PENANG Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin desires for a closer collaboration with the Hungary government in terms of heritage, cultural and tourism exchange.
Yeoh said this during his opening speech at the ‘For Dance: Hungary and Malaysia, Celebrating Five Decades of Diplomatic Relations Ceremony’ at The TOP Penang in Komtar today.
To commemorate the 50 years of friendship between Malaysia and Hungary, the vibrant and colourful Hungarian folk dances were performed by Hungary’s very own dancers – ‘4 for Dance’.
The dance troupe awed the crowd with their rhythmic and perfectly synchronised dance accompanied by foot-tapping numbers and humour.
“I hope that this performance will serve as a link and connection between Europe and Asia through our shared similarities specifically in the areas on tourism, arts, culture and heritage.
“I visited Hungary last month to seek for a collaboration with the Hungarian government whereby I met a few of their government agencies and we had a fruitful meeting which helped to enhance the cooperation between the two nations.
“Since Qatar Airways has started a direct flight from Penang to Doha, I believe it will bring a mutual benefit between Penang and Hungary,’’ Yeoh said.
According to Yeoh, Penang has a strong market in Southeast Asia with regard to tourism, and it is time to explore the central Europe market.
“We can use Qatar Airways to promote Penang tourism not only in Hungary but also the nations surrounding it such as Slovakia and Czech Republic,’’ he said.
The ambassador of Hungary to Malaysia Attila Kali, who was also present at the celebration, hoped that the cultural dance performance performed by ‘4 for Dance’ would help to bring Hungary closer to the people of Malaysia.
“On Oct 17, we (Hungary) will be celebrating our National Day, and in conjunction with that, the dance troupe will be flying to Kuala Lumpur to perform their Hungarian folk dances,’’ Kali said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian