Mingalabar from Yangon

e-Newsletter | Vol.1/2020

No. 82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, 09-452980608 (Consular Section) [email protected] Dagon Township, Yangon 09-772220230 (Duty Officer)

Special Issue

With the end of 2020 approaching, it is best that we

reminisce on our journey and achievements throughout the year, particularly in dealing with the novel coronavirus pandemic and its impacts.

Ever since COVID-19 began taking a toll in mid-March, the Embassy has been working 18 March 2020 First COVID-19 Task Force Meeting at the round the clock to ensure Embassy’s Ops Room none of its fellow Malaysians are left in the dark.

Meetings were held with different stakeholders, senior

officials of the host Government and airlines representatives. Regular

updates on measures by host Government as well as current developments in Malaysia

were also disseminated 22 March 2020 H.E. Datuk Zahairi Baharim headed the through the Embassy’s social meeting on COVID-19 preparedness with media platform. Task Force and ERT at the Embassy

Subsequently, the Embassy established its own Task Force and Emergency Response Team for COVID-19 preparedness and became part of the special joint team with the ASEAN Missions in Yangon, known as ASEAN COVID-19 Joint Team to collectively share relevant information relating

to the pandemic. 23 March 2020 ASEAN COVID-19 Joint Team Meeting

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CONNECTIVITY CONUNDRUM The following weeks saw the

With a view to prevent the Embassy’s able team working importation and spread of COVID- tirelessly to obtain regulatory 19, the host Government on approvals for subsequent Relief March 19 announced the Flights as well as assisting suspension of entry of foreign Malaysians who were stranded in nationals through all border check other Regions and States. The Ambassador also apprised the points between Myanmar and neighbouring countries. Few days public of the current situation of later, the host Government COVID-19 in the country, via several 30 March 2020 announced the suspension of Discussion with Myanmar Airways interview sessions with Malaysian issuance of all types of visa to all International (MAI) for alternative flights media. foreign nationals, except from Yangon to Kuala Lumpur diplomats, UN officials and crew of ships and aircrafts operating to Under the remarkable stewardship and from Myanmar. of H.E. Datuk Zahairi Baharim, the Embassy managed to obtain a special On March 29, the local authority regulatory approval from the host announced the temporary Government for Malaysia Airlines suspension of international (MAS) to launch the 1st Relief Flight commercial flights, including all from Yangon to Kuala Lumpur on landing permissions which were March 31. 144 Malaysians reached previously granted, with effect 1 April 2020 home safely via the said flight. Meeting with representatives from MAI from March 30 at 2359hrs. Short- and MAS to discuss the arrangement of term visitors and expatriates 2nd Relief Flight to Malaysia began to worry of what would happen in the next few days, as travelling via air is no longer possible with such measures in place.

7 April 2020 Ambassador of Malaysia live on Astro Awani - discussing Embassy’s roles, preparation and measures by the local Government on COVID-19, as well assisting Malaysians in the country

29 March 2020 Emergency Meeting at 8.00 pm to discuss all possible avenues to support fellow Malaysians for a relief flight back to Kuala Lumpur

31 March 2020 8 April 2020 144 Malaysians boarded the 1st Relief Apprising fellow Malaysians on the Flight (MH741) from Yangon to Kuala development of #stayathome order by Myanmar Government especially in Lumpur Yangon from 10-19 April 2020

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The Embassy’s friendly relations with the host Government and local authorities had facilitated the coordination for citizens from Malaysia and Myanmar to return home. Since late March, more than 30 Relief Flights from Yangon to Kuala Lumpur have been

9 April 2020 launched, of which 93% were nd 8 May 2020 The 2 Relief Flight to Kuala Lumpur operated by a local air carrier, rd was launched by MAI, carrying 78 MAI launched the 3 Relief Flight to Kuala Malaysians and 27 foreign nationals Myanmar Airways International Lumpur, carrying 77 Malaysians and 21 with connecting flights to Singapore, (MAI). Thanks to these Relief foreign nationals with connecting flights Jakarta, Sydney and Auckland to Doha, Hong Kong, Jakarta and London. Flights, more than 800 Malaysians The same flight also brought 93 Myanmar and 2000 Myanmar nationals nationals home from Kuala Lumpur were able to reunite with their loved ones.

The synergy between the Embassy and the airline providers had also enabled more than 60 stranded tourists and expatriates of various nationalities in Myanmar to return 13 April 2020 Ambassador of Malaysia live on TV Al- to different continents around the Hijrah - discussing the situation of world, via transit in KLIA. 27 June 2020 COVID-19 in Myanmar and measures 71 passengers of various nationalities by the local Government to curb the returned home safely via the 6th Relief spread of the virus Flight to Kuala Lumpur operated by MAI

28 August 2020 24 April 2020 Discussion with Posco International to The Embassy, in collaboration with facilitate the mobilisation/demobilisation various government agencies in of oilfield workers into and out of Malaysia and Myanmar facilitated the Myanmar vide Kuala Lumpur International return of 254 Malaysian oilfield Airport (KLIA), for the offshore project in workers in Tanintharyi to Kuala Kyauk Pyu, Rakhine Lumpur via sea

27 April 2020 Another live session with BERNAMA TV 17 June 2020 - discussing the current situation of th COVID-19 in Myanmar, the local New Norms of Repatriation: The 5 Relief Flight was launched by Malindo Air, G overnment's initiatives to tackle the enabling 60 Malaysians and 134 Myanmar nationals to return home. It was made pandemic and efforts to assist possible through multiple collaboration between both Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysians in the country Embassies and a private entity (ENRA Group Berhad) 3

11 May 2020 Similarly, the Embassy had News excerpt on UN Humanitarian facilitated the entry of passenger Aid Services to to cargo (P2C) services from Myanmar (under Malaysia, to support the World Food Programme) continuity of socio-economic using Malaysian development in Myanmar and air carrier, promoting KLIA’s role as a transit AirAsia hub. Several UN Humanitarian Assistance Services flights using Malaysia’s air carrier (AirAsia) were also launched by the World Food Programme since early May to provide humanitarian aids to Myanmar.

RISING TOGETHER AS ONE

Undeniably, with the current trend IN-KIND of COVID-19 cases across the High grade Malaysia-made PPE globe, more challenges and 1) and face masks to support constraints could be expected in ) temporary field hospitals at the months to come. In the spirit Thuwanna Stadium and Rakhine of ASEAN and heeding YAB Prime State (MMBC-led initiative) Minister’s call for everyone to

support the authority in 25,000 units of surgical masks; combatting COVID-19, the 2) 5,000 pairs of surgical gloves; Embassy has supported the PPEs and 100 bottles of hand donation drives and initiatives sanitizers valued at USD 15,000 undertaken by the Malaysia- to support the Ministry of Health Myanmar Business Chamber and Sports (coordinated by (MMBC) and MERCY Malaysia MERCY Malaysia) throughout the year.

25 units of 1.5HP air- From March to November, the 3) conditioners and 50 units of following contributions were made stand fan for the temporary to support the authorities and 1,000-bedded hospital to treat frontliners in both Malaysia and COVID-19 patients in Hlegu Myanmar in their fight against Township, Yangon (initiated by COVID-19: the Embassy of Malaysia, MMBC,

DIGAY, MERCY Malaysia and CASH various entities)

1) USD7,700 to support the Myanmar authorities (MMBC- 4) Essential supplies such as PPEs, ) led initiative) face masks and medicines valued at MMK13,038,500 for Phaung Gyi Rehabilitation Center 2) USD11,750 to support the 16 March 2020 frontliners in Myanmar (MMBC- (initiated by MMBC in Handing over of the first batch of essential items (Surgical Masks - 25,000 led initiative) collaboration with 89 pieces, Surgical Gloves - 100 boxes and contributors from Buddhist Hand Sanitizers - 100 bottles) to support Group in Malaysia) the Ministry of Health and Sports’ frontliners in handling COVID-19

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23 April 2020 Contribution of 25 units of 1.5 HP Air- Conditioner and 50 units of stand fan for the Paung Gyi Temporary Hospital to treat COVID-19 patients in Hlegu

Newspaper clipping on the contribution coordinated by the Embassy of Malaysia for the Dedicated Center to treat COVID- 19 patients in Paung Gyi

With regard to helping the local communities impacted by the pandemic, the MMBC and Singapore Association Myanmar (SAM) jointly initiated a CSR program on November 21 during which both entities distributed essential food packs to 700 Families in Dala Township, Yangon. H.E. Datuk Zahairi Baharim is confident that this meaningful collaboration would herald a new chapter for more CSR efforts by both entities for mutual benefit of all.

In addition to the cash and in-kind contributions, the Embassy is proud to share that a Malaysian company, ES 9 April 2020 Signature with its local partner, Fortune Contribution of medical items Plaza, is converting the Myanmar Expo from MERCY exhibition centre located in Thaketa Malaysia to township to a 1,000 bedded temporary Yangon Region Government hospital with the required medical facilities. The Embassy is certain that the temporary hospital will provide the much needed support to treat COVID-19 patients.

Moving ahead, the Embassy will continue to provide its support towards the good 27 October 2020 cause and efforts to curb COVID-19 in the MMBC CSR Drive in Golden Land. While the future remains collaboration with uncertain, let us all remain strong and 89 contributors from Buddhist Group in continue to do our part so that no one Malaysia - Donation would be left behind during these trying of essential supplies (PPE, face masks and times. medicines) to Paung Gyi Rehabilitation #supporteachother Center #togetherwestopCovid-19

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18 September 2020 st CDA a.i Mr. Muhammad Syukri Azmi led the Embassy officials, MMBC EC and MERCY Malaysia to hand over the 1 consignment of high grade Malaysian made PPE to Ayeyarwady Foundation (Max Myanmar) for their field hospital at Thuwanna Football Stadium in Thingangyun Township

16 September 2020 Celebrating 57th Malaysia Day in Yangon by lending support towards Myanmar’s front liners. Delivery of 1st consignment of high grade Malaysian-made isolation gowns from KLIA to Yangon was made possible with kind cooperation from MAI. Thank you MMBC for once again mooting the noble efforts to support the on-going efforts to curb COVID-19 in the Golden Land

21 November 2020 SAM-MMBC Joint Food Donation Programme for 700 Families in Dala

Another CSR programme initiated by MMBC

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14 December 2020

Secretary General of Wisma Putra received high grade N95 face masks from MERCY Malaysia as contribution from Malaysia for Myanmar frontliners.

With support from all strategic partners, the 1st consignment containing 20,000 pieces of N95 face masks has safely arrived in Yangon.

It will be handed to Myanmar authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the earliest for immediate use of the country’s frontliners.

Deliveries of additional high grade N95 masks are being planned with respective partners.

The Embassy is pleased to learn that further essential equipments are being explored by MERCY Malaysia for Myanmar’s health authority with support from their partners.

Collaboration with MERCY Malaysia

Contributing Partners Maybank Muhibbah Engineering Berhad

Carrier Partner Myanmar Airways International (MAI)

Supporting Partners Malaysia-Myanmar Business Chamber (MMBC) Bholat Safeguards Aero Darat

7 Meetings & Engagements

11 January 2020 3 January 2020 Inaugural Diplomatic Corps and Honorary Consuls gathering Diplomatic Corps New Year Gathering with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, at Inya Lake Hotel State Counsellor and Foreign Minister

13 January 2020 14 January 2020 Welcoming new colleague to ASEAN Yangon’s family, Ambassador Ly Quoc Launching Ceremony of Big Bad Wolf Books Sale Tuan of Viet Nam and his spouse, Madame Vu Thi Tam Dan

23 January 2020 17 January 2020 ASEAN Heads of Mission Meeting (chaired by Cambodia) and lunch to welcome H.E. Mr. Ly Press Conference of Tastefully Quoc Tuan, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and his spouse Myanmar Expo 2020

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18 January 2020 Witnessing Shwe Taung Foundation’s Handing Over Ceremony of New School Building in Ottwin Township, Bago Region (East) 9

18 January 2020 31 January 2020 Attending OK Myanmar Group Annual Dinner Attending International Business Promotion Centre (IBPC)’s Chinese Spring Festival Reception

2 February 2020 5 February 2020 Attending the Opening Ceremony of Myanmar Ethnics Engagement with Airlines Operators to strengthen collaboration in promoting Culture Festival 2020 Malaysia

7 February 2020 Attending the Signing Ceremony of Concession Agreement between Yangon Region Government and BDS Smart City Co. Ltd. (a subsidiary company of Berjaya Land Berhad (Malaysia)) on BDS Smart City Project (Dagon MyoThit (Seik Kan) Township)

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8-10 February 2020 Diplomatic Tour to Tanintharyi Region led by H.E. U Kyaw Tin, Minister for International Cooperation

8 February 2020 18 February 2020 Chap Goh Mei celebration with Malaysian community in Myanmar Facilitating Malaysian companies to see potentials in Dawei SEZ vide meeting with key person (a UM alumni)

14 February 2020 19 February 2020 Witnessing the handing over of contribution from Diamond Business meeting between Helang Gagah Group from Palace to MERCY Malaysia - to support the efforts to address Malaysia and KK Business Group - continuing discussion

COVID-19 in Myanmar to market premium cooking oil products (Lesong brand) into Myanmar 11

22 February 2020 23 February 2020 UMFCCI Business Networking with Foreign Business 1st Weekend golf outing among diplomatic peers in 2020 Chambers and Guest of Honour - Chief Minister of Yangon

27 February 2020 Presenting the contribution on behalf of the MMBC under the CSR initiative to the Central University Library

7 March 2020 5 March 2020 The Embassy arranged a business meeting between Kenny Rogers Luncheon hosted by Indonesian Ambassador for incoming and Mr. Ko Ko Latt, along with Myanmar Muslim Business PR of Myanmar to ASEAN, H.E. Aung Myo Myint Entrepreneurs' Association for potential franchise business collaboration, in conjunction with Tastefully Myanmar Exhibition

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7 March 2020 9 March 2020 Business meeting arrangement with Apex and Kenny Visit to fruit farm owned by a Malaysian entrepreneur in Hlegu, Rogers/Joy Bean to discuss potential collaboration and to Yangon understand the franchise market in Yangon

11 March 2020 11 March 2020 Lawatan Kasih – checking up the condition of a fellow Courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Than Myint, Union Minister of Commerce Malaysian in Myanmar

11 March 2020 12 March 2020 Courtesy call on H.E. U Aung Ko, Director General of Political Courtesy call on H.E. U Soe Han, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs

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12 March 2020 17 March 2020 Courtesy call on H.E. U Kyaw Tin, Minister for International ASEAN Heads of Mission Meeting – chaired by Lao PDR Cooperation

17 March 2020 18 March 2020 Meeting with Mr. Micheal Moe Myint, Chairman of MPRL E&P Courtesy call on Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services

25 March 2020 1 April 2020 Session between Ambassador of Malaysia and Chambers of Discussion with Myanmar Rice Federation to explore the Commerce & Associations from ASEAN Member States exportation of Myanmar rice into Malaysian market 14

21 April 2020 24 April 2020 Visit to Khind Lifestyle Showroom (Malaysian products) Thank you MERCY Malaysia, Mandalar Hospital, Corriander & Tea Leaf, KK Group, Mamee (Myanmar) & Monarch Company Ltd (KHIND) for the donation of MDES to the Embassy of Malaysia

22 June 2020 22 May 2020 Meeting with H.E. U Aung Myint, Director General of Strategic Supporting Muslim Free Hospital's noble cause to help all Studies and Training Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs communities in Myanmar

25 June 2020 26 June 2020 Working together as a team for seamless bubble traveling in Meeting with Mr. Ken Tun of Parami Gas – Another good news in tandem with gradual opening of entry into Malaysia - post enhancement of economic ties between both countries COVID-19

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30 June 2020 12 July 2020 Fruitful discussion on collaboration between Parami Energy Attending Shine Group’s Soft Opening of the Tea and Group and Khind Myanmar (distributed by Monarch Co. Ltd.) Foodhouse Restaurant at Rumah Malaysia

16 July 2020 A meaningful visit to Myint Myat Phyu Sin Charity Specialist Clinic- learning more about the philosophy of “caring for humanity” #myintmyat – noble #phyusin – trustworthy

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25 July 2020 25 July 2020 Meeting with CEO of RGO47 to discuss possible sourcing of Meeting with AA Medical Group to discuss potential Malaysian products for E-commerce collaboration to source Malaysian Pharmaceutical products/medical devices

Visit to TCMM Assembly Plant

30 July 2020 Congratulations to Tan Chong Motor Myanmar (TCMM) for the successful operation of the new assembly plant in Bago, Myanmar. This marks a significant step led by a Malaysian entity to bring in value added investment vis-a-vis to uplift the skills of the new generation of Myanmar’s workforce. More than 40 local technicians have availed the various on-the-job trainings in Malaysia organised by TCMM over the past five years. Today, the TCMM plant in Bago which is also the country’s largest car assembly factory saw 98% of the workforce are the locals. 17

4 August 2020 Thanks Dato’ Sri Zaw Zaw for spending time with us. We deeply appreciate your valuable thought on current economic development as well as potential collaboration with Max Group and AYA Bank.

21 July 2020 H.E. Datuk Zahairi Baharim was invited by the Royal British International School (RBIS) in Yangon to be one of the Chief Judges for IGCSE Economics Debate

8 August 2020 Thank you Chairman Chit Khine of the Eden Group for the opportunity to meet you and your team. It was indeed an enriching session for us at the Embassy.

We look forward to establish closer rapport with your Group to 15 August 2020 further strengthen ties among the business people in the H.E. Datuk Zahairi Baharim was invited by RBIS to be one of the region. Chief Judges for a competition entitled “Bringing ASEAN Together”, in conjunction with 53rd ASEAN Day Celebration

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14 August 2020 Facilitating discussion between CIMB and AYA Bank representatives for potential collaboration in the banking sector including workers’ remittances

18 August 2020 Privileged to join a group of enthusiastic young entrepreneurs. A 31 August 2020 lot of synergy and passion which will usher a brighter prospect for Myanmar & ASEAN. Chairing ASEAN Heads of Mission Meeting at Wyndham Grand

Yangon Hotel Let’s work as One to realize the vision of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2025.

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11 September 2020 4 September 2020 Witnessing the exchange of MoU between Muhibbah Informal Dialogue between State Counsellor Daw Aung San rd Engineering Berhad (MEB) and Suntac Technologies on strategic Suu Kyi and ASEAN Ambassadors to commemorate the 53 collaboration for socio-economic development of Myanmar. A Anniversary of the Founding of ASEAN significant achievement taking into account the deliberations on the MoU was concluded under new norms, re Online

18 September 2020 9 October 2020 Video Conference between YB Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Networking for MMBC at B2Medical Sdn Bhd during which Hussein and H.E. U Kyaw Tin, Minister for International members shared their experience of ‘Doing Business in Cooperation Myanmar’

23 November 2020 Collaboration between UTP and RBIS - Another

positive news in advancing Malaysia’s national interest in Myanmar, re promoting Malaysia as 4 December 2020 among the preferred education destinations Craving for Musang King Durian - the most sought after Malaysian Musang for the people of Myanmar King is now available in Myanmar

20 Golfing for Humanity

The Friendship Golf Game between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Diplomatic and MOFA and DIGAY International Golfers’ Affiliation of Yangon (DIGAY) was successfully held on 5 January 2020 at City Friendship Golf Game Golf Course, Nay Pyi Taw, in conjunction with Myanmar’s Independence Day celebration. Apart from golf game, a programme for spouses was also organized which include a visit to Nga Laik Kan Tha Eco Resort, Elephant Camp and bus tour around Nay Pyi Taw city. The programme also saw the handing Nay Pyi Taw, 5 January 2020 over of DIGAY’s contribution to the Myanmar Association for Prevention, Care and Protection of Abandoned Children. The Friendship Golf Game was concluded with a prize giving ceremony and luncheon at the Park Royal Hotel.

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2020 DIGAY Charity Golf Game & Gala Dinner Pun Hlaing Golf Course, Yangon, 29 February 2020

Golf Game to mark the 53rd ASEAN Day Pun Hlaing Golf Course, Yangon, 8 August 2020

Honoured to represent DIGAY to hand over small contribution of 45 lakhs to the COVID-19 Relief Fund under the UEHRD to support the efforts to contain the surge of coronavirus in the Rakhine State. Huge thanks to all participating golfers for your valuable support which enabled us to continue making contribution towards the good cause.

22 Cultural Diplomacy

Myanmar Students' Festival 2020 Promoting Malaysian Yangon University, 12 January 2020 Batik Face Mask

Video on Food Diplomacy from Malaysia to Myanmar - Enhancing the Relationship between Two Nations

A truly meaningful collaboration between the Embassy of Malaysia, PERWAKILAN Yangon, Myanmar Airways International (MAI), Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel, Bholat Safeguards, Asia Yadanar and Tan Chong Motor (Myanmar) Co., Ltd.

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63rd National Day Celebration

1 September 2020 Ambassador of Malaysia live on BERNAMA TV (Mid-day Update) - discussing the 63rd National Day celebration in Myanmar

24 Opening Ceremony of Malaysian Food Festival 2020 Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel, 31 August 2020

MMBC Merdeka Night Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel, 31 August 2020

25 Dinner with Influential Ladies group Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel, 2 September 2020

26 Dinner with Food Bloggers Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel, 5 September 2020

Dinner with Local Celebrities Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel, 6 September 2020

27 Other Activities

Ramadan CSR Programme (21 May 2020) Sending essential supplies to HBS and LRS affected by community lockdown (21 April 2020)

Durian Fest at the Embassy (30 May 2020)

Extending our small contributions for humanity via CSR project (31 July 2020)

28 PERWAKILAN

Preparatory Meeting for AGM Tastefully Myanmar Expo Embassy of Malaysia, 22 January 2020 Myanmar Expo Hall, 6-8 March 2020

PERWAKILAN Yangon’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) Embassy of Malaysia, 20 February 2020

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MAWFA Executive Committee Meeting 1/2020 Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel, 24 February 2020

First Committee Meeting for 2020/2021 Embassy of Malaysia, 26 February 2020

Kelas Bimbingan Malaysia Embassy of Malaysia, 15 March 2020

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CSR Ramadan: Donation of food items MAWFA Virtual Meeting to Zeenat Girl School 15 October 2020 21 May 2020

Farewell Ceremony for Mrs. Renny Welcoming Ceremony for Mrs. Awati Ab

Fadzlina & Mrs. Hidayatul Azwa Razak & AGM 2021 Preparatory Meeting Embassy of Malaysia, 16 October 2020 Embassy of Malaysia, 4 December 2020

CSR Project led by MAWFA for COVID-19 response Yangon Northern District Public Health Office, 10 December 2020

31 Supporting Business Community Activities

Webinar: Rediscovering the Energy Sector Opportunities in the Golden Land (6 August 2020)

Webinar: Recapturing Palm Oil Market Share in the Golden Land-Post COVID-19

(16 June 2020)

6 August 2020

32 APEC 2020 - #MyApec2020 Virtual Exhibition

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