Latest news with #KLCC
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Singapore PM arrives in KL for Asean Summit
SEPANG, May 26 — Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arrived here today to attend the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits, which will begin tomorrow at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Wong, who landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminal 1) at 8.57 pm on a commercial flight, was warmly received at the Bunga Raya Complex by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. Upon arrival, Wong inspected a guard of honour mounted by 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial). The 46th Asean Summit will be held on May 26 and 27, concurrently with two key high-level meetings – the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit. The 46th Asean Summit, held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', will bring together leaders from Asean member states to discuss regional issues and chart the future direction of Asean cooperation. — Bernama
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia in bloom: Asean chair welcomes leaders with 320m floral tunnel at KLCC
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — A striking 320-metre floral tunnel erected at the patio area of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is more than mere decoration — it symbolises Malaysia's warm welcome to Asean leaders attending the 46th Asean Summit from May 26 to 27. Chief of the Asean Central Logistics Secretariat, Raja Saifful Ridzuwan Raja Kamaruddin, said the floral tunnel has been specially constructed as the primary route to receive leaders from Asean member states, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will personally greet each leader in a flower garden located at the midpoint of the tunnel. This garden, with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in the background, will serve as a symbolic 'pit stop' to mark the leaders' arrival at the summit. 'The official arrival of Asean leaders will take place on May 26, with the prime minister extending a formal welcome. There will be two further official arrivals on the morning of May 27 — for heads of state and government from the GCC — and in the afternoon, the arrival of the Premier of China, Li Qiang,' he told Bernama. The tunnel's structure, adorned in red, blue, and yellow hues and decorated with a vibrant array of flowers, embodies the spirit of unity, harmony, and solidarity — values central to Asean cooperation — in line with the Asean Malaysia 2025 theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. The tunnel has become a symbol of Malaysia's warm welcome to Asean leaders ahead of the 46th Asean Summit, set to take place on May 26 and 27. — Bernama pic Raja Saifful Ridzuwan added that real hibiscus flowers, Malaysia's national flower, would be incorporated into the display. Their presence serves as a national symbol, underscoring Malaysia's role as Asean Chair this year. Regarding the theme of inclusivity, he noted that the main colours of the tunnel — red, blue, white, and yellow — were inspired by the Asean logo, representing all member states in the region. 'As for the element of sustainability, we have drawn visual inspiration from the greenery of KLCC Park. These values of inclusivity and sustainability are embedded in the tunnel's design,' he said. He further revealed that the tunnel was constructed in just seven days, though the entire process — from initial discussions to final approval — spanned nearly three months. 'I understand that nearly 150 contractors alone were involved in the project, including those working on structural foundations, landscaping, construction, and related aspects,' he added. The area around KLCC Park — particularly the stretch from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel to the Traders Hotel, where the tunnel is situated — will be subject to strict security measures from May 25 to 27 to ensure the safety and smooth coordination of events welcoming foreign leaders. 'The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have deployed over 2,000 officers and personnel, with more than 1,000 assigned specifically to the KLCC area and nearby hotels designated as official accommodations for the leaders and their delegations,' he said. The 46th Asean Summit will bring together Asean leaders to deliberate on regional issues and chart the bloc's future direction. Also scheduled are the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit — both reflecting Asean's ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation. — Bernama
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia Serves Kitchen Diplomacy At ASEAN Leaders' Table
REGION - CENTRAL > NEWS Staff prepare appetisers in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Staff carefully prepare dessert dishes in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) executive chef, Chef Hisham Jaafar, looks at the preparation of desserts in the KLCC kitchen. Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) executive chef, Chef Hisham Jaafar, checks at the quality of vegetables in the KLCC kitchen. By Lucia Terey John KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- Behind the warmth of diplomatic pleasantries at the 46th ASEAN Summit lies another, less visible yet equally critical mission. The real heat, however, isn't at the negotiating table -- it's in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). At the helm of this high-stakes culinary operation is KLCC's executive chef, Chef Hisham Jaafar, 52, who has devoted more than 15 years to mastering high-end cuisine within the prestigious venue's kitchens. This marks the third time Chef Hisham has shouldered the responsibility of preparing meals for a major international event. A decade ago, he catered for a summit graced by dignitaries including former US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'We were honoured to be entrusted with the 26th ASEAN Summit in 2015, along with other global events like the World Islamic Economic Forum. 'Perhaps that's why the Prime Minister's Office has once again placed its confidence in us," he told Bernama. But prior experience, he added, is not a free pass. The pressure is no less intense, especially when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sets the tone by insisting that each dish embodies the essence of Malaysia. Under the summit's culinary theme, 'Malaysian on Plate', Hisham and his team began planning three months in advance. The aim: to serve not only enticing food, but also a menu that reflects the country's rich and multi-ethnic gastronomic heritage—from Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine to the distinct flavours of Sabah and Sarawak.
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Diplomacy on a Malaysian plate: KLCC executive chef Hisham Jaafar's Asean Summit mission
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — Behind the warmth of diplomatic pleasantries at the 46th Asean Summit lies another, less visible yet equally critical mission. The real heat, however, isn't at the negotiating table – it's in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). At the helm of this high-stakes culinary operation is KLCC's executive chef, Chef Hisham Jaafar, 52, who has devoted more than 15 years to mastering high-end cuisine within the prestigious venue's kitchens. This marks the third time Chef Hisham has shouldered the responsibility of preparing meals for a major international event. A decade ago, he catered for a summit graced by dignitaries including former US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'We were honoured to be entrusted with the 26th Asean Summit in 2015, along with other global events like the World Islamic Economic Forum. 'Perhaps that's why the Prime Minister's Office has once again placed its confidence in us,' he told Bernama. But prior experience, he added, is not a free pass. The pressure is no less intense, especially when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sets the tone by insisting that each dish embodies the essence of Malaysia. Under the summit's culinary theme, 'Malaysian on Plate', Hisham and his team began planning three months in advance. The aim: to serve not only enticing food, but also a menu that reflects the country's rich and multi-ethnic gastronomic heritage-from Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine to the distinct flavours of Sabah and Sarawak. 'We're offering traditional delicacies like Baba and Nyonya dishes, 'umai' and 'kinilau' from East Malaysia, and a selection of classic desserts including 'seri muka', 'bingka', 'roti jala' and 'murtabak'. 'It may sound familiar, but we've raised the bar to ensure delegates experience an authentic taste of Malaysia,' he said. Adding to the menu's appeal, nearly all ingredients are locally sourced – a decision that supports the domestic agricultural sector while showcasing the nation's capacity to produce premium raw materials. Still, orchestrating a summit-scale banquet is no small feat. Each dish must respect the diverse tastes, cultures and religious practices of the Asean member states. Then there are the inevitable last-minute changes-dietary restrictions, schedule adjustments, and requests for diabetic- or vegetarian-friendly meals-all of which require the kitchen team to adapt swiftly and seamlessly. 'There were days we worked from dawn until midnight, but we didn't mind. Opportunities like this don't come often. 'Now, I'm seeing the payoff. We've built a strong backup team. When I retire one day, I'm confident they'll carry on this legacy – perhaps on an even grander scale,' added Hisham. The 46th Asean Summit, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', is currently underway, beginning with senior officials' discussions and ministerial meetings on May 25, ahead of the heads of government session on May 26. Two key side events accompany the summit: the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit-critical platforms aimed at deepening regional and inter-regional cooperation. — Bernama
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia serves kitchen diplomacy at ASEAN leaders' table
KUALA LUMPUR: Behind the warmth of diplomatic pleasantries at the 46th ASEAN Summit lies another, less visible yet equally critical mission. The real heat, however, isn't at the negotiating table —it's in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). At the helm of this high-stakes culinary operation is KLCC's executive chef, Chef Hisham Jaafar, 52, who has devoted more than 15 years to mastering high-end cuisine within the prestigious venue's kitchens. This marks the third time Chef Hisham has shouldered the responsibility of preparing meals for a major international event. A decade ago, he catered for a summit graced by dignitaries including former US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'We were honoured to be entrusted with the 26th ASEAN Summit in 2015, along with other global events like the World Islamic Economic Forum. 'Perhaps that's why the Prime Minister's Office has once again placed its confidence in us,' he told Bernama. But prior experience, he added, is not a free pass. The pressure is no less intense, especially when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sets the tone by insisting that each dish embodies the essence of Malaysia. Under the summit's culinary theme, 'Malaysian on Plate', Hisham and his team began planning three months in advance. The aim: to serve not only enticing food, but also a menu that reflects the country's rich and multi-ethnic gastronomic heritage—from Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine to the distinct flavours of Sabah and Sarawak. 'We're offering traditional delicacies like Baba and Nyonya dishes, 'umai' and 'kinilau' from East Malaysia, and a selection of classic desserts including 'seri muka', 'bingka', 'roti jala' and 'murtabak'. 'It may sound familiar, but we've raised the bar to ensure delegates experience an authentic taste of Malaysia,' he said. Adding to the menu's appeal, nearly all ingredients are locally sourced—a decision that supports the domestic agricultural sector while showcasing the nation's capacity to produce premium raw materials. Still, orchestrating a summit-scale banquet is no small feat. Each dish must respect the diverse tastes, cultures and religious practices of the ASEAN member states. Then there are the inevitable last-minute changes—dietary restrictions, schedule adjustments, and requests for diabetic- or vegetarian-friendly meals—all of which require the kitchen team to adapt swiftly and seamlessly. 'There were days we worked from dawn until midnight, but we didn't mind. Opportunities like this don't come often. 'Now, I'm seeing the payoff. We've built a strong backup team. When I retire one day, I'm confident they'll carry on this legacy—perhaps on an even grander scale,' added Hisham. The 46th ASEAN Summit, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', is currently underway, beginning with senior officials' discussions and ministerial meetings on May 25, ahead of the heads of government session on May 26. Two key side events accompany the summit: the second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit—critical platforms aimed at deepening regional and inter-regional cooperation.
