RIYADH, 8 November 2006 — A wide range of food items and handicrafts as well as cultural programs from Southeast Asian countries will be the highlight of the ASEAN Food and Craft Fair that opens at the residence of Malaysian Ambassador Dr. Ismail Ibrahim in the Diplomatic Quarter tomorrow.
Mrs. Ramlah Nekmat, president of ASEAN Women’s Circle, said six member countries — Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand — will participate in the fair, which will start at 4 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. The ambassador’s residence is located near the Irish Embassy behind the UN building.
There is an entrance fee of SR5 per head. The funds raised from the admission fee and the sale of food and handicraft will be shared equally among the participating countries to support charitable projects back home.
Visitors to the fair will also have an opportunity to enter their names in the raffle draw. A total of 42 prizes are on offer. They include air tickets, hotel vouchers, dinner for two, hampers, TV sets and other gifts from airlines and hotels. A major hypermarket will make arrangements for the entertainment of children.
Free blood test and blood pressure check will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mansour Memon of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center with the assistance of some nurses.
The program will kick off with the arrival of ASEAN ambassadors and charge d’affaires. This will be followed by a welcome address by Mrs. Ramlah and opening remarks by Mrs. Zaihan Ali, wife of the Malaysian ambassador.
Besides the raffle draws, there will be cultural programs from the Philippines and Thailand. The AWC president will deliver the closing address at 10 p.m.
Speaking on the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Malaysia, Mrs. Ali said they are actively involved in various charitable and voluntary programs, such as working with handicapped children, teaching widows to be self-reliant, rehabilitating divorcees, and carrying out other social welfare programs.
