OKTOBERFEST was back for its 43rd edition in Penang when the annual German festival was held in the Malaysian-German Society (MGS) on Oct 23 and 24.
Oktoberfest has been continuously held here in Penang for 43 years which is a record in Malaysia and perhaps Southeast Asia too.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his wife Betty Chew Gek Cheng were present at the festival on Oct 24.
“This evening, we are here to celebrate this spirit if brotherhood and togetherness and I want to congratulate the joint efforts between Germans and Malaysians working together as a team to make the annual celebration not only the longest but the biggest Oktoberfest event in this country.” said Lim during his speech at the festival.
Also after three years of hard work, the state government has recently launched Malaysia’s first German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) Programme on Sept 1.
The state government is contributing RM2 million to pay school fees for 500-600 students, whilst the students have the benefit of an allowance of RM900 monthly by the participating companies.
Lim added that Penang is and will always be glad to have its German friends not only in terms of business partnerships but culture as well.
Exco member for Tourism Development and Culture Law Heng Kiang, MGS president Achim Lauermann, and the consuls-general from several countries were also some of the dignitaries present on that festive night.
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