25/05/2025

NATIONAL 3 ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025

Mission to showcase authentic taste of M’sia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to establish Asean’s first Women’s Economic Empowerment Centre in Kuala Lumpur, to ensure the bloc’s potential and opportunities are accessible to all, including micro, small and medium enterprises, youth and women. This aligns with the country’s Asean 2025 Chairmanship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz said yesterday. “In short, as Asean’s 2025 Chair, we are placing inclusive growth at the heart of Southeast Asia’s policies,” he said at the Asean Women Economic Summit 2025 (Awes), held in conjunction with the Asean Summit here. Besides Awes, Asean supports women and youth entrepreneurs across the region through platforms such as the Asean Women Entrepreneurs Network, the Asean Young Entrepreneurs Council, the Social Enterprises Development Programme and the Asean Youth Organisation. “Of course, the challenges facing the bloc’s individual countries are unique, but we must strive to ensure region-wide solutions, even though this will take time,” he said, adding that this is where Awes can play a stronger role. He said Malaysia, as Chair of Asean, looks forward to the outcome of Awes. Tengku Zafrul said among the feedback awaited are quick wins to create gender inclusive Asean-wide standards and policies, as well as improved access to finance. “A lot of work lies ahead. One summit alone won’t solve all the challenges facing women. But Awes contributes to a worthy cause that has been championed for Move to empower, support women entrepreneurs KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) has intensified its preparations to host the 46th Asean Summit from tomorrow to Tuesday, by fast-tracking refurbishment works and mobilising staff to ensure the success of the high-level regional gathering. KLCC deputy general manager Robert Hatton-Jones said the centre is leveraging its previous experience hosting the summit to deliver a seamless and secure event. “This is the third time we are hosting the Asean Summit, and we have a highly experienced team that is familiar with all the requirements,” he told Bernama. Among the key upgrades are enhancements to audio-visual systems, equipment and interior design across selected summit venues. He added that all staff have undergone VIP protocol training to ensure they are well prepared to receive and handle dignitaries. In terms of security, Hatton-Jones said KLCC is working closely with police and the National Security Council, taking part in tabletop and field exercises to refine emergency response and coordination strategies. “It is estimated that more than 1,000 staff will be involved, including permanent and contract staff, as well as casual ambassadors, with the number adjusted daily based on operational needs,” he added. decades,” he added. – Bernama KLCC intensifies preparations for conference

KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming official visits to Malaysia by the prime ministers of Laos and Vietnam are set to strengthen bilateral cooperation and reinforce Asean’s unity ahead of the 46th Asean Summit here, from tomorrow to Tuesday. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will undertake his inaugural visit to Malaysia today at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, according to Lao News Agency (KPL). The visit also coincides with growing preparations to mark the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Laos diplomatic relations in 2026. KPL reported that Sonexay will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising six ministers, seven deputy ministers and a business delegation. His itinerary includes an official welcoming ceremony in Putrajaya, a bilateral meeting with Anwar and the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between Thanaleng Dry Port and Penang KUALA LUMPUR: Behind the warmth of diplomatic pleasantries at the 46th Asean Summit lies another, less visible yet equally critical mission. The real heat, however, isn’t at the negotiating table – it’s in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). At the helm of this high-stakes culinary operation is KLCC executive chef Chef Hisham Jaafar, 52, who has devoted more than 15 years to mastering high-end cuisine within the prestigious venue’s kitchens. This marks the third time Hisham has shouldered the responsibility of preparing meals for a major international event. A decade ago, he catered for a summit graced by dignitaries including former US president Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “We were honoured to be entrusted with the 26th Asean Summit in 2015, along with other global events like the World Islamic Economic Forum. “Perhaps that’s why the Prime Minister’s Office has once again placed its confidence in us,” he told Bernama. But prior experience, he added, is not a free pass. The pressure is no less intense, especially when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sets the tone by insisting that each dish embodies the essence of Malaysia. KLCC executive chef and team to dish out culinary delights reflecting country’s rich and multi-ethnic gastronomic heritage to delegates

A worker placing the Jalur Gemilang alongside the Asean and dialogue partner flags at KLCC yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Under the summit’s culinary theme, “Malaysian on Plate”, Hisham and his team began planning three months in advance. The aim – to serve not only enticing food, but also a menu that reflects the country’s rich and multi-ethnic gastronomic heritage – from Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine to the distinct flavours of Sabah and Sarawak. “We’re offering traditional delicacies like Baba and Nyonya dishes, umai and kinilau from East Malaysia, and a selection of classic desserts including seri muka , bingka , roti jala and murtabak. “It may sound familiar, but we’ve raised the bar to ensure delegates experience an authentic taste of Malaysia,” he said. Adding to the menu’s appeal, nearly all ingredients are locally sourced – a decision that supports the domestic agricultural sector while showcasing the nation’s capacity to produce premium raw materials. Still, orchestrating a summit-scale banquet is no small feat. Each dish must respect the diverse tastes, cultures and Malaysia, the fifth-largest foreign investor in Laos, will also explore expanded cooperation in renewable energy and infrastructure. Discussions are expected to cover the Don Sahong Hydropower Plant – a major Malaysian investment – and the Asean Power Grid initiative. Educational and tourism exchanges, including scholarship support for Lao students, are also on the agenda. The media reported that a Malaysia-Laos Business Forum on Tuesday and a visit to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad will highlight the two countries’ commitment to regional rail connectivity, based on their 2023 railway cooperation agreement. “The upcoming Official Visit of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to Malaysia presents a valuable opportunity for both nations to reaffirm and elevate our shared

religious practices of the Asean member states, Bernama reported. Then there are the inevitable last-minute changes – dietary restrictions, schedule adjustments and requests for diabetic or vegetarian-friendly meals – all of which require the kitchen team to adapt swiftly and seamlessly. “There were days we worked from dawn until midnight, but we didn’t mind. Opportunities like this don’t come often. “Now, I’m seeing the payoff. We’ve built a strong backup team. When I retire one day, I’m confident they’ll carry on this legacy,” added Hisham. The 46th Asean Summit, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, is under way, beginning with senior officials’ discussions and ministerial meetings today, ahead of the heads of government session tomorrow. Two key side events accompany the summit – the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit – critical platforms aimed at deepening regional and inter-regional cooperation. commitment to deepening bilateral relations,” said Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Edi Irwan Mahmud, as quoted by KPL. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to visit Malaysia from yesterday to Wednesday. Speaking to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai said this will be Chinh’s first official visit to Malaysia in his current capacity and will provide a platform to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between both countries. The visit is expected to advance cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, the halal industry, oil and gas, and expand into emerging areas like the green economy and clean energy. It will also enhance people-to-people exchanges. Tan said the visit reflects Vietnam’s strong commitment to regional peace and Asean solidarity. – Bernama

Visits by Laos, Vietnam PMs to boost unity, ties Port to boost cross-border trade via rail and sea.