ASEAN HERITAGE TRAIN TO BOOST CULTURAL TIES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- The ‘ASEAN Heritage Train: Enhancing Connectivity towards Cultural Diversity’ programme, which uses a train to promote the culture and heritage of ASEAN countries, is seen as a means to strengthen ties within the region.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the success of the programme served as a positive benchmark that should be expanded to instill the ASEAN spirit within the community.

“Alhamdulillah, this afternoon we have received delegates from nine ASEAN countries who participated in the ‘train ride’ organised by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). We need to see ASEAN being strengthened from a cultural perspective,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after launching the ASEAN Traditional Headgear Exhibition, Khairul Firdaus emphasised that as Malaysia would be chairing the ASEAN summit next year, similar programmes would continue to be organised.

“When we look at the success of this initiative, we have actually just discussed with KTMB to create a programme that encompasses tourism and culture,” he added.

The ASEAN Heritage Train, organised by the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), is taking place from July 9 to 26, gathering experts in various creative fields from ASEAN countries including Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

With support from Persatuan Penggiat Pelancongan Senibudaya Warisan Kraf Negeri Selangor and KTMB, the train travels through Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand, involving delegates in performance arts, gastronomy, and crafts.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN Traditional Headgear Exhibition, showcasing 23 headpieces representing ASEAN countries including Malaysia, will be held from July 22 to July 24 in conjunction with the ASEAN Heritage Train programme.

-- BERNAMA