Latest news with #EmbassyofMalaysia
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Tan Twan Eng novel sparks cultural exchange between Malaysia and Bulgaria
Tan's 'The House Of Doors' explores love and betrayal under the shadow of Empire. The book, longlisted for the Booker Prize 2023, has been translated into multiple languages, including Bulgarian. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon A Malaysian novel has inspired a new chapter in cultural diplomacy between Malaysia and Bulgaria. A Bulgarian translation of The House Of Doors by Tan Twan Eng has been discovered by the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Finland, Nina Angelova Simova. The discovery led to the recent inaugural Malaysia-Bulgaria Literary Diplomacy Dialogue in Helsinki. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Helsinki and moderated by Chargé d'Affaires Ariff Ali, brought together Malaysian, Bulgarian, and Finnish readers from fields such as literature, creative writing, art, and international relations. Tan, a Malaysian author widely celebrated for his elegant prose and historical depth, gained international acclaim when his earlier novel The Garden Of Evening Mists was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Walter Scott Prize; the novel is now also being translated into Bulgarian. The dialogue revolved around Tan's acclaimed work, sparking thoughtful reflections on identity, colonialism, gender, memory, and the quiet yet enduring power of storytelling. At the event, Simova presented her review of the novel. Simova, whose academic background is in literary studies, offered both personal and analytical insights. She explored the novel's layered narrative and how it reflects memory and consciousness; weaving in themes of symbolism, colonial legacy, identity, ethics, and orientalism. "This event sets a meaningful precedent for literary diplomacy and cross-cultural dialogue for both our countries. "It is our hope that more works from Malaysian authors will continue to reach readers not only in Malaysia, Finland, and Bulgaria, but also the wider European and global literary landscape,' a statement from the embassy said. The event also underscored the transformative role of translation in cultural exchange. The Bulgarian edition of The House Of Doors, which was translated by Petja Petkova, was praised for preserving the quiet elegance of Tan's prose. "Participants noted that translation is more than a linguistic act-it is a reimagining that bridges borders while staying true to the heart of a story,' the statement said. At the event, Tan - in a pre-recorded message that was both candid and enlightening - shared his reflections on writing, characterisation, and inspiration. He spoke about the quiet power of literature in bridging cultures. "Literature is an extremely powerful tool in diplomacy, with so much potential; but alas, it is so underused and its value so under-appreciated,' said Tan. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Tan Twan Eng Novel Ignites Malaysia–Bulgaria Cultural Dialogue
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- A Malaysian novel has inspired a new chapter in cultural diplomacy between Malaysia and Bulgaria. A Bulgarian translation of The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng has been discovered by the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Finland, Nina Angelova Simova. The discovery has led to the inaugural Malaysia–Bulgaria Literary Diplomacy Dialogue in Helsinki. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Helsinki and moderated by Chargé d'Affaires Ariff Ali, brought together Malaysian, Bulgarian, and Finnish readers from fields such as literature, creative writing, art, and international relations. bootstrap slideshow Tan, a Malaysian author widely celebrated for his elegant prose and historical depth, gained international acclaim when his earlier novel The Garden of Evening Mists was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Walter Scott Prize; the novel is now also being translated into Bulgarian. The dialogue revolved around Tan's acclaimed work, sparking thoughtful reflections on identity, colonialism, gender, memory, and the quiet yet enduring power of storytelling. At the event, Simova presented her review of the novel. Simova, whose academic background is in literary studies, offered both personal and analytical insights. She explored the novel's layered narrative and how it reflects memory and consciousness; weaving in themes of symbolism, colonial legacy, identity, ethics, and orientalism. 'This landmark event sets a meaningful precedent for literary diplomacy and cross-cultural dialogue for both our countries.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysia promotes cultural diplomacy via batik, manik exhibition in Helsinki
KUALA LUMPUR: (Bernama) The Embassy of Malaysia in Helsinki recently held the 'Project Synergy: Batik & Manik Art Exhibition', a cultural initiative showcasing Malaysia's rich artistic heritage through the unique expressions of two Malaysian artists residing in Finland. Held under the overarching theme of 'Roots, Identity, and Preservation of Art, Culture & Heritage', the exhibition highlights the intricate beauty of traditional batik and beadwork (manik) through the works of Ouddhena Erognica Teern and Serena Chan. Charge d'affaires of the embassy, Mohamed Ariff Mohamed Ali, said the project was a notable cultural initiative aimed at celebrating Malaysian artistic heritage through the lens of its diaspora. "When we leave our home countries to build a life abroad, we often reach for art and culture to stay connected to the families, friends, and stories we leave behind. "Art becomes a bridge - a tangible tether to our identity and roots,' he said. He said the exhibition was not just a display of artistry but a celebration of "who we are as Malaysians, wherever we may be.' The exhibition is part of Project Synergy, a flagship community engagement effort initiated by the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki. Rooted in the values of Malaysia Madani - a framework of progressive governance emphasising compassion, inclusivity, and sustainability - the project strives to strengthen cultural identity, encourage active community participation, and promote Malaysian talent on the global stage. In 2024, Project Synergy organised two events - 'Friends of Malaysia (FoM) Art Exhibition' featuring amateur artist Chinda Nang, and a screening of KITA, a heart-warming Malaysian film showcasing everyday stories of unity and resilience, curated by Melody Lee. - Bernama
Barnama
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Malaysia Promotes Cultural Diplomacy via Batik, Manik Exhibition In Helsinki
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The Embassy of Malaysia in Helsinki recently held the 'Project Synergy: Batik & Manik Art Exhibition', a cultural initiative showcasing Malaysia's rich artistic heritage through the unique expressions of two Malaysian artists residing in Finland. Held under the overarching theme of 'Roots, Identity, and Preservation of Art, Culture & Heritage', the exhibition highlights the intricate beauty of traditional batik and beadwork (manik) through the works of Ouddhena Erognica Teern and Serena Chan. Charge d'affaires of the embassy, Mohamed Ariff Mohamed Ali, said the project was a notable cultural initiative aimed at celebrating Malaysian artistic heritage through the lens of its diaspora. bootstrap slideshow "When we leave our home countries to build a life abroad, we often reach for art and culture to stay connected to the families, friends, and stories we leave behind. 'Art becomes a bridge — a tangible tether to our identity and roots,' he said. He said the exhibition was not just a display of artistry but a celebration of 'who we are as Malaysians, wherever we may be.' The exhibition is part of Project Synergy, a flagship community engagement effort initiated by the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki. Rooted in the values of Malaysia MADANI - a framework of progressive governance emphasising compassion, inclusivity, and sustainability - the project strives to strengthen cultural identity, encourage active community participation, and promote Malaysian talent on the global stage. In 2024, Project Synergy organised two events - 'Friends of Malaysia (FoM) Art Exhibition' featuring amateur artist Chinda Nang, and a screening of KITA, a heart-warming Malaysian film showcasing everyday stories of unity and resilience, curated by Melody Lee.
The Star
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Asean unity drive 2025 northern route kicks off in Hanoi on Friday (April 25)
PHNOM PENH (Bernama): The Asean Unity Drive 2025 (AUD2025), a regional expedition promoting collaboration and sustainable mobility, commenced its Northern Route from Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, on Friday. Starting from Hanoi, the convoy will traverse through the culturally rich and scenic routes of Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand before arriving in Malaysia. The event was co-organised by the Embassy of Malaysia in Hanoi and Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and Iot Institute (MARii), an agency under the Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). The AUD2025 covers over 9,000 kilometres across nine Asean countries, said a MARii press statement. "We are proud that Hanoi is the starting point of the Northern Route of AUD2025. This initiative reflects the Asean spirit of unity and progress, and we are pleased to support such efforts that bring our nations closer together through innovation and sustainable development,' Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai said at the flag-off ceremony at the Malaysian Embassy in Hanoi. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity in Asean, promote sustainable transportation solutions, and foster cross-border cooperation in innovation and mobility technologies, according to the press statement. The journey will end at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, Malaysia's largest mobility and automotive exhibition to be held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang from May 9 to 15, 2025. - Bernama
