Latest news with #AseanSocio-CulturalCommunity
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sultan of Brunei keen to visit Malaysia for Asean summit
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has expressed a strong interest to visit Malaysia, particularly to attend the upcoming Asean Summit and related forums. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the Brunei Sultan conveyed this during an audience granted to her and Asean information ministers at Istana Nurul Iman, held in conjunction with the 17th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information and Related Meetings here on Thursday (May 8). "His Majesty said he is very much looking forward to visiting Malaysia, especially with the upcoming Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council and China Economic Forum taking place in less than two weeks,' she told Bernama. Teo conveyed her sincere appreciation to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for granting the audience and thanked Brunei for its steadfast commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the fields of information and communication. Teo is leading the Malaysian delegation to conference, which concluded on Wednesday. Also present during the audience were the deputy secretary-general of Asean for the Asean Socio-Cultural Community, San Lwin, senior information officials, and representatives from Asean Plus Three dialogue partners, China, Japan and South Korea. The 46th Asean Summit, scheduled for May 26-27, will convene leaders from the bloc's 10 member states to address regional challenges, promote economic cooperation and advance the shared principles of inclusivity and sustainability. Malaysia assumed the Asean Chairmanship from Laos on Jan 1, 2025, under the theme "Inclusion and Sustainability,' reflecting its commitment to fostering a united, resilient and forward-looking Asean community. This marks Malaysia's fifth term as Asean Chair, having previously held the position in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
The Star
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sarawak's unity exemplifies Asean's multicultural harmony, says state minister
Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (centre) and Asean socio-cultural ministers posing in an Asean handshake at the welcome dinner for the 33rd Asean Socio-Cultural Community council meeting in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Sarawak's multicultural harmony is a reflection of the broader unity found within the Asean region, according to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. He noted that Asean is home to over 680 million people from diverse races, languages, faiths, and traditions, united by shared common goals despite their differences. "Asean encompasses a region that is among the most diverse, yet we remain amongst the most united. In the same spirit, Sarawak is well-known as a successful model of unity in diversity," Tiong said at the welcoming dinner of the 33rd Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) council meeting on Wednesday (April 23). Tiong explained that Sarawak's unity is encapsulated in the Iban phrase "Segulai Sejalai," meaning together in unity regardless of background, race, or religion. "In Sarawak, this spirit is not just a slogan. It lives in our community, be it Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Gawai, Deepavali, Christmas and our multi-religious celebrations that see communities come together as one, no matter their background," he said. He also highlighted the diverse cultures of Sarawak's 34 ethnic groups, making the state a rich destination to discover. "The rituals, music, crafts, and oral histories of the various communities are part of Sarawak's living heritage. After this meeting, I hope you will have the chance to further explore this beautiful state," he added. The ASCC council meeting is a scheduled ministerial-level meeting organised twice a year to discuss key socio-cultural issues in the Asean region. Supported by Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC (SOCA) meetings, ASCC advances Asean's socio-cultural agenda through regional projects, cultural exchange, and partnerships with international organisations. The 38th SOCA meeting and 33rd ASCC meeting are taking place here from April 22 to 26.
