Introduction
Malaysia and the Republic of Korea (RoK) celebrated the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations at the Seoul Palace Hotel on 23 February 2010. It was organized by the Multi-Cultural Community Forum in collaboration with Asia Management Institute for Strategy (AMI) and the Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul.
The event was attended by 300 people. Among the dignitaries were Mr. Jang Bok-Yeoul, President of Multi-Cultural Community Forum; Dr. Choi Sang-Sik, Chairman of Multi-Cultural Community Forum; Mr. Han Edward K., Chairman of Multi-Cultural Haiti Relief Aid Group; Mr. Song Young-Gil, Chairman of the Korea-Malaysia Parliamentarian Friendship Association; Dr. Kim Jeong-Yoon, Chairman of Steering Committee for Event of the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-Korea Amity; Mr. Kim Bong-Ki, Director-General of Korea Tourism Organization; Mr. Min Nam-Gung, President of Korea Post; Mr. Lee Kyu-Suk, Assistant Minister for Primary and Secondary School Policy, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the RoK; Mr. Bronze Seolsan, Chairman of the 21st century Korean Social Corp; department heads of the Embassy of Malaysia and wives, diplomats, business people, academicians and members of the media.
The event began with the introduction of VIPs and complimentary speeches by Dr. Choi Sang-Sik and Mr. Han Edward K. The audience was entertained with bridal costumes and hanbok (Korean traditional costume) fashion shows as well as two songs by a Korean pop singer Oh Hyun-Ran. Mr. Song Young-Gil, Chairman of the Korea-Malaysia Parliamentarian Friendship Association delivered his congratulatory speech followed by Mr. Kim Bong-Ki from Korea Tourism Organization. Mr. Bronze Seoulsan also delivered his encouragement speech.
Event highlights
The highlights of the events were the presentation of commemorative stamp to the Malaysian Ambassador by the President of Korea Post, presentation of plaques of appreciation by the Malaysian Ambassador to South Koreans who have contributed to the enhancement of Malaysia-RoK relations, and lecture by the Malaysian Ambassador on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the RoK. The commemorative stamp was issued in collaboration with Pos Malaysia in conjunction with the golden jubilee celebration.
In his lecture, the Ambassador highlighted the key events that had taken place since Malaysia and the RoK established its bilateral ties on 23 February 1960. He also accentuated on the development of Malaysia-RoK relations over the years in the areas of political, economic and socio-cultural cooperation. This included the opening up of Malaysian governmental agencies under the Embassy of Malaysia such as the offices of trade and investment, education, tourism and defense. The Ambassador also recognized the contributions and achievements made by the previous Malaysian Ambassadors to the RoK in bringing Malaysia-RoK relations to its present state. The full text of the Ambassador’s speech had already been extended to Bahagian yesterday. His lecture will be published by the Central Officials Training Institute (COTI) and the Multi-Cultural Community Forum’s monthly magazine North-East Asia Forum.
Following the lecture, the audience was showcased with a variety of Malaysian traditional cultural dances of Malays, Chinese and Indians performed by some talented Malaysian students under the guidance of a former Istana Budaya choreographer who was flown in to Seoul by Tourism Malaysia office in Seoul for this occasion. The audience was captivated by the colourful costumes, various dances and awed by the richness of the 1Malaysian Culture unfamiliar to many of them.
The Ambassador and wife later joined the other VIPs in cake cutting ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary. The event was concluded by a dinner hosted by Mr. Jang Bok-Yeoul.