On Saturday, March 19, 2005, in the country of Malaysia, over 13,000 people came together to raise money for those impacted by the Asian Tsunami.
The Force of Nature Concert for Tsunami Aid was the first initiative of the Force of Nature Aid Foundation, a non-profit organization in Kuala Lumpur, that is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the victims of natural disasters. The foundation is not a one-time event, but a long-term fundraising program to help rebuild the affected communities.
The 7 hour concert starred pop act, Backstreet Boys, R&B stars, Boyz II Men and rapper Wyclef Jean.
“It is our honor, it is our duty to be here tonight, to do this for an important cause,” Boyz II Men singer Shawn Stockman told the crowd.
Hong Kong pop singer Nicholas Tse, film star Jackie Chan, American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, Baywatch actress, Carmen Electra and singer, Clay Aiken were also on the bill.
Held at the Kuala Lumpur’s Stadium Putra, the concert is said to have raised almost 3 million US dollars to aid countries hit by the deadly tsunami.
At the concert, Clay did not perform. But he took the stage and spoke in the local language about what he had just experienced and witnessed in Indonesia during his visit to tsunami devastated areas. The crowd reaction was loud and supportive and most of the people were impressed and excited that Clay spoke in the native tongue of Malaysia.
Clay gave many interviews before the concert, including one for MTV-Asia, and then, like all the performers, he made a handprint and signed it. The emblem of FON is the handprint.
The day after the huge concert, the king Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin and queen Tuanku Fauziah of Malaysia hosted a tea for the celebrities who participated in the concert. Clay had the opportunity to meet the queen and also met the Chinese actress Bai Ling.
It must have been a long week for Clay, but it was filled with many different experiences. It started with a UNICEF trip to Indonesia and ended with tea with a king and queen. It is an experience that many would never have the chance to live. Clay also had the opportunity to meet many important international stars and politicians. He certainly represented the USA and UNICEF in a positive way.
The following video gives a taste of the evening. It includes part of Clay’s speech, his hand print moment and some of his pre-concert interviews.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5cBv6lOyPk
This was a great video…I had seen clips before, of Clay speaking in Malaysia….but the last part of the video..I had not seen before…. I love how he is so willing to lend a hand and help…His heart is always in the right place…. Just love this man.
Hugs,
Judy
🙂 love the man – he steps right up and does what’s needed. Loved his speech. Although I couldn’t understand half of it, the audience sure got a kick out of it!!!
THANKS CANN!!!
What an amazing and heartbreaking time that was. The tradgey of the tsunami, Clay’s first UNICEF mission, video from the FON event, taken by a CB member from Malasia, who was sent to the event by her board members.
He always amazes me how comfortable he is in the role of humanitarian. I love that about him.
Wonderful blog. It brings back the memories of how proud we are of Clay for his first Unicef trip, and the effort he made to do part of his speech in Malaysian. He’s quite a guy.
Clay does all he can to participate around the world in humanitarian efforts. He is so articulate….no matter what language he is speaking in!
Clay is in his element when he is working with UNICEF! I am so very proud of him for using his voice and making a difference. He has a huge heart!
It seems like it hasn’t been that long ago that he was trying to bring awareness and help to the countries hit by the tsunami’s. Was it really 2005? Wow.
I had never seen this before as I wasn’t following his career during 2005, thanks for posting this.
I just love his heart!
I can’t say enough how proud I am of one Clay Aiken. Thanks CANN for bringing this video for all of us to revisit once again!
This is why I am a Clay Aiken fan. Yes he has an incredible voice and is easy on the eyes, but that heart of his is amazing.
This is one of the reasons I am so proud to be a Clay Aiken Fan. His heart is always in the right place..and he shines when he is in his Humanitarium Mode. I think I love this guy!