Tag Archives: Malaysia

Malaysia highlights sustainability and business potential as it marks its Expo 2020 National Day with multicultural performance

DUBAI, 8 January 2022 – Malaysia marked its Expo 2020 National Day on Saturday with a multicultural performance that demonstrated its harmonious blend of traditions, cultures and ethnicities, while the head of the Malaysia delegation commended Expo for driving business, collaboration and innovation.

Malaysia had signed 71 agreements and letters of intent, amounting to USD 8.4 billion potential trade and investment returns in the first 12 weeks of Expo 2020 Dubai

His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State welcomed the delegation from Malaysia, which was led by The Honourable Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Hashim, Malaysia’s Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister.

DUBAI, 08 January 2022. Cultural performance during Malaysia National Day Ceremony at Al Wasl, Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Noel Yambao/Expo 2020 Dubai)

HE Al Sayegh said: “We are proud to be Malaysia’s largest export destination and second-largest source of imports in the West Asia region, and hope to build on this already strong relationship by exploring the potential for collaboration in other areas of mutual interest, such as clean energy, digital education, food security, and tourism in a post-COVID-19 world. We also strongly believe in the potential of Malaysia as a gateway to Southeast Asian markets for the UAE, and look forward to exploring this further for the mutual benefit of our two nations.

“While the facts and figures of the bilateral trade between our two countries are robust, our brotherly relations extend far beyond this – we also share the values of tolerance and moderation, which are intricately woven into our social fabric as multicultural societies, with our nations exemplifying the notion of unity in diversity.”

“While the facts and figures of the bilateral trade between our two countries are robust, our brotherly relations extend far beyond this

Deputy Minister Hashim, speaking on behalf of Honourable Dato’ Sri Dr Adham bin Baba, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said: “The Malaysia Pavilion encapsulates the essence of the country’s unique diversity as a melting pot of ethnicity and cultural heritage… Its theme ‘Energising Sustainability’ captures the nation’s commitment and direction for sustainable development which balances socio-economic progress and environmental concerns.

“Both the UAE and Malaysia are multicultural countries with shared values of embracing diversity and moderation weaved in a rich cultural mosaic. The success of our nations is built on the foundations of unity and Expo 2020 Dubai is the embodiment of this spirit of togetherness in a fast-growing borderless world, as the event provides a fertile ground to sprout new ideas and connections as we move into the future with resilience and sustainability.”

Deputy Minister Hashim also revealed that Malaysia had signed 71 agreements and letters of intent, amounting to USD 8.4 billion potential trade and investment returns in the first 12 weeks of Expo 2020 Dubai, including in the areas of green smart homes, AI-driven agriculture systems, education and Halal economy.

Expo 2020 Dubai has proven as a unique global platform to forge strategic partnership, catalyse collaboration and stimulate innovation

“Expo 2020 Dubai has proven as a unique global platform to forge strategic partnership, catalyse collaboration and stimulate innovation,” he said.

The celebrations at Al Wasl Plaza featured dance performances, which showcased the rich and diverse heritage of Malaysia’s many ethnic groups. Celebrations are set to continue on Sunday, with a ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’ festival from 2000-2200 GST at the Jubilee Stage.

With its net-zero carbon emissions green design and simulated rainforest canopies, the Malaysia Pavilion presents an inspiring vision for the nation’s thriving sustainable future. The pavilion takes visitors along a meandering woodland path through 3D graphical experiences, ‘groves’ of digitally enhanced columns, and immersive exhibits that explore Malaysia’s commitment to balancing economic and environmental health.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming. Each features a flag-raising ceremony at the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural performances.

Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

Best Of Malaysia’s Performing Arts And Culture To Captivate Audience At Jubilee Park

Dubai, 6th January 2022: Some of Malaysia’s most prominent artistes will take centre stage at Jubilee Park on 9th January 2022 to perform a variety of cultural performances and music presentations, in conjunction with the Malaysia Truly Asia showcase.

Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisa Luhong James will make a special appearance at the event

The showcase will feature a remarkable host of cultural performances by troupes from Istana Budaya and the National Department for Culture and Arts, HANDS Percussion Malaysia, Sutra Dance Theatre, with musical shows by Malaysian artistes Syafinaz and Datuk Zainal Abidin. Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisa Luhong James will make a special appearance at the event.

Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, Founder of the Sutra Foundation and internationally known choreographer/dancer will lead the Sutra Dance Theatre performance. “Expo 2020 Dubai is a place where the cultural diversity of the world is celebrated. These many different cultures are brought to the shores of the UAE for the global community to experience, enjoy, and learn. We are particularly proud to be a part of this celebration,” said Ramli who received India’s Padma Shri award in 2018 for his contribution to the Odissi dance form.

Bernard Goh, Artistic Director and Founder of HANDS Percussion Malaysia added “Presenting our Malaysian-made traditional and contemporary percussion performance on a global stage means that we get to share the beauty and uniqueness of our music and culture to an international audience.” Their performance includes an original musical composition including instruments such as the timbale set, big red drum, Chinese drums (shigu), bonang, gendang, jidor, and the Chinese cymbal.

Malaysia’s most prominent artistes will take centre stage at Jubilee Park on 9th January 2022 to perform a variety of cultural performances

The dance performances will see unique plethora of Malaysian cultures from Odissi, an Indian classical dance style to traditional routines of Malay, Chinese, and Bornean customs. “Our troupe has been rehearsing daily for over a month now, to ensure we deliver on a truly remarkable and amazing spectacle which vividly reflects Malaysia’s culture for the international audience at Expo 2020 Dubai,” said Mohd Ferdaus Hassan, Istana Budaya Production Department Assistant Director.

Malaysia’s music legend Datuk Zainal Abidin will also be belting his top hits, Damai IV, Manis, and Hijau. Speaking on the occasion, he said: “I am proud for this opportunity to perform modern Malaysian music to the world. This is also an exciting time for me personally as it will be the 30th anniversary since my song Hijau made its debut.”

The Malaysia Truly Asia showcase represents the melting pot of rich cultures that exists harmoniously in the nation. Datuk Ramli quipped, “You will see Malay and Chinese dancers performing an Indian classical dance side-by-side, which reflects how art unifies people of different races and backgrounds.”

The performance is in conjunction with the Malaysia Day which is the flagship event of the Malaysia Pavilion at the World Expo, spotlighting the nation’s achievements and progress across key sectors including economic, social, cultural, science and technology, as the honour day accorded by Expo 2020 Dubai to participating countries. This occasion also marks the 100-day milestone of Malaysia’s participation at this third largest event in the world.

The public are invited to watch the show from 8.00pm at Jubilee Park in the Mobility District in Expo 2020 but do come early to grab the best seats.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

Malaysia Pavilion To Celebrate National Day At Expo 2020 Dubai On January 8, With Fine Dining Menu Curated By Malaysian Chefs

Dubai, 5th January 2022: The Malaysia Pavilion is set to celebrate its national day at Expo 2020 Dubai on 8th January 2022, as a day set aside by the Expo organiser to celebrate the country’s unique and diverse culture as well as its participation in the World Expo.

special menu prepared by Malaysian Executive Chefs, Rene Johari and Ahmad Kasdi Mohd Dahari.

The celebration will commence with speeches from representatives of both Malaysia and the UAE, visits to the Malaysia and UAE Pavilions, and a bilateral meeting at the Leadership Pavilion. Malaysia’s delegation will be represented by Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, The Honourable Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Hashim, who will be joined by the UAE Government representative.

The Istana Budaya (Palace of Culture) and the National Department for Culture and Arts will also be performing a colourful cultural dance repertoire at the famous Al-Wasl’s Stage of Nations.

In the evening, the Malaysian Pavilion will be hosting a dinner event for invited guests who will be treated to performances by Istana Budaya, the National Department for Culture and Arts, HANDS Percussion Malaysia, Sutra Dance Theatre and Malaysian artistes Syafinaz and Datuk Zainal Abidin.

the pavilion’s message of sustainability- all the ingredients for the menu are locally sourced from the UAE

Guests will also be feted with a special menu prepared by Malaysian Executive Chefs, Rene Johari and Ahmad Kasdi Mohd Dahari.

Chef Rene Johari has worked in the UAE for over twelve years where he got to work alongside a Michelin star chef at Galvin Brothers in Dubai. He is currently an Executive Chef at DoubleTree by Hilton in Dubai Business Bay.

Chef Ahmad Kasdi is new to the shores of the UAE but brings a rich, international background in culinary arts with him. He holds numerous culinary awards and is currently the Executive Chef at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort.

The two chefs joined forces to create a menu which upscales traditional Malaysian street food to a fine dining experience. Chef Rene commented: “We wanted to capture the essence of Malaysian culture and heritage and present it in a modern interpretation of infused ingredients, to celebrate the event at Expo. The dinner will feature a five-course menu with some of the most loved dishes from across Malaysia, each presented with a modern twist to it.”

The dinner will feature a five-course menu with some of the most loved dishes from across Malaysia, each presented with a modern twist to it

One of the highlights for the menu includes Hinava, a traditional native dish of the Kadazan-Dusun community in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The dish is originally prepared with seafood, but the chefs have used pomelo as the main ingredient for vegan and vegetarian diners.

Another dish guests can look forward to is the iconic Malaysian dish, Rendang. Enjoyed across Malaysia as well as in other South-East Asian countries, this version of the dish will feature slow-roasted Angus beef fillet with fragrant lemongrass rice, pineapple and baby carrot “Pajeri.” For pescetarians, the dish will be replaced with seabass and for vegetarians it will be made with butternut.

Chef Rene and Chef Ahmad Kasdi selected rosewater “Sirap Bandung” panna cotta and pistachio dentelle, served with coconut meringue, to round off the meal. Adding a Middle Eastern touch to the dessert, it is paired with dates and figs.

Chef Ahmad Kasdi explained: “We wanted to end the dinner with something unique, but not to mark the end of the celebration of Malaysia’s presence in Expo 2020 Dubai. Sirap Bandung is traditionally served at festivities and celebrations at home. With its local twist of dates and figs, it represents the unity between Malaysia and the UAE, marking it as the perfect ending.”

As a nod to the pavilion’s message of sustainability, all the ingredients for the menu are locally sourced from the UAE, reducing the carbon footprint of the dishes.

Guests expected to attend the dinner include Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, The Honourable Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Hashim, Deputy Health Minister, The Honourable Dato’ Dr. Noor Azmi Ghazali, Sarawak state Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE, H.E. Dato’ Mohd Tarid Sufian, Malaysia’s Commissioner General for Expo 2020 Dubai, Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, who is also Deputy Secretary-General (Technology Development) of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, UAE officials, foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, Expo officials, pavilion officials and Malaysia Pavilion sponsors.

Malaysia is among 192 countries and organisations participating in Expo 2020 Dubai. Malaysia’s participation is spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation with Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation as implementing agency.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news