Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Luncheon
Santiago, Chile
24 November 2007
The scorching sun was warm and bright in the midst of spring season in Santiago, surely a blessing from the heavens. The beautifully manicured lawn was adorned with colourful bunga manggar welcoming the guests at the entrance; the flags of Malaysian states stood majestically beside the swimming pool and the smell of the charcoal barbeque chickens were just enticing to the empty stomach. The occasion was the Annual Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Luncheon 2007 held at the Residence.
The Garden Party was attended by more than 40 MTCP alumni from all over Chile since it was firstly introduced in the country in 1997. The occasion was further graced by the presence of Madame Angela Jeria, mother of the President of Chile including several Friends of Malaysia. The luncheon was also timely to celebrate the tenth anniversary of MTCP in Chile, the Visit Malaysia Year and Malaysia's Golden Jubilee of Independence.
In his welcoming speech, Ambassador Abdullah Faiz emphasized the importance of MTCP and its philosophy - 'Prosper-thy-Neighbour'. By sharing Malaysia's experiences and knowledge in development, it is hoped that the neighbouring and other developing countries would jointly prosper, thus, leading region and world-wide long lasting peace and stability.
Ambassador Faiz further stressed that the MTCP embodies the spirit of Smart Partnership practices, whereby, through the exchange of experiences which is a two-way process, Malaysia can also learn from the collective wisdom of other developing countries including Chile. Such bilateral exchanges are able to spawn win-win situations where the combined efforts of partners can change the face of development and build a better quality of life.
'To know Malaysia, is to Love Malaysia', Ambassador Faiz further concluded, alluding to the fact that the participants got to know Malaysia better and left a lasting and memorable impression of Malaysia.
Two alumni shared their experiences attending MTCP in Malaysia - Mr. Tomas José García-Huidobro, Advisor at the Foundation for Agriculture Innovation, one of the earliest participant of MTCP back in 1997; and Mr. Álvaro Ortiz, an engineer at the Ministry of Public Works who had just completed his course last October. Both expressed their gratitude on the opportunity to attend the beneficial courses and to visit a Malaysia ? a country so different in culture and social but yet warm in hospitality. Mr. Alejandro Araya who attended the 'Application of ICT in Teaching English' presented a short DVD video clip produced by him and his course-mates during their two-week stay in Kuala Lumpur in early November 2007.
The Luncheon was a success in strengthening the network among MTCP alumni in Chile. To-date, Malaysia has received more than 50 MTCP participants from Chile. They came from a wide spectrum of the society which included several government officers, 7 English teachers, 3 university professors, 10 engineers, 4 diplomats, 1 veterinarian, 2 lawyers, 2 social workers, 1 antinarcotics officer, 5 journalists, 2 TV directors, 2 researchers, a designer and a navy officer. There were also a number of first this year. Malaysia had for the first time a participant from the Bomberos (Fire Brigade) and the Aduana (Customs) and a post-graduate student in one of the Malaysian universities.
It is evident from that the MTCP has been beneficial to Chileans and had created unforgettable memories of Malaysia in the hearts of people thousands of miles away. An alumnus had even traveled 5 hours by bus just to attend the luncheon.
Pre-lunch drinks
Madame Angela Jeria de Bachelet (mother of the president) with Ambassador and Puan Wan Ehsan
The welcoming remarks by Ambassador
Introducing members of the Embassy
Returning remarks by Senor Carol Pinto, Acting Director AGCI (equivalent of EPU)
Tomas Jose Garcia - Huidobro (one of the earliest MTCP participant) recalling his experience back in 1997
Alvaro Ortiz who just attended MTCP last October relating his memorable experiences
Bon appétit! opps Buen provecho, Spanish please
The VIP table - lunch by the pool
The Alumni enjoying lunch
The Malaysian spouses Azman Mustafa (husband of Anil Fahriza) and Rosman Ghazali (husband of Norzinani) giving a helping hand
While the mums were enjoying lunch, the kids were enjoying a swim
A reprieve after the lunch
The Day After
www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/santiago