NRE Deputy Minister at Yeosu Expo Opening
The Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Tan Sri Datuk Panglima Joseph Kurup and his wife Puan Sri Melinda Mak Soak Fong attended the Official Opening of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea by President Lee Myung Bak on 11 May 2012 located at the coastal town of Yeosu. The opening ceremony the night before the start of the three-month exposition from 12 May to 12 August 2012 was attended by leaders of participating countries and other dignitaries. A total of 104 countries, 10 international organisations including the UN, Korean local governments and companies have their presence at the exposition themed “The Living Ocean and Coast”.
Early on 12 May 2012, Tan Sri Kurup officiated at the soft launch of the Malaysia Pavilion which included the traditional trappings of bunga mangar, kompang and cultural performances. In his speech to the mainly Malaysian crowd comprising staff and officials involved in Malaysia’s participation and preparation of the Malaysia Pavilion both from the government and the private sector, Tan Sri Kurup congratulated everyone for their hard work and dedication in the realization of the Malaysia Pavilion. Several Koreans and foreigners were also witnesses to the lively and colourful ceremony. While Malaysia’s participation in the exposition reflected the close bilateral relations between Malaysia and South Korea, the Malaysia Pavilion would also help promote Malaysia to Koreans as well as international visitors. The Pavilion themed “Malaysia’s Biodiversity Haven: A Gift from Nature” captures Malaysia’s rich biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial, and also the country’s unique multicultural harmony. H.E. Dato’ Ramlan Ibrahim, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Korea and his wife Datin Hafipah Mohd Shah were also at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea for the ceremonies.
During the three-day visit to Korea in conjunction with Expo Yeosu, the Deputy Minister of NRE and his wife were hosted to dinner by H.E. Ambassador and his wife at the Residence. Embassy officers and Heads of Malaysian Agencies based in Korea and their spouses also attended the dinner on 13 May 2012. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is the main coordinator for Malaysia’s participation in Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea.
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