07/06/2026

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday JUNE 7, 2026

M’sian diplomat wins global award KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian diplomat Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar (pic) has been named a recipient of the Icons of Change International Awards 2026, becoming the first Malaysian to receive the global recognition for advancing sustainable development initiatives. The award was presented

Veggie bars add fresh twist to weddings events

KUALA LUMPUR: While ice cream counters, popcorn stations and dessert bars have long been staples at wedding receptions, a new concept is beginning to capture guests’ attention – the “veggie bar”, where fresh vegetables are offered as take-home gifts. Neatly arranged with an assortment of colourful produce such as cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, okra and chillies, the booth allows guests to select their preferred vegetables to bring home as wedding favours. For entrepreneur and founder of floresto.my, Erni Eliani Zailani, 34, growing up in a family of vegetable traders inspired her to present local farm produce in a more creative and contemporary way. “My parents were vegetable traders at a public market, so I grew up in that environment. When I entered the workforce, I began thinking about how vegetables could be marketed in a more premium and aesthetically appealing manner that suited different event themes,” she told Bernama. Erni, who is also a set designer and decorator, said her more than 10 years of experience in visual merchandising and event styling had helped her realise the potential of local agricultural produce through the business. The holder of a bachelor’s degree in arts management from Universiti Teknologi Mara said the concept was first introduced on a small scale during her younger sibling’s engagement ceremony last year before evolving into a business catering to weddings, community programmes and corporate events. Guests swap sweets for produce as take-home gifts at receptions

in conjunction with the United Nations-designated International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026. The Icons of Change movement is an international recognition platform that honours changemakers and

organisations whose leadership, vision and innovative initiatives have delivered measurable impact across industries and communities worldwide. Currently serving as Minister-Counsellor (Economic Affairs) at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Unny Sankar is responsible for strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations between Malaysia and China. Prior to his current posting, he served as director of the China Section and Europe II Section at the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, overseeing matters related to Malaysia’s Belt and Road Initiative as well as economic relations with China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, the European Union and selected Western European countries. In his acceptance speech, Unny Sankar described the award as a significant personal honour and a recognition of efforts to foster stronger international partnerships. “It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept the Icons of Change International Awards 2026. This recognition deeply honours me as an individual committed to fostering meaningful connections between nations. “In my current role, I lead efforts to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China, two dynamic nations whose partnership is shaping a more connected and prosperous Asia,” he said, noting that cooperation between the two countries has expanded through major regional and international economic frameworks. Describing the recognition as a motivation to continue advancing sustainable economic partnerships, Unny Sankar stressed the importance of translating diplomacy into tangible outcomes. – Bernama

Erni said the concept has created opportunities for social interaction, with visitors often discussing their selections and the dishes they intend to prepare. – BERNAMAPIC

pieces of okra, enough for one or two meals,” she said, adding that packages are priced at about RM1,200 for up to 200 guests. Erni said the business has also created opportunities for small-scale farmers to market their produce, with some vegetables sourced from growers in areas such as Meru and Kapar. “We support villagers who grow vegetables on a small scale. Some do not know where to market their produce, so we purchase their harvests for use in our business,” said the eldest of five siblings, who earns a four-figure side income each month. Describing the concept as a direct link between local producers and consumers, she said veggie bars have also become a feature at corporate programmes, health campaigns and government agency events promoting healthy living and sustainability.

“Many guests told me they had never seen vegetables being given away as wedding favours before. After that, friends started asking whether I could do the same for their events,” she said, adding that fruits are also available upon request. She said the concept has unintentionally created opportunities for social interaction, with visitors often discussing their vegetable selections and the dishes they intend to prepare. “Usually when guests come to the booth, I ask them what they plan to cook. Some choose certain vegetables because they already have a menu in mind. We chat just like people do at the market. Sometimes, they ask which vegetables are suitable for particular dishes, while others share recipes. “They may take a carrot, two tomatoes, a cucumber or several

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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