Vist Malaysia Year 2007 come to London with A myrid of sights, sounds and tastes

For five days from June 5, 2007, Covent Garden Market in London celebrated Malaysian culture with music, films, fashion, dance, arts and craft. “Malaysia Week 2007” brought
the sights, sounds and flavours of Malaysia to this iconic centre, giving Londoners and curious visitors the chance to take home a slice of Malaysia.

Goods on offer included batik, songket, silver, pewter, ceramics, crystals, woodcrafts and pearls, presented by authentic Malaysian artisans. An art exhibition was also held where a selection of original works were available for sale.

There were also live performances presented by Malaysian artistes selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as that of Culture, Arts and Heritage. Malaysian cinema was showcased with seven of Malaysia’s favourite films – Cinta, Bilut, Red Kebaya, Jangan Pandang Belakang, Puaka Tebing Biru, Waris Jari Hanut and Cicak Man during the “Malaysia Film Week” at the nearby Odeon Cinema and Malaysia Hall.

What a rich experience it was for visitors. This was the second such event to have been held in London. The first was staged last year. This year’s was grander with Malaysia bringing a larger delegation comprising 127 participants including small- and mediumscale entrepreneurs. The event was opened by the Mayor of Westminster Carolyn
Keen who said that “Malaysia Week”, although only for the second time it has been held, has become one of the popular events at Covent Garden Market.

In its maiden appearance last year, “Malaysia Week” attracted more than 60,000 visitors, and was described as a resounding success. Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri ais Yatim who attended the opening ceremony and the festival, said that programmes such as “Malaysia Week” could further enhance Malaysia’s special relationship with the UK. He expressed the hope that the event could be made an annual one at Covent Garden Market.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who graced the Gala Dinner in conjunction with “Malaysia Week”, said it was his hope that the festival was able to charm many British tourists to come to Malaysia.

However, he said at the same time “Malaysia Week’ should not be seen as merely showcasing Malaysian cultural heritage but a manifestation of both countries’ long historical ties, goodwill and friendship.

During the event, London-based Malaysian shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo was presented with a special certificate by Datuk Rais in appreciation of his contribution to
the shoe design industry. “Malaysia Week” was jointly organised by the Culture, Arts
and Heritage Ministry and Tourism Ministry with the support of the Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Industry, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development as well as Agriculture and Agrobased Industry ministries and Malaysia Airlines.

Various other agencies also collaborated to help promote Malaysia in Europe.