Malaysian High Commission In Namibia Raises Awareness About ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The High Commission of Malaysia in Windhoek, Namibia has organised an event on ASEAN Awareness and Malaysia’s role on Thursday (Aug 1) at the Namibian International University of Management (IUM). 

According to the statement from the High Commission, the event aimed to educate and inform Namibians about ASEAN, its historic background, its development thus far, the importance of the regional grouping in international politics and  Malaysia’s role, especially on the assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship, which comes in 2025.

Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Namibia, Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya delivered his talk on the ASEAN emblem, the member countries, its history, founding fathers, the ASEAN Community, the evolvement of ASEAN ever since its establishment in 1967 as well as the general overview of Malaysia's chairmanship of the bloc in 2025 and priorities.

“The said awareness talk by the Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia has assisted in informing Namibians about ASEAN and may assist Namibia to emulate such joint regional efforts in also developing its political, economic and socio development, especially with countries in the Southern Africa region,” said the statement. 

According to the statement, during the question and answer session, questions were raised mostly on comparison between ASEAN and the African Union or the Southern African Development Corridor (SADC) of which Namibia is a component member.

Questions were also raised on how ASEAN came about and the similarity if any with the European Union and whether there is any monetary union like the creation of one ASEAN Currency, it added.

The statement said that the enthusiasm of the students is highly anticipated, as many Namibians are still unaware of ASEAN, its member countries, and its role in the geopolitical scenario.

The event which was attended by 100 people, including students, lecturers, and senior lecturers from the Faculty of Strategic Studies and Management, was held in collaboration with Namibia's International University of Management (IUM), it added.

Dean of the Strategic Studies and Business Administration Dr Djaba in his remarks welcomed the endeavour by the High Commission of Malaysia in Windhoek for making Namibians especially the IUM students aware of ASEAN and also Malaysia’s role in ASEAN especially with Malaysia becoming the chair of ASEAN next year.

The event ended with the invitees being served with Malaysian delicacies prepared by the Perwakilan Ladies of Windhoek headed by Datin Noorzulaikha Rameez, which comprised nasi carrot, sambal ayam, sambal udang besar, sayur campur, cekodok pisang, beef mince popiah, sirap ais limau, Magnum Classic mini ice cream and limau narajie among others.

-- BERNAMA