reputation as a multifaceted global personality.
His touching performance stressed the importance of cultural expression and how it provides a powerful medium for diplomacy. The WCH Royal Summit in Bali concluded with renewed commitments towards humanitarian initiatives, underwired by a performance that accentuated the value of shared purpose.
