Day to remember: Pupils from SK Temonyong waving the Asean flags at the gala dinner held in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
LANGKAWI: About 30 children in vibrant traditional outfits charmed the audience during the grand finale of the Asean Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables (#EduRoundtables2025) gala dinner.
Aged between seven and 13, the pupils from SK Temonyong made a grand entrance during the final performance by artiste Aisya Retno, marking the close of the three-day event on Thursday.
Waving the Asean flag featuring 10 stalks of padi bound together to represent the unity and solidarity of the member states, the children embodied the spirit of regional harmony.
Dressed in costumes reflecting Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, they brought warmth, colour and a sense of unity to the prestigious gathering.
Among the performers was Muhammad Haziq Zuhair Mohd Hafriz, nine, who proudly showcased Malaysian identity to the international delegates.
He eagerly accepted the opportunity when invited by his teacher.
Arash Fatihi Muhammad Afifi, 13, said they only had two days to practise before the event.
“We’re proud we pulled it off,” he said.
As the eldest sibling, he was happy to make his school and Langkawi proud.
He hoped more pupils would be given similar opportunities, as such events build confidence and create lasting memories.
Fathiah Damia Fairuz Akmal, 10, described her participation in the event as a proud moment.
“I was nervous at first, but also excited,” she said, adding that her parents were very supportive and encouraged her to join similar events in the future.
Earlier, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who hosted the event, said the gala dinner was a tribute to the unity and shared purpose that bound Asean member states together as one family.
“Tonight’s gala dinner stands as a meaningful expression of our collective commitment to the noble cause of Our Asean Shared Future: 2045,” he said in his speech.
“In an era of rapid change and growing complexity, our solidarity is our greatest strength.
“Together, we have shown that when education becomes the bridge between our aspirations and actions, the future becomes not only possible, but also promising.”
Zambry also expressed his deepest appreciation to all education ministers and senior officials for their invaluable contributions throughout the meeting.
He said their presence and active participation had reflected the region’s strong resolve to build a more inclusive, resilient and forward-looking Asean through education.
Also present was Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who together with Zambry, launched the Asean Global Exchange for Mobility & Scholarship (Asean GEMS), a platform that serves as a one-stop hub for information on scholarships and mobility programmes available across the Asean region.
Guests at the dinner were treated to an array of Malaysian delicacies, including beef rendang and ayam percik.
Adding to the entertainment were performances by renowned local artistes, including Aisya Retno and Dayang Nurfaizah.
