13 September 2016 — On August 20, the ASEAN London Committee (ALC) held its first ASEAN Family Day. With all 10 ASEAN missions now represented in London, the ALC, currently headed by Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Rizal Sukma, organized a fun-filled day showcasing the talents and flavors of ASEAN.
Dr. Sukma’s welcome remarks, delivered by his representative, Deputy Chief of Mission Mrs Anita Lidya Luhulima, highlighted the importance of maintaining ASEAN solidarity as a necessary tool for promoting ASEAN in the U.K. “It is a good opportunity to experience and to interact with ASEAN as we have our traditional games, cultural performances and food showcased in today’s event,” she added.
Soft power diplomacy exercised through food festivals, cultural shows, film festivals and activities such as this ASEAN family day complement ASEAN’s political and economic engagement with the U.K. and demonstrate the cultural wealth of the region.
Philippine Ambassador to the U.K. Evan Garcia also noted that in preparation for ASEAN’s 50th anniversary next year, a bigger and larger socio-cultural event is being planned by the ALC and it will be open to the U.K. public.
Close to 300 guests participated in this first-ever ASEAN family day in London, including guests from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Asia House and UK Business. Malaysian High Commissioner Dato' Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi hosted the day-long event at his official residence. END