On the evening of 24 May 2023, a splendid dinner reception took place at Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa in Chenang, Langkawi. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and organised by the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA). The theme for the dinner was smart casual or batik attire, adding a touch of elegance to the occasion.
The dinner commenced with a warm welcome speech delivered by the Minister of Transport, YB Loke Siew Fook, to the distinguished delegates and esteemed guests in attendance. Among the honoured guests were the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Tun Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Mohd Khalil bin Yaakob, and Senator Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir.
The beachside venue provided a picturesque setting, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful sunset during the pre-dinner cocktails. This provided an opportunity for VIPs, invited delegates, panellists, and individuals from the maritime industry to engage in casual conversations and networking. The aim of the dinner was to foster stronger connections between the Malaysian government and industry players, particularly with the international guests in attendance.
The event continued until around 10.00 p.m., at which point the Prime Minister and other VIPs departed. As a memorable token, Dato’ Suffian Awang, Chairman of MIMA, requested a group photo session with all MIMA and MOT staff present, capturing the moment for future reference and fond memories.
Overall, the dinner reception at Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa was a grand affair, symbolising the significance of the maritime industry and the commitment of the Malaysian government to engage with international partners. The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking, dialogue, and strengthening collaborative efforts within the maritime sector.