KUALA LUMPUR: The 5th World Association Presidents’ Conference (WAPC) not only offered valuable insights into trade and investment for prospective business leaders but also delivered a culturally vibrant evening.
The morning sessions were marked by a lively exchange of ideas among the participants. Later in the day, six round-table sessions allowed for a deeper exploration of specific topics, such as biomedicine, green energy, food and agriculture, tourism, e-commerce and industrial parks.
While most delegates were smartly suited, several added a splash of colour by donning the traditional attire of the Miao ethnic group. A highlight of the conference was the launch of the Centre of Chinese Products for the Asean Region.
It was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Malaysia China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majid Khan, China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce president Ni Qingjiu, WAPC organising committee chairman and Hangzhou Public Relations Association executive president Liu Jiang and Chinese Embassy in Malaysia Charge d’Affaires Zhang Xuefang.
The WAPC attracted a distinguished lineup of guests, including MCA veteran Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, MIC vice-president Datuk Asojan Muniyandy, business leaders such as Tan Sri David Law Tien Seng, Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng and Ahmad Yazid Othman.
Others who attended the event included Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, and chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
The conference culminated in a gala dinner celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, where Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi delivered a keynote address.
A series of performances were also lined up including a refreshing ensemble consisting of a modern band, traditional Chinese instruments and stringed instruments, directed by Malaysian music director Pearly Tan, the definite beats by UTAR 24 Festive Drum troupe, songs by Malaysian singer Ke Yimin, singer-composer Chow Kam Leong and “Malaysia’s Teresa Teng” Zeng Ai Jia.
