Welcome and Selamat Datang!
It is my great pleasure to see so many of you joining us here tonight in our efforts to bring to you a small part of Malaysia; its rich and diverse tradition, cultural heritage and way of life.
I am sure most of you already know that Malaysian culture is a blend of major Asian ethnic groups that comprise the social core of modern Malaysia – the Malays, Chinese and Indians, further diversified under the influence of the Malaysian indigenous communities’ tradition.
Tonight, however, I would rather talk about the spirit of Malaysia, the essence of my country that is beyond what meets the eye. The spirit of Malaysia is made of souls of its people; hospitality as warm as a tropical sunny day and the hearts as big as their smiles.
This soul of Malaysia is by far the most exceptional and enchanting feature of my country, just as captivating as its outstanding natural beauties and endless tourist attractions. The unique, alluring and magical atmosphere of Malaysia appeals to the emotions of the visitors on such depths that many of them keep returning to Malaysia.
The soul of Malaysia and its charms are not easy to quantify, describe and convey. They can only be experienced, sensed or felt. This evening, as well as the Malaysian Delights 2017 in general, is just a small but important effort to transcend this barrier between different cultures through the flavours and taste of Malaysian food, one of the hallmarks of Malaysian lifestyle and inseparable parts of the Malaysia experience.
I wish to especially thank our special guest – Chef Dato’ Ismail Ahmad, who has devoted his life’s work to the preservation and promotion of Malaysia’s tradition through its unique culinary and cuisine.
I also wish to take this opportunity to thank our Malaysian Muhibah Palm Products for their immense support of our efforts in promoting palm oil as the foundation of Malaysia’s cuisine.
Finally, I wish to thank all of you once again for being with us tonight. It is my most sincere hope that our humble attempt to bring the flare of all-present yet elusive spirit of my country to you would be successful, and that the slogan ”to know Malaysia is to love Malaysia” would again prove itself so ever-important and true.
Thank you all so much!
NIK ADY ARMAN
Chargé d’Affaires a.i.
