Strenthening ASEAN Solidarity with a Family Picnic

(top) Personnel and family members of the Consulates General of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam at the ASEAN family picnic held on 28 July 2024 at New Brighton Park. (Photo by PCG Vancouver)

02 August 2024, Vancouver, B.C. – In the spirit of strengthening camaraderie and friendship among the five ASEAN countries in Vancouver, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, an ASEAN family picnic was organized at the New Brighton Park on 28 July 2024.

More than a hundred Consular staff and their families, led by the five ASEAN Consuls General, gathered for an afternoon of fun and laughter.

Consul General Hendra Halim of Indonesia, as current Chairperson of the ASEAN Consuls General in Vancouver, gave the welcome remarks, after which the five countries gamely competed in traditional and popular games facilitated and prepared by each ASEAN country. The games ended with a tug of war between the Philippines and Malaysia.

Each country also brought their native delicacies to share: Mi Goreng and Ayam Geprek from Indonesia; Nasi Lemak and Te Tarik from Malaysia; Fish Lumpia and Carioca from the Philippines; and, Spring Rolls and Papaya Salad from Vietnam.

The last ASEAN picnic took place before the pandemic in 1999. END

(top) CG Hendra Halim of Indonesia, current Chairperson of the ACGV, welcomes the ASEAN picnic participants. (Photo by PCG Vancouver)

(top) CG Rutch Soratana of Thailand and CG Mohd Afandi bin Abu Bakr of Malaysia try their skills at Pinoy Genyo. (Photo by PCG Vancouver)

Team Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam compete in the multi-relay race, ring toss, musical chairs, sepak raga, and Yip Yip Hooray games. (Photo by PCG Vancouver)