One big family of PWPM members in a photocall during the PWPM Asean open house. With them is Liz Durkin (seated back row – centre), wife of Simon Durkin, managing director of Sarawak Shell Berhad (SSB). — Photos by Cecilia Sman.
PWPM president Srimurniyati (centre) introducing Indonesian signature food.
MIRI: Miri Petroleum Ladies Association (PWPM) held a truly unique Asean open house in conjunction with the recent Malaysia Day and Indonesian Independence Day.
The cross-cultural exchange also enhanced a patriotic spirit among citizens from three out of the 10 Asean-member countries participating in the open house held at Kelab Shell Lutong.
Malaysians and Indonesians, and PWPM members sang their national anthems, NegaraKu and Indonesia Raya while the Filipinos sang ‘Anak’ – an evergreen Tagalog song written by Filipino folk-singer Freddie Aguilar.
Anak (son or daughter) which emphasizes on Filipino family values became an international hit and was translated into 26 languages.
To enlighten about 100 members and guests during the open house, there was a brief explanation on the history and development in the three countries, all had been colonized multi-national and ethnic countries but have progressed in peace and harmony.
The Philippines, which was formerly under Spanish rule, achieved its independence on June 12, 1898; Indonesia (from Dutch Rule) on Aug 17, 1945 while Malaysia (Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya) was formed on Sept 16, 1963, after being colonised by the British.
Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was formed on Aug 8, 1967 with members comprising Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam. It is a regional organisation to promote inter-governmental cooperation and economic integration amongst its members.
During the Asean open house, there were also dances– Kayan dance by Jenny Fung (Malaysia), Indian dance by Seema Sai Singhania, ‘Gemu Fa Mire’ (Indonesian modern dance) by an Indonesian group led by PWPM president Srimurniyati Cranfield, as well as open poco-poco. Among those participating was Liz Durkin, wife of Simon Durkin, managing director of Sarawak Shell Berhad (SSB).
In line with the theme of the open house ‘Food and Culture Through Diversity’ various signature foods from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines as well as from India, were served for brunch.
Srimurniyati said that the open house was to celebrate the recent independence day of Indonesia and Malaysia, as part of their activities organized this year.
“It was to promote cross cultural exchange and greater understanding and cooperation among our members,” she said.
She added that PWPM, a non-profit making non-governmental organisation which is 30 years old this year, will hold a grand dinner celebration on Nov 12.
Apart from weekly activities like craft-making, dancing, cooking demonstration, PWPM also took part in many charitable and community service projects such as supporting the Malaysia Red Crescent (MRC) Miri Chapter to raise fund for humanitarian projects.