Latest news with #MuhammadSaufeeRosman
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Hosts Landmark ASEAN-GCC-China Summit
By Muhammad Saufee Rosman KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's iconic capital continues to be in the international diplomatic spotlight as the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits enter their final day today. The day's highlights include two high-level meetings, namely the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, which aim to strengthen regional and inter-regional cooperation. GCC secretary-general Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said that strategic cooperation with ASEAN member states, along with efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict and the broader Palestinian issue, will be among the main focus areas for the GCC at the second summit. Meanwhile, the trilateral summit, a new initiative by Malaysia as ASEAN 2025 Chair, seeks to strengthen economic cooperation among ASEAN, the GCC and China. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the summit symbolises the power of cohesiveness of regional blocs, which will have a positive impact on the world at large, while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future for the region and the people. The summit is expected to outline new strategies in trade, investment, development, sustainable infrastructure and regional digitalisation. The combined economies of ASEAN, the GCC, and China have now reached nearly US$25 trillion, with a total population exceeding two billion. Separately, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, will host a Royal Luncheon for visiting dignitaries at Istana Negara.
Barnama
25-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Unveils Floral Tunnel To Honour Leaders At ASEAN Summit
GENERAL A 320-metre-long floral tunnel, standing majestically on the grounds of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), serves as a symbol of Malaysia's warm welcome to ASEAN leaders attending the 46th ASEAN Summit from May 26 to 27. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED Head of Main Logistics Secretariat for ASEAN 2025, Raja Saifful Ridzuwan (left) oversees preparations around the 320-metre-long floral tunnel, which stands prominently in the grounds of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), serving as a symbol of Malaysiaâs warm welcome to ASEAN leaders in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, to be held from May 26 to 27. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By Muhammad Saufee Rosman KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- 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'. 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.
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Summit: KLCC Leverages Experience, Mobilises Over 1,000 Staff
REGION - CENTRAL > NEWS The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Deputy General Manager, Robert Hatton-Jones speaks to Bernama as the venue steps-up preparations for the 46th ASEAN Summit, fast-tracking refurbishments and mobilising over 1,000 staff. By Muhammad Saufee Rosman KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) has intensified its preparations to host the 46th ASEAN Summit from May 26-27, by fast-tracking refurbishment works and mobilising over 1,000 staff to ensure the success of the high-level regional gathering. KLCC deputy general manager Robert Hatton-Jones said the centre is leveraging its previous experience hosting the summit to deliver a seamless and secure event. 'This is the third time we are hosting the ASEAN Summit, and we have a highly experienced team that is familiar with all the requirements,' he told Bernama. Among the key upgrades are enhancements to audio-visual systems, equipment and interior design across selected summit venues. He added that all staff have undergone VIP protocol training to ensure they are well-prepared to receive and handle dignitaries. In terms of security, Hatton-Jones said KLCC is working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police and the National Security Council, taking part in tabletop and field exercises to refine emergency response and coordination strategies. 'It is estimated that more than 1,000 staff will be involved, including permanent staff, contract staff and casual ambassadors, with the number adjusted daily based on operational needs,' he added. The 46th ASEAN Summit will bring together leaders from member states to discuss regional issues and chart the future direction of ASEAN cooperation.
Barnama
23-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Bahasa Melayu A Diplomatic Asset In Malaysia-China Relations
GENERAL By Muhammad Saufee Rosman Dan Ahmad Idzwan Arzmi KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia and China marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year, Bahasa Melayu is emerging as a strategic diplomatic asset to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly through people-to-people exchanges, economic cooperation, and regional engagement. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1974, both nations have cultivated strong relations across various sectors, including trade, culture, and education. Among the initiatives is the establishment of the Chair of Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in 2007, which was renamed the Sultan Ibrahim Malay Studies Chair in 2024. With increasing interest in language and cultural exchange, promoting mutual understanding through these elements is now viewed as a vital instrument of soft power and long-term cooperation. Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia Dr Oh Ei Sun said the initiative also aligned with the key objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly the pillar of people-to-people connectivity, alongside infrastructure development and investment facilitation. 'As language is the soul of culture, such exchanges would deepen these ties,' he told Bernama recently, adding that this effort could help build a more practical and effective foundation for sustained collaboration. When asked whether Malaysia's effort to promote the Malay language in China should be seen as a soft power strategy, he opined that the effort could at the very least produce more Malay speakers in China, which would in turn facilitate future bilateral engagements in areas such as the economy, communication, and tourism. Previously, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, highlighted the growing importance of student exchanges between Malaysia and China, with plans to send more Malaysian students to China to foster educational and cultural ties. His Majesty also expressed his support for the promotion of the Sultan Ibrahim Malay Studies Chair at BFSU, stressing that language played a key role in enhancing bilateral relations and fostering deeper mutual understanding.
