The Embassy of Malaysia in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, together with the Embassies of ASEAN Member States in Muscat (Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines) had on 12 July 2012 inaugurated the ASEAN Day Gathering in conjunction with the anniversary of the establishment of the Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The event took place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Centre in Muscat.
Earlier, on 20 June 2012, all the Ambassadors of the Embassies of ASEAN states in Oman signed a letter addressed to the Secretary General of ASEAN requesting for the establishment of ASEAN Committee in Muscat. Their Excellencies Ambassadors then decided to hold the ASEAN Day gathering in Muscat ahead of the date of anniversary of ASEAN that is on 8 August, as it falls on the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
Despite summer holidays where expatriates normally left Muscat for their home countries, more than two hundred members of ASEAN community, mainly members of the ASEAN diplomatic corps as well as ASEAN professional expatriates in Oman and their family members attended the gathering. The event began with the playing of the ASEAN anthem, “The ASEAN Way” and followed by a cake cutting ceremony by all ASEAN Ambassadors. The flags of ASEAN and the its members states having their Embassies in Oman were also raised during the said event.
The event’s atmosphere was further augmented with the Ambassadors’ dart competition, as well as futsal matches, table tennis as well as colouring competition for children. A lucky draw was also held with presents contributed by the respective ASEAN Embassies. Spouses of their Excellencies Ambassadors gave away the presents.
The Guests were also treated with sumptuous delicacies duly prepared by the respective Embassies.
Before the event ended, the guests were entertained by a Poco-Poco dance led by the wife of the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Indonesia.
Embassy of Malaysia
Muscat
