PENANG’S first woman honorary consul Datuk Annie Chin has been bestowed the Order of Rio Branco this evening.
Chin, who is Brazil’s honorary consul in Penang, was grateful and honoured to receive the honorific Order during the presentation ceremony at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in Magazine Road.
Chin is also the Penang Women Chamber of Commerce (PWCC) charter president.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state was proud of the growing community of foreign representatives in the state.
“Chin is Penang’s first woman honorary consul and I am happy to note that the Brazil honorary consulate in Penang was Brazil’s first in Malaysia.
“I believe that she (Chin) will do her best in enhancing co-operation between Brazil and Malaysia, especially in cultural engagement, industry, and other mutual interest areas,” Chow said, before congratulating Chin.
Chin receives the Order from Brazil ambassador to Malaysia Ary Norton de Murat Quintella.
Ary Norton lauded Chin for being very helpful to the Brazilian community in Penang.
“We appreciate her friendliness and contribution to society,” he said.
Chin thanked Chow and Ary Norton for their encouragement.
“Since my appointment in 2018, I had the privilege to serve the thriving Brazilian community in Penang,” she said.
On a separate note, Chow welcomed Brazilians to visit Penang when Malaysia’s international borders reopen on April 1.
He also hoped to see Ary Norton back in Penang during the durian season in May.
“It will be another reason for your return to Penang,” Chow told Ary Norton.
Those present this evening were treated to a sumptuous dinner.
Also present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, consul-general of Japan in Penang Hiroyuki Orikasa and consul-general of Indonesia in Penang Bambang Suharto.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian