Latest news with #culturaldiversity
Malay Mail
a day ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Celebrate Gawai with gratitude and harmony, says DPM Fadillah in call for racial unity
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — The spirit of unity in Malaysia's multiracial society should be upheld as a symbol of strength to further reinforce national harmony, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. In a Facebook post in conjunction with the Gawai celebration, Fadillah said Malaysians are fortunate to be able to celebrate cultural and religious festivities in a peaceful and harmonious environment. Fadillah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya, noted that Sarawak, home to the country's most ethnically diverse population, stands as a prime example of racial harmony. 'Let us always appreciate and be grateful for the peace and unity we have long enjoyed. Celebrate Gawai with joy, through traditional customs and the spirit of visiting one another,' he said. He added that Gawai Dayak, as a symbol of unity and Dayak identity, reflects the richness of Malaysia's cultural diversity — where people of various races, religions, and backgrounds live together in peace. Gawai is celebrated in Sarawak on June 1 and 2 as an expression of gratitude following the end of the harvest season. — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
DPM Fadillah calls on Malaysians to honour unity, celebrate Kaamatan with joy and gratitude
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called on the people to continue to defend Malaysia's harmony in diversity, strengthen the ties of brotherhood and preserve unity. He said this when wishing a Happy Kaamatan Festival to the entire Kadazan Dusun, Murut and Rungus community, particularly in Sabah, who are celebrating this harvest festival on May 30 and 31. He added that just like other festivals, the Kaamatan Festival is a manifestation of the racial diversity and cultural richness of the community in Malaysia, who live in peace and harmony regardless of racial, religious and cultural background. 'With its theme of 'Kaamatan For All' let's celebrate the Kaamatan Festival with joy, strengthen ties of kinship and be grateful for the sustenance and good harvest. 'May our harvest this year and the years to come continue to overflow, bringing with it goodness, success and prosperity to all. 'Happy Kaamatan Festival, Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan,' Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, posted on Facebook today. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi also took to Facebook to extend the same greetings, saying he hopes that this festive season brings overflowing cheerfulness, love and sustenance to everyone. 'Happy Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day to all friends and families in Sabah and Sarawak. 'Both these festivals illustrate the richness of culture, customs and traditions and are symbols of harmony in the diversity of the people of Malaysia. 'Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan and Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai!,' he posted. — Bernama
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Workshop discusses role of cultural innovations in promoting sustainable development
Muscat: A national workshop titled "Mechanisms of registration to the International Fund for Cultural Diversity' was organised in Muscat on Tuesday to highlight challenges facing societies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the role of cultural innovations in driving sustainable development. The workshop was held under the auspices of Habib Mohammed Al Riyami, Chairman of the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science. It aimed to enlighten participants about the UNESCO-affiliate 'International Fund for Cultural Diversity', review mechanisms for submitting requests for support from the Fund and develop strategies for managing financial resources for cultural activities. The workshop was organised by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, the working team of the International Fund for Cultural Diversity and the "Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO)". The International Fund for Cultural Diversity aims to promote sustainable development, diminish poverty in developing countries and support cultural projects aimed to produce cultural products or activities or focus on cultural outputs like arts, cinema and media arts. The International Fund for Cultural Diversity was established to protect the 'forms of cultural expression' under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Oman joined the Fund in 2007.
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China's Xinjiang plans to open up to more tourists
China's Xinjiang – an ethnically diverse region that still faces Western sanctions over a slew of human-rights issues – plans to open up to more foreign visitors, as the local government strives to boost tourism and diversify the regional economy. The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, which stretches over a vast tract of land in western China, has become a hugely popular destination among domestic tourists in recent years, receiving a record 302 million visits last year. Now, local officials have published an action plan to further grow the region's culture and tourism sector, with a target of raising the industry's annual revenue to at least 1 trillion yuan (US$138 billion) and receiving at least 400 million visits per year by 2030, according to the document published on Sunday. The plan will involve opening up the region to more foreign tourists, with the document including references to strengthening the development of cross-border tourism and expanding trade in cultural goods and services. Xinjiang – which is famous in China for its stunning natural scenery and diverse mix of ethnic groups – is not currently fully open to foreign nationals. While international visitors can generally enter the region freely, they normally need special permits to visit some tourist attractions, such as the huge Bayinbuluke grassland, according to China-based travel agencies that organise trips for foreigners.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Songket, satay and strategy: Malaysia flexes cultural soft power at 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — The 46th Asean Summit senior officials' meetings are underway at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and while diplomacy is at its core, Malaysia is putting its cultural richness in the spotlight. Held on May 26 and 27, the summit is more than a platform for regional dialogue. It also doubles as a celebration of Malaysia's arts, heritage, hospitality and culinary diversity, offering delegates from Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations a deeper taste of the host nation. This marks Malaysia's fifth time hosting the summit, and this year's edition is especially significant. It includes the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, signalling the bloc's expanding global reach and the inclusion of new partners such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. From arrival to agenda, the Malaysian touch is evident — with organisers aiming to leave a lasting impression of cultural warmth and hospitality. Arts and tradition at the forefront The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, one of the summit's co-organisers, is transforming the event into a cultural spectacle. Attendees are treated to traditional performances, art installations and 'live' handicraft demonstrations, all taking place at the summit venue. These showcases aim to immerse guests in Malaysia's diverse artistic traditions, with cultural attire and musical performances adding to the festive atmosphere. Homegrown products in the spotlight Running alongside the summit is a trade exhibition featuring some 25 Malaysian exhibitors — from major corporations and government agencies to small enterprises. Themed around inclusivity and sustainability, the showcase gives businesses a platform to tap into markets across Asean and the GCC. Visitors can explore Malaysian crafts, sample local food and beverages, and discover services offered by domestic companies. The event not only promotes economic collaboration but also reflects the country's innovation and creativity. Malaysia on a plate: A summit feast Inside KLCC's central kitchen, a high-level culinary operation is being orchestrated by Executive Chef Hisham Jaafar — known for catering past summits attended by leaders such as former US president Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The menu draws from Malaysia's multicultural roots, offering delegates a taste of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and East Malaysian cuisine. Dishes include Baba and Nyonya favourites, Sabah and Sarawak delicacies like umai and kinilau, and beloved desserts such as seri muka, bingka, roti jala and murtabak. Diplomacy with a cultural touch Beyond official talks, the summit's cultural programming underscores Malaysia's belief in the power of cultural diplomacy. By highlighting heritage, cuisine and hospitality, the event fosters deeper regional ties while presenting Malaysia as a vibrant cultural hub. This isn't new for Malaysia. At the 27th Asean Summit in 2015, the country introduced the theme 'Our People, Our Community, Our Vision,' emphasising socio-cultural unity across the region. A gala dinner featuring cultural performances captured that spirit of togetherness — a tradition that continues at this year's summit.
