MABC Annual Gala Dinner

Representatives from The MAAC recently attended Malaysia Australia Business Council’s (MABC) Annual Gala Dinner 2013. The event was held on 29 October 2013 at the Grand Ballroom, Hilton Kuala Lumpur. It was a magical evening as guests were treated to a musical performance themed Sinbad – An Arabian Fantasy and to wonderful Australian food and wine.

‘Sinbad’ was an MABC initiative in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur Performing Art Centre (KLPAC) with lead artists from both Australia and Malaysia. Australian actor, singer and voice artist Ric Herbert who led the cast as “Suliman” in Sinbad has been a star of Australian TV for over 30 years. He has a featured role in Peter Jackson’s epic film King Kong (2005) and has appeared in Underbelly, Police Rescue, Prisoner, Jesus Christ Superstar, Full Monty, The Young Doctors and many more. A highlight of his career was singing the “Share the Spirit” live at the opening of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Ric was supported by Sarimah Ibrahim who played the principal role of “Fatima” in Sinbad. Sarimah, is a household name and one of Malaysia’s most recognised Film, TV and Radio personalities. She is multi-talented TV host (Disney Channel and The Biggest Loser), actress, singer and radio breakfast host with MIX FM. Other supporting artists for the show were equally impressive and it was a lively, exciting and enjoyable performance.

The evening was also complimented with a jazz performance by the Australian International School, Malaysia (AISM) performing a medley of popular songs.

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Y.B. Datuk Ir Hj Hamim Samuri represented the Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister Mustapa who was accompanying the Prime Minister in the UK. Among other VIPs at the event were Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Mr Miles Kupa, Mrs Jane Duke, Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Susan Kahwati, Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner and Assistant Trade Commissioner, Joel Blackwell. In his speech, the Australian High Commissioner touched on the recent Malaysian budget announcement to remove the sugar subsidy. “Although the Malaysian Prime Minister said that taking too much sugar will affect one’s libido, I can guarantee that if Malaysia imports sugar from Australia, Australian sugar will not affect one’s libido,” said the Australian High Commissioner.