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The Star
4 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Touching lives with quiet generosity
UPLIFTING underprivileged communities and ensuring education opportunities for the people are causes that have always been close to the heart of Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. In line with this, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty mooted the Bangsa Johor Bahagia (BJB) initiative in 2019 to better the lives of urban poor communities by engaging people of various ages in activities such as modern farming and reading. Through this project, the previously run-down Kenari and Jentayu flats in Kangkar Pulai in Johor Baru have undergone a massive transformation over the years. The flats are now equipped with facilities such as community spaces, a disposal facility for used items, a library, as well as herb and vegetable gardens cultivated by the residents. In March 2024, the Queen also inaugurated the BJB container library in Kangkar Pulai. During the event, Her Majesty expressed hope that the container library initiative would be extended to low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia to cultivate a more widespread reading culture. According to a recent posting on Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page, BJB is under the patronage of Their Majesties' charity foundations Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor and Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Her Majesty handing out personal contributions and food baskets to the underprivileged community in the Federal Territories in conjunction with the National Day celebration in August 2024. — Photo from Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page 'The BJB programme at the flats has been successful since its implementation in 2019. Now, Her Majesty wishes to expand the programme to the Taman Plentong Utama flats (in Johor Baru) to improve the lives of the community there,' said the post. On May 5 this year, the Queen granted an audience to Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and other state leaders at Istana Bukit Serene to discuss the expansion of the BJB initiative in Taman Plentong Utama, which would include the integration of artificial intelligence. Raja Zarith Sofiah, who is also the Permaisuri of Johor, has a keen interest in academia. She often emphasises the importance of education and creating opportunities for youth to master English, enabling them to take their place on the global stage. She once said that as a developing nation, it is important for Malaysian children to be trained in reading, writing and speaking English to help them become confident writers and speakers. The Queen herself is fluent in multiple languages, including Mandarin, French and Italian. Born at Batu Gajah Hospital in Perak on Aug 14, 1959, Raja Zarith Sofiah is the second daughter and third child of the late Sultan of Perak, Almarhum Paduka Seri Sultan Idris Shah II, and his consort Almarhumah Raja Perempuan Muzwin Almarhum Raja Ariff Shah. The Queen received her primary education at SK Datin Khadijah and her secondary education at SMK Raja Perempuan Kalsom in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Her Majesty continued her secondary education at Cheltenham Ladies' College, a top-ranked all-girls boarding school in England, and is an alumna of the University of Oxford. There, Raja Zarith Sofiah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies from Somerville College and graduated in 1983. Her Majesty in conversation with artistes (starting third from right) Sherry Alhadad, Zizan Razak and Datuk M. Nasir during an afternoon tea session with the local creative industry in April this year. — Photo from Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil's Facebook page Her Majesty married Sultan Ibrahim on Sept 22, 1982, during his tenure as the Johor Crown Prince. They are blessed with six children – five princes and a princess. The royal couple's dedication to their responsibilities has been their hallmark, and they have never wavered in carrying out their duties with sincerity. Weekly engagements with the people and community leaders, along with visits to various Johor districts, have been the norm since the start of their marriage. When floods struck parts of Johor in March this year, Raja Zarith Sofiah visited victims at two temporary relief centres in Kampung Maju Jaya and offered her personal contributions. The Queen also took time out of her busy schedule to visit the family of Squadron 503 Air Tactical Officer Lt Commander Mohammad Amirulfaris Mohd Marzukhi, who tragically lost his life when two helicopters collided and crashed at the navy base in Lumut, Perak, on April 23 last year. During her visit to his home in Negri Sembilan, the Queen offered words of comfort to his young sons and extended a personal donation to his widow. The Queen also graced a breaking-of-fast event with 60 single mothers and 240 orphans at Istana Negara in the capital city during Ramadan this year. Aside from her official duties, Her Majesty has a passion for painting – a talent she inherited from her late father. Her Majesty is also a strong supporter of the arts and attended an afternoon tea with notable members of the local creative industry in April this year, including National Film Development Corporation chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, singer Datuk M. Nasir and actor Zizan Razak. Attended by about 400 guests, including school students, the event was the brainchild of the Queen herself, designed to showcase talent and foster positive interactions between local artistes and students. When gracing official functions, Raja Zarith Sofiah frequently showcases Johor's identity through her fashion choices. Her Majesty exuded regal beauty and royal authority in a baju kurung Johor adorned with golden hibiscus embroidery at Sultan Ibrahim's installation ceremony as the 17th King of Malaysia at Istana Negara on July 20 last year. During last year's National Day celebration in Putrajaya, Her Majesty donned a sweet pink baju kurung kain benang Johor alongside Sultan Ibrahim. Her Majesty also wore an elegantly regal blue baju kurung made of kain benang Johor during the royal couple's three-day state visit to Brunei last October, marking their first official trip to the kingdom since ascending the throne. Her traditional attire showcased the Queen's motif intricately woven into the songket Johor Maharani pattern, a design crafted exclusively for Raja Zarith Sofiah, with the blue hue symbolising one of the colours of the Malaysian flag. A post on Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page highlighted that kain benang Johor is a plaid-patterned, handwoven fabric similar to songket, embodying a cherished part of Johor's cultural heritage. 'The production of kain benang Johor takes place entirely at Galeri Tenun, located within the Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex in Johor Baru,' the post shared. As Malaysians celebrate the official birthday of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Raja Zarith Sofiah's steadfast presence beside His Majesty continues to inspire with her quiet dedication, compassion and tireless service to the people.
Muscat Daily
16 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman-Philippines ties on good ground: Ambassador
Ambassador of Philippines to Oman, H E Raul Hernandez sees a bright future for the vibrant relationship between Oman and the Philippines. 'Oman is fast becoming my second home. At last year's National Day celebration, we proudly served Philippine mangoes – known for being among the sweetest in the world. We plan to continue this tradition,' he tells Anirban Ray in an exclusive chat Oman and Philippines have shared a long-standing relationship that is cordial, economically beneficial, culturally vibrant, and politically deep-rooted in mutual trust. Taking over as the new ambassador of Philippines to Oman, H E Raul Hernandez has a series of cultural, business-related, and people-to-people contact events lined up. This in view of the fact that the two countries have a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect, cultural exchanges and economic ties, he said. Both nations have a history of trade and co-operation dating back to centuries. In recent times, Philippines and Oman have continued to strengthen their relationship through diplomatic dialogue and collaboration in various fields, such as energy, infrastructure and art. The appointment of a new ambassador signals a commitment to further strengthening these ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Excerpts from an interview with H E Hernandez: What is your immediate focus as Ambassador of the Philippines to Oman? Since assuming office in September 2023, my focus has been clear and multifaceted. First, I am committed to strengthening economic diplomacy between the Philippines and Oman. Oman is currently our 65th largest trading partner, and in 2024, we saw key trade items exchanged such as electrical machinery, mineral fuels, and edible preparations from the Philippines, while Oman's exports included ores, cereals, and similar machinery components. We also aim to introduce more of our agricultural products into the Omani market – bananas, pineapples, tuna, and desiccated coconuts, among them. On the investment front, we are working to finalise agreements related to reciprocal protection of investments, double taxation avoidance, and agricultural and fisheries cooperation. A proposed MoU between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) is also in the pipeline. Moreover, we are promoting the Philippines as an ideal investment and tourism destination. I'm pleased to hear from Omanis who have already visited the Philippines and enjoyed their stay. We hope to see more such visits through planned familiarisation tours. Secondly, connecting with our Filipino community in Oman is a key priority. With more than 48,000 Filipinos residing here, spread across various professions – from healthcare and engineering to hospitality and household services – I've been keen to listen to their experiences and extend embassy services where needed. Their stories of success and gratitude for the opportunities Oman has given them are truly inspiring. Lastly, I've dedicated efforts to deepening ties with the Omani community. We're celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations with Oman this year, and I see this as an opportunity to express our gratitude for the friendship and support the Sultanate has shown. Oman is fast becoming my second home. At last year's National Day celebration, we proudly served Philippine mangoes – known for being among the sweetest in the world – and we plan to continue this tradition. How many visas were issued to Omanis who travelled to the Philippines last year? Technically, Omanis don't require a visa for visits to the Philippines of up to 30 days. In 2024, over 4,000 Omanis visited the Philippines, a number that doesn't include expatriates residing in Oman who also travelled to our country. Most of them visited for tourism, to enjoy our famous Filipino hospitality, food, and beautiful coastlines. Destinations like Boracay and Palawan remain top choices. We're also seeing increased interest in wellness tourism, thanks to our world-class health centers offering excellent diagnostics and care. Yes, we are working on a familiarisation tour for Omanis and expatriates in Oman. Also, Oman Air's direct daily flights to the Philippines make travel convenient and position our country as an ideal leisure and wellness destination. Are there any new initiatives/projects to be undertaken by the Embassy or Philippines in Oman this year? Yes, several memoranda of understanding between the Philippines and Oman are under discussion in fields of mutual interest. We're also excited about celebrating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations with cultural and business initiatives, possibly featuring performances from Filipino talent. We aim to strengthen our visibility in Oman through participation in local government-led programmes that showcase Filipino products, talents, and culture. Are there plans for new Filipino schools in Muscat? Currently, the Philippine School in Oman has over 900 students and enjoys strong support from both, Filipino and expatriate, families. While there are no formal expansion plans yet from the school administration, we remain open to opportunities. We are also hopeful that the Omani government may one day provide land for a new and larger campus. Education is a key pillar of our commitment to Oman's future. What's the latest on investments, trade, and business exchanges in Oman? Today, there are over sixty Filipino-owned micro and small enterprises in Oman, primarily in food and retail – industries that reflect our culture's love for shared meals. These businesses not only serve our community but introduce Filipino cuisine to other cultures here. Oman's investor-friendly policies have helped our entrepreneurs thrive. Additionally, we are promoting the Philippines' sovereign wealth fund and are exploring potential investment collaborations in Oman. Progress in this area has been encouraging. How would you describe the people-to-people relationship between Oman and the Philippines? The people-to-people connection between our two nations is warm, dynamic, and growing. Filipinos and Omanis have built meaningful friendships over the years, evident not just during embassy events but also through community initiatives. A recent vaccine drive, where many of the nurses assisting Filipino clients were Omani, was a touching example of cooperation and solidarity. Filipino professionals – doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers – are respected contributors to Omani society. We continue to empower them, ensuring they feel supported in their roles, and proud of the impact they make here. These human connections are the foundation of our enduring partnership with Oman.
Times of Oman
19 hours ago
- General
- Times of Oman
HM the Sultan greets President of Italy
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has sent a cable of greetings to President Sergio Mattarella of the Italian Republic on his country's National Day. In the cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his heartfelt sentiments and best wishes of success to President Mattarella in achieving aspirations of the people of his country. His Majesty also wished the bilateral relations further progress and growth in all sectors.
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Himeji Castle Forms Sister Castle Partnership with Austria's Schoenbrunn Palace; Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Yomiuri Shimbun Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, center, and Himeji Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto, right, at the signing ceremony for the sister castle partnership between Himeji Castle and Schoenbrunn Palace on May 24 in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. HIMEJI, Hyogo — A sister castle partnership has been established between Himeji Castle in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, and Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna. Schoenbrunn Palace is now the fourth sister castle of Himeji Castle. A ceremonial signing for the sister castle partnership was held at Himeji Castle with Himeji Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in attendance on May 24. Van der Bellen's visit to Japan coincided with Austria's National Day event at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Both parties agreed to proactively promote tourism exchanges between the city and Austria. Schoenbrunn Palace is known for hosting the Congress of Vienna in 1815 after the Napoleonic Wars. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Courtesy of Himeji city government Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna Last spring, when Austrian government officials visited Himeji Castle, also a World Heritage Site, they proposed the idea of a partnership to Himeji officials. A basic agreement was signed in November. 'I'm confident that the partnership will help promote exchanges in a variety of fields and strengthen the ties between Japan and Austria,' Kiyomoto said. Austrian President Van der Bellen expressed his hope to further strengthen the friendship between the two countries.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Italy toasts peace and friendship with India
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Ambassador of Italy Antonio Bartoli With flowing Aperol Spritz and Berry Blast to beat the Delhi heat, hand fans in the colours of the Italian flag, a performance by the Indian Air Force band, and plenty of surprises – the Embassy of Italy celebrated its National Day in style. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar , who was the chief guest at the event, thanked Italy for its support and solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack in April. The Indian Air Force band opened the event with the national anthems of both countries Jorgan K Andrews, Charge D'Affaires, US Embassy Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner 'PEACE IS WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS IN THESE TIMES' Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli thanked everyone for being present, especially S Jaishankar. 'Your presence is a sign of friendship that we appreciate. We celebrate this 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic. This is an opportunity to reaffirm the values of our democracy and commitment to peace and dialogue among nations. Peace is what the world needs in these troubled times. These same values are the cornerstone of our strategic partnership with India. The band of the Indian Air Force just played our national anthem. Having them on stage allows us to underscore our deep respect for Indian Armed Forces, our closeness to the victims' families, our strong rejection of any form of terrorism. ,' he said before concluding with a warm dhanyavad. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden 'THANKFUL FOR ITALY'S SOLIDARITY & SUPPORT' External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his speech by conveying his best wishes to people of Italy on their National Day. 'We are thankful for Italy's solidarity and support to India following the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam, in Jammu & Kashmir. India gave a firm, resolute and measured response by destroying the relevant terror centres and launchpads. India's right to defend its people against acts of terrorism has also been recognised by countries across the world. We believe that the world will have zero tolerance for terrorism,' he said and added, 'As someone who has often visited Italy, I am also struck by how similar we are as people, our common and mutual respect for civilisations, how we cherish our family bonds and traditions, our cuisine, our culture and our heritage.' Peggy Frantzen, Ambassador of Luxembourg Xu Feihong, Ambassador of China Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland, Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland, Marje Luup, Ambassador of Estonia, Katharina Wieser, Ambassador of Austria Following the formal addresses, the Indian Air Force band played popular Italian tunes while guests enjoyed a lavish spread of Italian cuisine. Later, renowned artist Franz Cerami presented a visual performance titled Locus Amoenus — a captivating blend of light and sound.
