SINGAPORE, Oct 7 — Malaysia, through the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac), is organising the Malaysia-Singapore Triennial Cultural Showcase 2023 (TCS 2023) for three days until October 8, 2023 in Singapore.
TCS 2023 is a continuation of the Titian Budaya programme, which fosters and strengthens bilateral relations between Malaysia and Asean member countries, especially in the field of arts, culture and heritage.
Speaking at the TCS 2023 jointly opened by Singaporean Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong on Friday (October 6), Malaysia’s Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, said cultural diplomacy is a key focus area for MOTAC.
“Our Culture International Relations Division, together with our cultural departments and agencies, have been working overtime to ensure programmes like this TCS come to fruition,” he said at the event held at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Also present was the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore Datuk Azfar Mohd Mustafar.
“Programmes like these are poignant in ensuring the success of Cultural Diplomacy as not only are they an avenue for us to showcase Malaysia to the world, but in an era of globalisation, it is as important for us to receive just as much as we share,” Khairul said.
The first Malaysia – Singapore Titian Budaya was organised by Malaysia in Singapore in 2008, offering Singaporeans a captivating glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Malaysian art, history and culture.
“I trust TCS 2023 will foster greater understanding and appreciation of the Malaysia-Singapore cultural connection.
“To put our cultural relationship in short ‘same-same but different’ or in Malay sama-sama tapi berbeza,” said the deputy minister.
In 2015, Singapore hosted the Second Titian Budaya in Kuala Lumpur to mark the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries.
Following the programme’s success, leaders of both countries issued a joint statement at the 2016 Malaysia Singapore Leader’s Retreat, committing to hold regular cultural showcases every three years.
Singapore organised the inaugural Malaysia-Singapore TCS in Kuala Lumpur from November 16 to November 24, 2019, where Malaysians were entertained with live music performances by indie bands from both sides, art exhibitions, crafts sales, theatre performances, as well as unique gastronomy offerings.
In the spirit of continued friendship and goodwill among its citizens, it is now Malaysia’s turn to celebrate the variety and colourful heritage shared by both countries.
Over the course of three days, TCS 2023 will take place in Marina Square and selected locations around Singapore.
Themed Malaysia Truly Asia, there will be a cultural showcase, and pocket shows will each showcase a different facet of Malaysia’s rich artistic and cultural traditions.
In conjunction with TCS 2023, a three-day travel expo Travel Malaysia 2023, will also be held at the Central Atrium of Marina Square.
According to MOTAC, Singapore is the highest contributor to tourist arrivals to Malaysia this year, with 4,537,550 tourists up to July 2023.
— Bernama
