Speech by HE Dato? S. Thanarajasingam
Ambassador of Malaysia to France at the
Opening Ceremony of
?Kenduri: Malaisie Extravaganze Culturelle 2007?
University of Toulouse, France
Date : 10 March 2007
Time : 6:00 pm
Venue : School of Visual Arts and Design
56 Rue Dutaur, Toulouse
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening,
Let me begin by conveying my deep appreciation to the organizers for inviting me to officiate at ?Kenduri: Malaisie Extravaganze Culturelle 2007? this evening. May I on the outset wish this initiative success as it is an important effort in contributing towards closer relations between Malaysia and France.
2. I understand that this arrangement between Taylor?s College and the Universitie de Toulouse le Mirail and Academie de Toulouse have been going on for more than two decades.
3. Over those two over decades, students not just from Malaysia and France, but also of other countries who have studied at Taylor?s College, have benefited from the cooperation between the two institutions. This cooperation contributes towards enhanced contacts between the youth of not just Malaysia and France, but with other countries as well.
4. This initiative by the faculty and students of Taylor?s College is extremely timely because this year Malaysia celebrates its 50 years of independence as well as 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations with France. To commemorate this event, Malaysia is also organizing Visit Malaysia Year 2007. I do hope that those of you here who have not visited Malaysia will avail of the fantastic opportunities catering to visitors from all over the world to Malaysia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
5. Today?s initiative by Taylor?s College is not only an event which will be deeply etched in the memory of all the young people participating in this event, but it also helps to showcase the culture and traditions of Malaysia.
6. Aptly entitled Kenduri (which in Malay language means a feast following very important occasions), the students have decided to show you the wedding ceremony of the three communities which together with others, make up multi-racial Malaysia. What you will see here this evening is a microcosm of the richness and diversity of Malaysia.
7. Malaysia is a developing country with a population of 25 million; is fully integrated within the global system including trade and economy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Dato? Seri Abdullah Hj. Ahmad Badawi, the government has emphasized the development of human capital, by undertaking massive investments on the young who will be the leaders of tomorrow. This investment is critical as we build a knowledge-based economy in an increasingly globalised world.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. I do hope that this timely and important collaboration between Taylor?s College and Universitie de Toulouse le Mirail and Academie de Toulouse will contribute towards our overall thrust to develop closer education links between the various education centres in Malaysia and France. I have no doubt that this, in turn, will strengthen and deepen Malaysia-France relations in the years ahead.
9. With these words, let me wish you all the best on this occasion.