BY : Syed Tureab Shah.
KARACHI : The Consulate General of Malaysia in Karachi proudly hosted a special dinner titled “ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP: Malaysian Food Galore” celebration of two significant occasions: Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 and ASEAN Day, which was observed on 8 August 2024. The event also commemorated Malaysia Day, celebrated annually on 16 September. The dinner gathered distinguished guests including Consul Generals in Karachi, members of the Malaysian diaspora and Friends of Malaysia to further strengthening the diplomatic and cultural ties between Malaysia, Pakistan and the broader ASEAN community.
The event featured a spectacular culinary experience, with the dinner prepared by Assistant Professor Mohamed Fadzly Che Omar, a renowned Malaysian Chef from UCSI University, Malaysia. Chef Fadzly was in Karachi for the recently concluded Jom! Malaysia Chalo! event at Dolmen Mall, where 12 Malaysian universities, Tourism Malaysia, and Batik Air Malaysia were showcased to the public, promoting Malaysia’s educational and tourism sectors. Chef Fadzly’s involvement at the dinner was a continuation of the vibrant cultural exchange initiated at the Jom! Malaysia Chalo! event.
In collaboration with Chop Chop Wok, a celebrated Pan-Asian food restaurant in Karachi, the evening’s menu highlighted the rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine. Chop Chop Wok, well-known for its Pan-Asian food offerings, is set to open a new branch in Dubai where they will introduce Malaysian cuisine into their menu lineup. This collaboration underscores the Consulate’s commitment to promoting cultural diplomacy through food, a universal bridge that fosters mutual understanding and goodwill.
In his speech during the event, the Consul General of Malaysia in Karachi expressed gratitude to all the guests and emphasized the importance of ASEAN as a platform for regional cooperation and dialogue. He reiterated that Malaysia’s upcoming Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 presents an excellent opportunity to further advance Malaysia’s leadership role in promoting regional unity, economic cooperation, and shared prosperity within Southeast Asia.
The Consul General also highlighted the continued collaboration between the Consulate General of Malaysia and local businesses in Karachi, such as Chop Chop Wok, as a key pillar of Malaysia’s engagement with the Pakistani community. These partnerships not only promote Malaysian products, culture, and tourism but also help in establishing sustainable economic relationships. It was also announced that Malaysia will open a new trade office in Karachi in October 2024, further solidifying economic cooperation between the two nations. The trade office will serve as a hub to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and business ventures.
The Malaysian Food Galore dinner is a testament to the Consulate General’s efforts in fostering closer ties between Malaysia, Pakistan, and ASEAN. With the commitment of local partners, such as Chop Chop Wok, and the strong support of the diplomatic and business communities, the Consulate looks forward to deepening its engagement through events that promote cultural and economic cooperation.
