Latest news with #Kazan
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Pineapple threads and royal roots: Negeri Sembilan's historic kebaya charms Kazan
SEREMBAN, May 24 — A 120-year-old Baju Kebaya Setengah Tiang, a traditional costume from Negeri Sembilan, has captured international attention after being showcased at the Russia-Islamic World Kazan Forum 2025, held in Kazan from May 13 to 18. The rare garment, woven from pineapple fibre, a material now seldom used, symbolises the intricate craftsmanship and rich heritage of Malay culture. More than a century old, the kebaya once belonged to a member of Negeri Sembilan's royal family and reflects the state's unique Adat Perpatih matrilineal customs, bringing this distinctive cultural identity onto the global stage. Tuanku Ja'afar Royal Gallery curator Mohd Khairil Hisham Mohd Ashaari said the garment's presence at the forum resonated strongly with participants. 'It is not just a piece of clothing but a representation of modesty, elegance and the values of Muslimah fashion,' he explained. A traditional accessory adorned with the Bunga Lado motif, a symbolic floral design of the southern state. — Bernama pic The kebaya, alongside traditional accessories and songket textiles adorned with Bunga Lado motifs, symbolic floral designs of the southern state, were modelled by attendees in Kazan, drawing praise and admiration. The forum itself gathered over 20,000 delegates from 87 countries, 87 Russian federal entities and more than 40 diplomatic missions, providing a vibrant platform for cultural exchange. Mohd Khairil described the reception as encouraging, highlighting the potential for local heritage crafts to reach global markets. 'Our goal was to showcase Negeri Sembilan's cultural identity and sustain its heritage internationally,' he said, noting that this initiative also ties into the upcoming Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026 campaign. Mohd Khairil Hisham said the outfit is special because it is made from pineapple fibre, a traditional material that is now rare, making it a symbol of the refinement of Malay art and heritage. — Bernama pic Looking ahead, Mohd Khairil is partnering with Norsham Mohammad, founder of Miami Modest Fashion Week, to launch the South-East Asia Muslim Fashion Festival in Port Dickson in October 2026. The event aims to unite innovative Muslimah designers from across the region and beyond, celebrating the fusion of tradition and modernity. 'We want to create a platform where modest fashion is both innovative and deeply connected to cultural roots. To gain recognition on a global scale, it is essential to step beyond familiar boundaries and embrace change,' Mohd Khairil said. He also emphasised the importance of sharing heritage beyond local appreciation, fostering a broader understanding and respect for diverse cultures worldwide. — Bernama
Russia Today
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russia hosts Islamic diplomatic forum
The Russian city of Kazan has hosted a forum of young diplomats from Muslim countries, held alongside a major summit focused on strengthening economic ties between Russia and the Islamic world. The 9th Forum of Young Diplomats of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) brought together 50 participants from around 20 countries, including Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Türkiye, UAE, Cameroon, Turkmenistan, and others. The forum took place during the 16th international 'Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum' in Kazan, the capital of the predominantly Muslim Tatarstan Republic in central Russia from Tuesday to Sunday. The annual forum is a space where future diplomats can connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen cooperation between Russia and OIC member states. This year's theme, 'Victory Diplomacy', marked 80 years since the Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany during the Second World War. In the opening remarks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted Moscow's longstanding ties with the Islamic world and referred to Russia as a 'civilization-state' – a term that underscores its distinct historical, cultural, and spiritual identity set apart from the West. Panel discussions explored global security, humanitarian cooperation, and the changing role of diplomacy. A session hosted with Russian video platform RuTube focused on how new technology and media influence international relations. Participants from countries including Russia, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea, Iran, Oman, and Morocco also joined a friendly football match against a team of former professional players. Big names included former Russian star Aleksandr Mostovoy, iconic goalkeeper Ruslan Nigmatullin, South African midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, and Turkish winger Gokdeniz Karadeniz. The International Association of Young Diplomats also welcomed new members during the forum. Since its launch in 2016, the event has brought together around 300 young diplomats from over 45 OIC countries.
Malay Mail
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's Muhamad Sufi clinches gold at Young Chefs International Competition in Kazan, highlighting Malay fusion cuisine
KAZAN (TATARSTAN), May 18 — Muhamad Sufi Irfan Mohamad Rusdin from UiTM Penang seemed to be in disbelief when his name was announced as the gold medal winner in the Confectionery Arts category at the prestigious Young Chefs International Competition 2025 here. The culinary student defeated participants from 12 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Tunisia, Turkey, Russia, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Senegal, Kazakhstan and Iran. 'I was indeed in shock when I heard my name being announced a winner. I felt my heart racing and my hands slightly trembling. I entered the competition not only to challenge myself but to test my abilities on an international level. 'It was a new experience for me, so when I won, I felt very grateful and touched. Allah maha besar (God is great),' he said when met by Bernama here. The menu chosen by Muhamad Sufi's, who hails from Pasir Mas, Kelantan, which successfully captured the judges' hearts, was Malaysian fusion, with a touch of Western, a seafood-based salad, Appetiser; Crispy Fried Fish with Tomato and Basil Salad with Lemon Dressing Meanwhile, the main menu featured Marble Beef Tenderloin served with curry-infused juice, glazed vegetables with local wild mushroom and rosti potato, and dessert comprising Bingka Labu, Mandarin Orange Sauce with chocolate mousse, fresh fruit and sugar garnish. According to Muhamad Sufi, he felt a bit nervous when facing some challenges during the preparation of the materials due to the limited time, but he needed to be fully focused to ensure everything was perfect. Muhamad Sufi Irfan Mohamad Rusdin from UiTM Penang was announced as the gold medal winner in the Confectionery Arts category at the prestigious Young Chefs International Competition 2025 in Kazan. — Picture via Facebook/Gastronomy Association of Malaysia 'But overall, Alhamdulillah, everything went according to plan. What I practiced, that's what I did in the competition kitchen,' he said, adding that one of the competition requirements was for participants to combine raw materials obtained in Kazan, such as cod fish, meat, cooking oil, flour, vegetables and local fruits. He said the menu choices were made and inspired by two of his lecturers who acted as team managers at UiTM Penang. 'This menu also had a touch of traditional Malay that I wanted to highlight so that the judges could feel the authenticity and creativity in my dishes,' adding that he has been interested in cooking since he was a child. Describing the 'drama' that occurred during the competition, Muhamad Sufi said he felt panicky and anxious when he saw time seemingly passing too quickly. 'The strongest pressure during the competition is to manage time and emotions. Sometimes when there are distractions or I feel like there's not enough time, I start to panic, but I try to stay calm and focus on one thing at a time,' he said, adding that he starts his preparations about two weeks before the competition begins. The training includes time management, cooking, and food testing to ensure all flavours are balanced and the presentation is appealing, he explained. Muhamad Sufi said that perhaps the experience of participating in several previous food competitions gave him the motivation and confidence to participate in his first international event in Kazan. 'I have participated in several competitions such as the 2023 Melaka Culinary Challenge and 2024 Battle of The Chefs at Spice Arena in Penang, and I won a bronze medal in both the Melaka Culinary Challenge and the Battle of the Chefs. He said this (new) victory will undoubtedly inject motivation for him to continue succeeding in the culinary field. 'Insya-Allah, if there is sustenance and opportunity, I would want to participate in more competitions. 'It's a way to hone my skills and learn from others,' said Muhamad Sufi, who plans to continue his studies up to the PhD level in gastronomy to achieve his ambition of becoming a chef-lecturer at UiTM one day. Muhamad Sufi told Bernama that he was grateful to all his lecturers who had provided guidance, his family who always supported him, and to friends who have been his backbone all this time. 'Thanks to my good friend Ramadhan Suhaimi who always accompanied me while I was practicing in the training kitchen until early morning,' he said. Bernama met with Muhamad Sufi and Fadzly last week at the Russian Embassy in Malaysia while documenting the official visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Russia from May 13 to 16. Having a brief chat at that time, the journalist challenged Muhamad Sufi to bring home the gold medal and promised to write about his story if he won. Yesterday, immediately after the competition ended, Muhamad Sufi informed Bernama that he had successfully clinched the gold medal. Muhamad Sufi was accompanied by Asst Prof Chef Fadzly Che Omar, who is also vice-president of the Malaysian Gastronomy Association. The Gastronomy Association has a network of chef associations at the international level. 'I found out about this competition through my lecturer and the faculty, and immediately felt excited to try my luck. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly,' he said. Meanwhile, Fadzly said this culinary competition was held in conjunction with the World Islamic KazanForum 2025, in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia from May 14 to 16. This competition serves as an important platform to showcase culinary talent and strengthen international cooperation among Islamic countries. Fadzly said that Muhamad Sufi's success in winning the gold medal not only highlighted the extraordinary talent nurtured by the country's culinary institutions but also proved the growing influence of Malaysian gastronomy on the world stage. Fadzly, who also represented Malaysia as an International Professional Chef Jury in this competition, played an important role in upholding professional standards and promoting Malaysia's culinary excellence internationally. — Bernama
Jordan Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan, Tatarstan talk agricultural relations
Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat on Saturday meets with President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, on the sidelines of the Kazan Forum 2025, over a number of issues of mutual interest (Petra photo) AMMAN — Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat met on Saturday with President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov on the sidelines of the Kazan Forum 2025, which kicked off in Tatarstan with the participation of 103 countries. The meeting addressed a number of issues of mutual interest, reflecting the 'deep' relations between Jordan and Tatarstan, and mutual keenness on further enhancing cooperation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Hneifat stressed the importance of enhancing the exchange of farm products, adding that Jordan holds "promising" opportunities for investment in the sector, especially after introducing modern agricultural methods and 'high-quality' crops. He urged strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors in both countries to ensure the flow of goods and increase the trade volume. Hneifat added that the ministry is open to cooperation with partners in Tatarstan in agricultural research, exchange of expertise and launching joint projects to boost food security and promote sustainable development. Minnikhanov commended relations between the two countries, pledging to further boost the partnership with Jordan in various fields, particularly in food security and modern agriculture. Kazan Forum 2025 is a "key" international platform for dialogue and cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries in economic, investment and cultural fields, and provides an opportunity to showcase available opportunities and boost regional and international partnerships.
Malay Mail
17-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
PM Anwar: Asean nations push for regional monetary fund to boost financial resilience
KAZAN, May 17 — Asean countries are taking steps to revive the idea of creating their own monetary fund, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said that there is a need for transformation within Asean, particularly in the financial sector, and that the grouping is actively taking steps in this direction. 'One example is the Chiang Mai Initiative, where central banks in the region collaborate and promote the use of local currencies, such as in current efforts with Thailand, Indonesia, and China, which are targeting 20 per cent of trade transactions in local currencies, representing billions of dollars. 'This shows that, where possible, we should proceed. Although the dollar remains the dominant currency globally, we can at least establish some form of reprieve to help mitigate risks and protect our national interests,' Anwar said in an interview with TV BRICS. He was responding to a question on transformation among Asean countries, particularly in the financial sector, and his proposal to revive an Asian Monetary Fund as a buffer to shield the region from economic crises. The interview was conducted yesterday, during the final leg of his official visit to Kazan, Russia. Anwar began the first part of his four-day visit in Moscow on May 13. The prime minister also noted that Malaysia will host the Asean meeting at the end of this month, which will focus primarily on economic matters. 'It will also include participation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with all six Arab states attending. This will be followed by a summit with China, centred on economic cooperation. 'That shows that our focus is back on economic fundamentals,' Anwar emphasised. Malaysia will also host the annual Heads of Government Meeting at the end of the year, which will include participation from East Asian economies, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, he added. Anwar said the gathering will be a major opportunity to engage Asean's key trading partners and reinforce the grouping's commitment to rules-based multilateral cooperation. 'I believe that the spirit of Asean and BRICS is to resist being subjected to unilateral actions by any single country,' he said. Malaysia was accepted as a BRICS partner country in January this year. — Bernama
