The Berlin ASEAN Committee (BAC) hosted a reception to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the estyablishment of ASEAN Day at the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore on 8 September 2016. More than 200 guests comprising German Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from business communities. think tanks, CSOs and local ASEAN communities in Berlin joined the BAC in celebrating the auspicious occasion. The event was opened by a welcoming remark by H.E. Daw Yin Yin Myint, Ambassador of Myanmar and Chairperson of the BAC. Two Guests of Honour, namely the Chairman of the ASEAN Parliamentary Friendship Group Dr. Thomas Gambke (Greens) and Amb. Sabine Sparwasser, Director General for Political Affairs (Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Near and Middle East) at the German Federal Foreign Office, were also invited to deliver their remarks.
Continuing the practice set in past ASEAN Day receptions organized by the BAC, this year's ASEAN Day was also capitalized on to showcase the ASEAN culture. A "food bazaar"-styled buffet comprising traditional cuisine from each ASEAN Member State was served to guests. Guests were also treated to a variety of traditional performances from ASEAN Member States, including Malaysia's own Sumazau Dance courtesy of members of the Malaysia Club Berlin.
