DUBAI: The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai today celebrated Malaysia Day by paying tribute to the nation's achievements and progress across key sectors including economy, social, cultural, science and technology.
It was an honour accorded by Expo 2020 Dubai to participating countries as well as to mark the 100-day milestone of Malaysia's participation which takes place from Oct 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
Leading the high-level delegation from Malaysia was Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim, who was welcomed by United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh.
Bearing the "Energising Sustainability" concept of the pavilion, Malaysia Day illustrates the country's commitment to international collaborations, long-standing interest in global conversations, and to participate in dialogues on important topics including climate change and sustainability.
Through its net zero carbon pavilion, Malaysia aims to convey its success stories in adopting a resilient, low-carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive framework to address climate change and sustainability that are firmly anchored on the principles of sustainability and planetary health.
"Expo 2020 Dubai, with the theme "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", has unlocked many new and exciting market opportunities for Malaysia to enhance trade, investment and cultural exchanges.
"Malaysia's participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai is a momentous platform for the nation and we are proud to be part of this historic event, as together with the rest of the world we are curating the future in an inclusive and sustainable manner," said Ahmad who delivered the speech at the ceremony on behalf of minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
The deputy minister also congratulated the UAE for successfully hosting the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region in spite of the Covid-19 challenges.
He added: "Malaysia applauds the leadership and commitment of the UAE in bringing together our 'world family' on a global platform for inclusive multilateralism, under a common purpose to inspire real-life solutions for humanity's greatest challenges."
Growing economic opportunities and strengthening bilateral ties, the expo has also provided Malaysia a unique opportunity to reinforce its position as the regional economic hub of Southeast Asia.
As previously announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malaysia has generated more than USD$8.03 billion (RM33.9 billion) potential trade and investment returns in the first eight weeks of participation at the expo.
Malaysia has, as of Week 12 of the expo, made significant headway since then, garnering USD$8.4 billion (RM35.2 billion) in potential trade and investment returns.
This was achieved following the signing of 71 Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda of Cooperation and Letters of Intent, as well as 793 business indicators with several international companies.
Malaysia's 26 weekly business programmes throughout the expo is lead by MOSTI and supported by 20 other ministries, 70 department and agencies, five state governments and 300 companies.
The Malaysia Pavilion has also welcomed over 500,000 visitors through its doors to date.
Malaysia's participation at the expo also strengthens the nation's bilateral ties with the UAE as Malaysia's largest trading partner and export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
On Malaysia Day, the celebration began in the morning at the Stage of Nations where the Jalur Gemilang was raised to the anthem of Negaraku before both leaders delivered their speeches.
This was followed by Malaysia Truly Asia cultural performances by Istana Budaya and the National Department for Culture and Arts Malaysia.
The delegations then proceeded for a tour to the Malaysia Pavilion and the UAE Pavilion as part of the ceremony.
The agenda for the day concluded with a Malaysia Day reception dinner held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) with UAE government officials, Expo officials, foreign dignitaries, representatives from participating countries and country ambassadors in attendance.
Malaysian executive chefs Ahmad Kasdi Mohd Dahari and Rene Johari prepared an impressive and inspirational menu for the night that featured the distinctive tastes of Malaysian cuisine.
The Malaysia Day celebration continues tomorrow with a Malaysia Truly Asia concert featuring among others classical ballet dancer Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, Datuk Zainal Abidin, Datuk Syafinaz Selamat, Istana Budaya and Hands Percussion at the Jubilee Park.