Malaysia marked its Expo 2020 National Day on Saturday with a multicultural performance that demonstrated its harmonious blend of traditions, cultures and ethnicities, while the head of the Malaysia delegation commended Expo for driving business, collaboration and innovation.

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, welcomed the delegation from Malaysia, which was led by The Honourable Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Hashim, Malaysia’s Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister.

Al Sayegh said: "We are proud to be Malaysia’s largest export destination and second-largest source of imports in the West Asia region, and hope to build on this already strong relationship by exploring the potential for collaboration in other areas of mutual interest, such as clean energy, digital education, food security, and tourism in a post-COVID-19 world. We also strongly believe in the potential of Malaysia as a gateway to Southeast Asian markets for the UAE, and look forward to exploring this further for the mutual benefit of our two nations.

"While the facts and figures of the bilateral trade between our two countries are robust, our brotherly relations extend far beyond this – we also share the values of tolerance and moderation, which are intricately woven into our social fabric as multicultural societies, with our nations exemplifying the notion of unity in diversity." Deputy Minister Hashim, speaking on behalf of Honourable Dato’ Sri Dr Adham bin Baba, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said: "The Malaysia Pavilion encapsulates the essence of the country’s unique diversity as a melting pot of ethnicity and cultural heritage Its theme ‘Energising Sustainability’ captures the nation’s commitment and direction for sustainable development which balances socio-economic progress and environmental concerns.

"Both the UAE and Malaysia are multicultural countries with shared values of embracing diversity and moderation weaved in a rich cultural mosaic. The success of our nations is built on the foundations of unity and Expo 2020 Dubai is the embodiment of this spirit of togetherness in a fast-growing borderless world, as the event provides a fertile ground to sprout new ideas and connections as we move into the future with resilience and sustainability." Deputy Minister Hashim also revealed that Malaysia had signed 71 agreements and letters of intent, amounting to USD 8.4 billion potential trade and investment returns in the first 12 weeks of Expo 2020 Dubai, including in the areas of green smart homes, AI-driven agriculture systems, education and Halal economy.

"Expo 2020 Dubai has proven as a unique global platform to forge strategic partnership, catalyse collaboration and stimulate innovation," he said.

The celebrations at Al Wasl Plaza featured dance performances, which showcased the rich and diverse heritage of Malaysia’s many ethnic groups. Celebrations are set to continue on Sunday, with a ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’ festival from 2000-2200 GST at the Jubilee Stage.

With its net-zero carbon emissions green design and simulated rainforest canopies, the Malaysia Pavilion presents an inspiring vision for the nation’s thriving sustainable future. The pavilion takes visitors along a meandering woodland path through 3D graphical experiences, ‘groves’ of digitally enhanced columns, and immersive exhibits that explore Malaysia’s commitment to balancing economic and environmental health.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming. Each features a flag-raising ceremony at the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural performances.

Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

 

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2022.