London to play host to Malaysia Week once again

PETALING JAYA: London will once again play host to Malaysia Week 2012 which will begin in the British capital tomorrow.

The week-long cultural festival at London's Southbank will promote Malaysia as a top tourist attraction by showcasing the country's multi-ethnic cultures. Themed Faces of Malaysia, the week-long event will be launched by Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

A statement from the ministry said the event aimed to attract 140,000 visitors. “It will have a carnival-like feel featuring traditional games as well as cultural performances representing different races and ethnic groups,” the statement said.

Students from the National Heritage and Cultural Academy will also take part, while Malaysian artists and craftsmen will demonstrate their skills. The event is also being promoted by the Tourism Ministry, and British VIPs and dignitaries have been invited.

The statement said Malaysian handicraft would be on sale during the festival.

There will also be a wide array of Malaysian food and fruits.

The festival is jointly sponsored and supported by the Foreign Ministry, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade), Malaysia Airlines and the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama).

This is the fourth time Malaysia Week is being held in Britain. It was previously held in Convent Garden in 2006 and 2007 and Potters Field Park in 2008.
-thestar online.