Reception in KL celebrates best of Aussie culture

The reception featured a sumptuous spread, including a variety of Australian seafood, meat and cheese.

Australia Day is usually a day spent with family and friends over a picnic or a barbecue, and watching the fireworks at night.

The day also sees many outdoor concerts and festivals in the Land Down Under.

To celebrate Australia Day in Malaysia this year, a grand reception was organised by the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

More than 1,000 guests from various sectors and Australians residing in Malaysia were invited.

The reception, themed “Australia Rocks!” and held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, highlighted popular aspects of Australian culture, including its seafood, meat, cheese and wine.

In her welcoming address, Acting High Commissioner Jane Duke said the reception showcased the best of Australia.

“It is an opportunity for us to celebrate all that Australia is famous for, including our strong representation in the arts sector and our delicious food and wine,” said Duke.

The reception began with Duke and Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili raising a toast, followed by a dinner.

Present were Deputy Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, International Trade and Industry secretary-general Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria and Malaysian Investment Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin.

The ambassadors of Argentina, Cambodia, Thailand, Spain, France and Saudi Arabia as well as the high commissioners of New Zealand, Britain and Canada were among representatives from the diplomatic corps who attended the reception.