Malaysia Week kicks off in London

(Bernama) -  LONDON: Malaysia Week 2012 in London kicked off with Malaysia Night, an event to showcase the vibrant culture and traditions of Malaysia to Britons, especially tourists visiting London, yesterday.

Hosted by Malaysia Kitchen, it was held for the third time at Trafalgar Square, the prestigious landmark in London, from 12pm to 10pm and was opened by Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Dr Wong Lai Sum.

 

The event was held in collaboration with the five-day Malaysia Week celebration beginning today at South Bank, here. 

 

Also present was Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais  Yatim.

 

Others present were Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Datuk Seri Zakaria Sulong, famous Malaysian shoe designer Datuk Dr Jimmy Choo, Member of London Assembly, Greater London Authority, James Cleverly and United Kingdom Member of the European Parliament, Dr Syed Kamall. 

 

Besides providing Malaysian delicacies by 17 of London’s leading Malaysian restaurants,  visitors were also entertained to cultural performances, fashion shows and had the opportunity to buy textiles, crafts and art works.

 

Dr Wong in her speech said organising such an event was to share  the best of  Malaysia, from its enchanting cuisine and quality products, to its mesmerising culture  and tourism attractions.

 

"For the past two years, the Malaysia Kitchen programme that has been run in London and various other parts of the United Kingdom has made a great  leap and been a huge success in  promoting and creating greater awareness about Malaysia," she said. 

 

She said the government had taken the opportunity to showcase Malaysia further and invite people to visit the country. 

 

"We want to introduce you the enchantment of Malaysia so that you can see for yourself and to get firsthand experience of this multi-ethnic and diverse culture and even while doing business in Malaysia," she said.

  

She said Malaysia was a great place to do business in as well as a great place to do business with. 

 

"By the end of tonight, I hope you will have a better perspective of our country and you would want to visit Malaysia," she said.