What's On & Expat - Philippines

It has been half a century hence since the first shouts of “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” were echoed throughout Malaysia. Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj had proudly announced on August 31, 1957 that “a new star has risen in the eastern sky, a star of freedom for yet another Asian people.” It signaled Malaysia’s birth as a nation.
    Malaysia today has steadily risen to become a successful industrial-based country and as toast to their country’s jubilee, Malaysian Ambassador Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi hosted a grand celebration at the Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City last September 4. Performers from the Creative Arts Dance Troupe who flew in from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah showcased traditional dances while Chorus Philippines serenaded the crowd from the diplomatic community, business circle, government agencies, academe and social circuits with Malaysian folk and modern songs. The special night also had Malaysian artist Amir Arshad exhibiting his batik art.
    The country has an “outstanding record of development growth fuelled by the dedication, industrious and harmonious multi-racial citizens of Malaysia,” Ambassador Hazizi said proudly. He added that “despite the various challenges faced, Malaysia continued to move forward and remain stable and strong as a nation and we are thankful for the blessings that we have received so far.”
   Malaysia is gearing up for the Vision 2020 which as the Ambassador explains, “will transform Malaysia into a developed, holistic, progressive and modern country yet rooted in values, cultures and traditions in what are uniquely Malaysian.”
   What’s On & Expat wishes Malaysia and its constituents continuous success and prosperity!