SHANGHAI: The 68th Merdeka Gala Dinner sparkled with the presence of over 600 guests from the Malaysian and Chinese communities, celebrating Malaysia's National Day in grand style.
Hosted by the Shanghai office of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (MayCham), this year's event also marked Shanghai MayCham's 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of fostering economic and cultural ties between Malaysia and China.
During the banquet, guests were treated to an array of Malaysian delicacies and traditional cultural performances, adding a vibrant touch to the evening's festivities.
In his address, Malaysia's Consul-General in Shanghai Mohd Shahafeez Shaharis highlighted the enduring spirit of unity and resilience symbolised by Malaysia's independence.
He also called on Shanghai MayCham to leverage Malaysia's role as Asean Chair to elevate regional cooperation.
Among the guests of honour included Consuls-General from Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, as well as representatives from Malaysian government agencies such as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).
Shanghai Maycham chairman Tan Hann Syn reflected on the chamber's journey and its future goals in his welcoming speech.
"Our 20th anniversary is not just a milestone but a new starting point.
"We will continue building bridges and enhancing friendly cooperation between Malaysia and China," he said.
Tan noted that the celebration featured an "Asean Cultural Wall" and the presentation marking MayCham's 20th anniversary.
"The cultural wall, incorporating elements from various Asean countries, symbolised diversity and unity, serving as a significant commemorative project for the chamber's 20th anniversary and a new window to showcase Asean culture," he said.
