ASEAN Consuls General in Vancouver Explore Partnerships with the City of Burnaby

Philippine Consul General Arlene T. Magno (4^th from right, 1^st row)  and Consul Analyn Ratonel (3^rd from right), join the ASEAN Consuls General in Vancouver (ACGV) and their officers,  Burnaby City Mayor Mike Hurley, Councillor Pietro Calendino and Councillor James Wang, and the officials from the Simon Fraser University (SFU) at a briefing held on 05 December 2023.  (Photo from Vancouver PCG)

06 December 2023, Burnaby – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, led by Consul General Arlene Magno, joined the other ASEAN Consuls General in Vancouver (ACGV) in a familiarization tour of Burnaby City on 05 December 2023, gaining valuable insights into the city's academic excellence, technological innovation, and business opportunities.

The ASEAN Consuls General commenced their tour with a visit to Simon Fraser University (SFU), where they engaged with university officials and learned about the institution's cutting-edge research and academic programs. Discussions centered around potential collaborations between SFU and educational institutions in ASEAN countries, aiming to strengthen academic ties and promote knowledge exchange.

(Left photo) Mr. Kevin Chaplin, CEO of Kardium, shows their latest medical technoloogy, a catheter solution for atrial fibrillation, to ASEAN diplomats.  (Right photo) ASEAN Consuls General and their representatives pose with Svante representative who gave a briefing on their carbon capture technology. (Photos from Vancouver PCG)

The delegation then visited leading companies in Burnaby, each providing a unique perspective on the city's vibrant business landscape. Kardium, a medical technology company, Electronic Arts, a global leader in interactive entertainment, and Svante, a pioneer in sustainable technology, welcomed the Consuls General and presented their innovative solutions and contributions to their respective industries.

Accompanied by Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, Councillor Pietro Calendino and Councillor James Wang, the delegation delved into discussions on possible cooperation with various industries in the city. Mayor Hurley emphasized Burnaby's commitment to being a global hub for innovation and business, and the Consuls General reciprocated with optimism about the prospects of strengthened diplomatic and economic ties between Burnaby and ASEAN nations.

The visit was organized by the Consulate of Malaysia (current Chair of ACGV), in partnership with the City of Burnaby.  ACGV is comprised of five ASEAN Member States: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. END

(Left photo) Philippine Consulate Team pose with Filipino-Canadian workers at Svante.  (Photo from Vancouver PCG)