AMCA, SOMCA Meeting Highlighted Three Initiatives To Enhance Cultural Collaboration, Understanding

MELAKA, Oct 24 (Bernama) — The 11th Meeting of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (11th AMCA) and the 20th Senior Officials Meeting on Culture and Arts and Related Meetings with Dialogue Partners highlighted three initiatives to enhance collaboration and understanding between participating countries.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the agenda will address three priority matters including strategic directions for cultural collaboration.

“Secondly, updates on ongoing cultural programmes and thirdly, dicussing proposals for establishing a High Level Task Force on the ASEAN Strategic Plan For Culture and Arts post-2025,” he said in his speech during the 11th AMCA dan ASEAN Festival of Arts (AFA) 2024 Official Dinner at Dataran Pengkalan Rama here tonight.

Also present was Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn and delegates from participating countries.

Ab Rauf said the AMCA meeting also serves as a crucial platform for enhancing cultural collaboration and understanding among ASEAN member countries and their dialogue partners.

“This initiative highlights the importance of cultural heritage in fostering unity and cooperation within our region. 

“We are excited to bring together ASEAN member states and dialogue partners, including the People's Republic of China, Japan and South Korea to strengthen our cultural ties and artistic collaboration,” he said.

He said as Malaysia has been appointed for the AMCA-MY Chairmanship from 2024 to 2026, Melaka will also be recognised as the ASEAN City of Culture.

“I believe, by hosting the AMCA meetings will bring numerous benefits, including elevating Malaysia’s profile within the ASEAN community, fostering regional cooperation in culture and arts and showcasing our rich cultural diversity.

“Choosing Melaka as the host city aligns perfectly with our "Visit Melaka 2024" initiative, enhancing opportunities to promote both Melaka and Malaysia as dynamic cultural tourism destinations,” he said.

— BERNAMA