ASEAN Consuls General In Vancouver Committee Celebrates 57th Anniversary of ASEAN

(L-R) CG Thu Phan of Vietnam, CG Rutch Soratana of Thailand, CG Arlene T. Magno, CG Mohd Afandi Abuin Abu Bakar of Malaysia, and CG Hendra Halim of Indonesia, welcomed guests at the reception line during the ASEAN Day Reception on 07 August 2024. (Photo courtesy by PCG Vancouver)

22 August 2024, Vancouver, B.C. – To celebrate the 57^th Anniversary of ASEAN, the ASEAN Consuls General in Vancouver (ACGV) Committee, represented by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, hosted an ASEAN Day Reception at the Indonesian Consulate General Grand Hall on 7 August 2024.

The program featured performances by two Indonesian music students, Regi and Bimo, who played Rayuan Pulau Kelapa from Indonesia, Anak from the Philippines, and  Getaran Jiwa from Malaysia while awaiting the arrival of the guests.

The occasion also showcased native delicacies from the five ASEAN countries such as: dadar gulung from Indonesia, med kanoon from Thailand, kuih bakar pandan and kuih bingka ubi from Malaysia, as well as turon from the Philippines, among others.

Consul General Hendra Halim of Indonesia, current Chair of the ACGV, delivered the welcome remarks. In his speech, he highlighted Canada’s recognition of the dynamic and growing importance of the ASEAN region. He also remarked that the trade missions undertaken by Canada to the ASEAN countries reflected a strong desire to deepen economic ties, foster mutual growth, and enhance collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges.

The highlight of the program was the singing of The ASEAN Way followed by the symbolic cutting of the ASEAN-themed cake.

Vocal performances of Shade of K’nia Tree by Consul General Thu Phan of Vietnam, and Dahil sa Iyo by Vancouver PCG’s very own Ms. Christina Aquino concluded the program.

This ASEAN Day reception is significant as it is the very first collaborative activity of ACGV to celebrate ASEAN’s anniversary, fortifying their unity as they embraced the opportunities ahead and continue to build bridges that connect peoples and nations. END.

(above) Minister Jagrup Brab, Minister of State for Trade (center), MLA Mable Elmore (6L) and Councillor  Maita Santiago of Burnaby (2L), posed with the ASEAN Consuls General and some members of the Consular Corps of BC. (Photo courtesy by PCG Vancouver)

(top, left) Indonesian Consul General  Hendra Halim, current ACGV Chair, delivered  the opening remarks on behalf of his ASEAN colleagues. (Photo courtesy by Mr. Stephen Andrada)

(bottom, left) Minister Jagrup Brab, Minister of State for Trade (3L), assisted by the ACGV and Lao Honorary Consul  John Phanthoupheng (far right), cut the ASEAN themed cake. (Photo courtesy by Mr. Stephen Andrada)

(top, left and right) CG Thu Phan of Vietnam rendered a special vocal performance entitled, “Shade of K’nia Tree”, while Ms. Christina Aquino, from the Philippine Consulate General, concluded the program with the song, “Dahil Sa Iyo”. (Photo courtesy by PCG Vancouver)