Latest news with #ZahidHamidi
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Four foreign leaders to attend NDP 2025 at the Padang
SINGAPORE - The leaders of three countries will be among the guests at the National Day Parade (NDP) at the Padang on Aug 9 to commemorate the Republic's 60th year of independence, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Aug 8. Coming from the region, the leaders are Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail, and Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Zahid Hamidi, who is representing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. MFA said: 'Singapore is honoured by the presence of dignitaries from our closest neighbours at our milestone celebration. 'Their attendance underscores our shared geographic and historical ties, and reflects the enduring strength of our friendships.' Manpower Minister Tan See Leng received Sultan Bolkiah and his wife, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, at Changi Airport on Aug 8. In a Facebook post on the same day, Dr Tan said the pair is in Singapore to attend the parade at the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. 'Their presence for this milestone celebration reflects the close, warm and longstanding friendship between Brunei and Singapore,' added Dr Tan. This is the first time since 2019 that foreign dignitaries have been invited to attend the NDP. Back in 2019, Sultan Bolkiah, then Indonesian President Joko Widodo and then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad attended the parade at the Padang to celebrate Singapore's Bicentennial. They were seated among Singapore's leaders in the VIP stand. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
In Pictures: National Day Parade 2025
Seated among Singapore's leaders were those from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. (Centre row, from left) Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Zahid Hamidi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail and his wife in attendance at the National Day Parade on Aug 9. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NDP 2025: Regional leaders join in Singapore's 60th birthday celebration at the Padang
SINGAPORE - Leaders from Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia were greeted warmly by the crowd at the Padang as they joined in celebrations for Singapore's 60th year of independence. The foreign dignitaries welcomed at the parade included Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Zahid Hamidi, who is representing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim; Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail and his spouse also joined the celebrations at Singapore's National Day Parade (NDP), along with 27,000 other spectators. Each of them received cheers from the crowd when live footage of their entry to the VIP stand was flashed onto giant screens around the Padang as they took their seats. All four leaders were seated among Singapore's leaders, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as well as former prime minister Goh Chok Tong and former president Halimah Yacob. Before the parade, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam hosted Sultan Bolkiah and Datuk Seri Zahid for lunch at the Istana, where the trio conversed about various matters. Mr Tharman wrote in a Facebook post: 'Our ties with our special friends run deep. They are a blessing in a world of turmoil. And we must keep nurturing them, with each new generation.' Writing on Facebook on the morning of Aug 9, Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said he welcomed Mr Zahid at Changi Airport. 'Our two countries share deep historical and cultural ties, and a friendship that has stood the test of time,' added Dr Balakrishnan. Mr Zahid said he hoped his attendance would strengthen the longstanding relationship between Singapore and Malaysia, and that more doors of cooperation would be opened. He also paid a courtesy call on PM Wong and held a bilateral meeting with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Mr Zahid said in a Facebook post on Aug 9: 'During this meeting (with DPM Gan), we agreed that the potential of Asean's large market should be fully utilised to boost bilateral trade.' DPM Gan, writing on Facebook on Aug 9, said the pair discussed ongoing initiatives and partnerships between the countries, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. 'We also talked about ways to develop closer bilateral ties between Singapore and Malaysia, as well as how to deepen integration within Asean, for the benefit of our region, businesses and people,' he added. A day earlier, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng had received Sultan Bolkiah and his wife, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, at Changi Airport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Aug 8: 'Singapore is honoured by the presence of dignitaries from our closest neighbours at our milestone celebration. 'Their attendance underscores our shared geographic and historical ties, and reflects the enduring strength of our friendships.' This is the first time since 2019 that foreign dignitaries have been invited to attend the NDP. Back in 2019, Sultan Bolkiah, then Indonesian President Joko Widodo and then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad attended the parade at the Padang to celebrate Singapore's bicentennial. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
NDP 2025: Regional leaders join in Singapore's 60th birthday celebration at the Padang
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox (Centre row, from left) Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Zahid Hamidi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail and his spouse in attendance at National Day Parade on Aug 9. SINGAPORE - Leaders from Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia were greeted warmly by the crowd at the Padang as they joined in celebrations for Singapore's 60th year of independence. The foreign dignitaries welcomed at the parade included Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Zahid Hamidi, who is representing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim; Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail and his spouse also joined the celebrations at Singapore's National Day Parade (NDP), along with 27,000 other spectators. Each of them received cheers from the crowd when live footage of their entry to the VIP stand was flashed onto giant screens around the Padang as they took their seats. All four leaders were seated among Singapore's leaders, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as well as former prime minister Goh Chok Tong and former president Halimah Yacob. Before the parade, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam hosted Sultan Bolkiah and Datuk Seri Zahid for lunch at the Istana, where the trio conversed about various matters. Mr Tharman wrote in a Facebook post: 'Our ties with our special friends run deep. They are a blessing in a world of turmoil. And we must keep nurturing them, with each new generation.' Writing on Facebook on the morning of Aug 9, Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said he welcomed Mr Zahid at Changi Airport. 'Our two countries share deep historical and cultural ties, and a friendship that has stood the test of time,' added Dr Balakrishnan. Mr Zahid said he hoped his attendance would strengthen the longstanding relationship between Singapore and Malaysia, and that more doors of cooperation would be opened. He also paid a courtesy call on PM Wong and held a bilateral meeting with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Mr Zahid said in a Facebook post on Aug 9: 'During this meeting (with DPM Gan), we agreed that the potential of Asean's large market should be fully utilised to boost bilateral trade.' DPM Gan, writing on Facebook on Aug 9, said the pair discussed ongoing initiatives and partnerships between the countries, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. 'We also talked about ways to develop closer bilateral ties between Singapore and Malaysia, as well as how to deepen integration within Asean, for the benefit of our region, businesses and people,' he added. A day earlier, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng had received Sultan Bolkiah and his wife, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, at Changi Airport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Aug 8: 'Singapore is honoured by the presence of dignitaries from our closest neighbours at our milestone celebration. 'Their attendance underscores our shared geographic and historical ties, and reflects the enduring strength of our friendships.' This is the first time since 2019 that foreign dignitaries have been invited to attend the NDP. Back in 2019, Sultan Bolkiah, then Indonesian President Joko Widodo and then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad attended the parade at the Padang to celebrate Singapore's bicentennial.
Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysia aims to be Asean halal hub for New Zealand products
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Malaysia intends to tap 5 per cent of the US$5 trillion global halal market by 2050, said Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi. WELLINGTON - Malaysia is poised to be a halal hub in Asean for products from New Zealand, said Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi. Dr Zahid Hamidi said this comes after two organisations in New Zealand, which has obtained recognition from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), to use Malaysia as a springboard to widen its export market. 'I have given them the opportunity to use Malaysia as a hub for the distribution of halal products from New Zealand to Asean nations,' he said in a press conference after attending the Malaysia-New Zealand Halal Forum here on July 16. He said that he had also proposed to halal industry players from New Zealand to attend the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 which will be held this coming September in Kuala Lumpur. 'An announcement will be made during the event on joint efforts to set up the Asean Halal Council comprising representation from Asean and Asean Plus Plus nations. 'We invited the bodies which have obtained Jakim recognition to be part of the council,' he added. He said the goal of the council is to standardise halal certification among Asean nations and those in the surrounding region. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Acute psychiatry services to be expanded across all healthcare clusters: MOH Singapore Strong argument for cockpit video recording, says Iata chief in wake of Air India crash report Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict Life S'pore travel agency Beyond Expeditions criticised for planning, safety issues Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia Singapore Jail for drunken man who shoved stranger into Singapore River, causing him to drown Singapore Maid admits to abusing employer's year-old son on more than 20 occasions in 2024 Singapore 'Kpods broke our marriage, shattered our children': Woman on husband's vape addiction 'The will be brought up as an agenda during the Asean Summit this coming October,' he added. Asean Plus Plus refers to a broader regional cooperative framework that includes Asean's ten member states plus China, Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, Dr Zahid also said that there were talks among several countries under Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to reactivate the dormant World Halal Council to included both Muslim and non-Muslim nations involved in halal products. He said this was crucial as the global halal market is expected to grow from the current US$1.3 trillion (S$1.67 trillion) annually to US$3.7 trillion in 2030. 'The market is expected to grow to US$5 trillion by 2050. Malaysia intends to tap 5 per cent of this market,' he added. Earlier, during the forum, New Zealand's Biosecurity and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard said that Malaysia is a significant market for premium halal meat products, with exports of more than NZ$60 million. 'Malaysia is facilitating the approval of several New Zealand halal meat premises seeking first-time access to this market, which is crucial to growing exports,' he said. Earlier, Dr Zahid and Hoggard witnessed the exchange of letters of intent between Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Malaysia and University of Canterbury (UC). The partnership aims to strengthen academic and research collaboration including student and staff mobility. Key areas of collaboration include chemical engineering, halal food systems and sustainable food production. Meanwhile, at a separate event, Dr Zahid and his New Zealand counterpart David Seymour witnessed the signing of the document of collaboration between Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) and Victoria University of Wellington (VUW). The document was inked by New Zealand's Universities Minister Shane Raymond Reti at a ceremony at VUN. The collaboration paves the way for planning for joint research implementation, lecturer and student mobility programs, curriculum exchange and application-oriented learning, and professional development in education. Dr Zahid is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand which started on July 14. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
