Bangladeshi Ambassador Pays Farewell Visit to Cambodian Commerce Minister

Minister of Commerce of Cambodia H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul received a farewell call from H.E. Mohammed Abdul Hye, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, at the ministry here on May 27.

During the meeting, both sides discussed and exchanged views on mechanisms to strengthen bilateral trade cooperation, according to the Ministry of Commerce’s news release.

H.E. Minister informed the outgoing ambassador of Bangladesh of the positive growth of the trade volume between Cambodia and Bangladesh in the first four months of 2024 and requested that Bangladesh’s side consider and set the schedule for the 1st meeting of the Joint Trade Council.

In addition, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul asked the Bangladeshi side to continue to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Rice Trade between the two countries.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse

STORM: RM120,000 ALLOCATED TO REPAIR ROOF OF PUTRA RIA APARTMENTS


KUALA LUMPUR, A total of RM120,000 has been allocated for the repair of the roof of Putra Ria Apartments here, which was damaged in a storm on Saturday.

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil said he would also discuss with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh, to expedite the repair work.

“We estimate that the repair work for both blocks will cost at least RM120,000, and I will discuss with the mayor this evening to expedite the repair work.

“I hope the work can begin as soon as possible. If possible, we want to start tomorrow, but I need to have a little discussion with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for coordination in terms of the utilisation of the allocation,” he said after handing out contributions to residents affected by the incident.

Additionally, Fahmi mentioned that the apartment management has been asked to inspect all roof structures in the three apartment blocks so that comprehensive action can be taken if there are any risks to the residents.

The storm hit the apartment at about 5
pm causing extensive damage to eight units, particularly the roof as well as five motorcycles and three cars in the parking lot.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Cambodia, Pakistan Agree to Establish a Joint Trade Committee

The Kingdom of Cambodia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of a Joint Trade Committee.

The MoU was signed here at the Ministry of Commerce this morning between H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, and H.E. Zaheeruddin Babar Thaheem, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

According to the ministry’s news release, speaking at the signing ceremony, H.E. Minister mentioned that this MoU will significantly contribute to the elevation of the two countries’ relations, particularly on trade and economic cooperation.

The Joint Trade Committee established under this MoU will serve as a mechanism that allows both sides to explore ways to create favourable conditions for businesses and investors and to boost economic diversification, expand production bases, and foster bilateral trade, she underlined.

With the establishment of the Joint Trade Committee, Cambodia and Pakistan will work together and actively engage the private sectors,
including Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations, to, amongst other things, promote trade and economic activities, exchange information on trade, promote small and medium enterprises, and enable standardisation, technical regulation, and conformity assessment procedures for SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) and TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) measures/regulations to streamline exports.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse

NINGYO EXHIBITION EXPLORES ART AND BEAUTY OF JAPANESE DOLLS


KUALA LUMPUR, Dolls are usually treated as children’s playthings but in Japan, they are an integral part of daily life, having held deep cultural significance since ancient times.

The ongoing Ningyo Exhibition: Art and Beauty of Japanese Dolls at the National Museum (Muzium Negara) here provides the public with the opportunity to explore the history of dolls in Japan as well as the folklore associated with them.

The exhibition, from May 7 to July 8, is organised by Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) in collaboration with the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM), the Ministry of National Unity and the Embassy of Japan.

JFKL director Tsukamoto Norihisa said the exhibition aims to expose the local community to the cultural aspects and roles of dolls in Japanese society, spanning from the seventh century to the modern era.

“Ningyo is a Japanese word that means ‘doll’, thus, this exhibition explores Japanese dolls and their culture which is nurtured in the history and folklore of Japan. The exhibition also f
ocuses on how dolls are used in seasonal celebrations perceived as folk art.

“Through this exhibition, we hope to introduce Japanese culture to the local community while enjoying the art and beauty of Ningyo culture and its diversity,” he told Bernama.

Tsukamoto, who speaks fluent Bahasa Melayu, said the exhibition showcases 67 Japanese dolls that are displayed in four sections to provide a comprehensive introduction to how they are used in Japanese culture and rituals. The sections are ‘Ningyo to pray for children’s growth’, ‘Ningyo as fine art’, ‘Ningyo as folk art’, and ‘Spread of Ningyo culture’.

‘During the Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day) festival every March 3, the Hina Ningyo will be displayed at home and temples and we pray for the well-being and protection of our daughters.

‘We also use Dairi-bina dolls, dressed in elaborate traditional costumes, in the Hina Matsuri festival. The Dairi-bina dolls generally depict the Emperor and Empress of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Sannin-kanjo (their three female sl
aves) and five musician dolls known as Gonin-bayashi are also displayed,’ he said,

He said starting around the 17th century, dolls began to be admired as objects of art due to the intricate craftsmanship involved in making each doll.

‘It involves intricate carvings and use of colours and finely detailed clothing and floral garlands. The Isho Ningyo: Fuji Musume (Wisteria Maiden) doll, for example, wears a costume which is a true-to-life representation of the costume worn by the women performing the Wisteria Maiden dance,’ he added.

Tsukamoto said the exhibition also showcases dolls from various regions in Japan, each with its own characteristics and personality. It also sheds light on the evolution of doll craftsmanship over the decades.

‘In Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese performing art using puppets, each puppet is controlled by three individuals to present various tales and stories,” he added.

The exhibition also features a collection of dolls specifically designed for anime enthusiasts, depicti
ng their beloved characters from anime series and games.

Muzium Negara Exhibition and Research Unit curator Shenna Anak Skem said the exhibition will strengthen the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and Japan.

“This exhibition is a proactive and strategic collaborative effort between JMM and JFKL, aimed at making an impact on the relationship between Malaysia and Japan,” she said.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Muzium Negara and JFKL, in collaboration with Animangaki, will organise a Japanese Cultural Day on June 1, featuring a variety of activities such as workshops, demonstrations and competitions related to Japanese culture.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

NINGYO EXHIBITION EXPLORES ART AND BEAUTY OF JAPANESE DOLLS


KUALA LUMPUR, Dolls are usually treated as children’s playthings but in Japan, they are an integral part of daily life, having held deep cultural significance since ancient times.

The ongoing Ningyo Exhibition: Art and Beauty of Japanese Dolls at the National Museum (Muzium Negara) here provides the public with the opportunity to explore the history of dolls in Japan as well as the folklore associated with them.

The exhibition, from May 7 to July 8, is organised by Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) in collaboration with the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM), the Ministry of National Unity and the Embassy of Japan.

JFKL director Tsukamoto Norihisa said the exhibition aims to expose the local community to the cultural aspects and roles of dolls in Japanese society, spanning from the seventh century to the modern era.

“Ningyo is a Japanese word that means ‘doll’, thus, this exhibition explores Japanese dolls and their culture which is nurtured in the history and folklore of Japan. The exhibition also f
ocuses on how dolls are used in seasonal celebrations perceived as folk art.

“Through this exhibition, we hope to introduce Japanese culture to the local community while enjoying the art and beauty of Ningyo culture and its diversity,” he told Bernama.

Tsukamoto, who speaks fluent Bahasa Melayu, said the exhibition showcases 67 Japanese dolls that are displayed in four sections to provide a comprehensive introduction to how they are used in Japanese culture and rituals. The sections are ‘Ningyo to pray for children’s growth’, ‘Ningyo as fine art’, ‘Ningyo as folk art’, and ‘Spread of Ningyo culture’.

‘During the Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day) festival every March 3, the Hina Ningyo will be displayed at home and temples and we pray for the well-being and protection of our daughters.

‘We also use Dairi-bina dolls, dressed in elaborate traditional costumes, in the Hina Matsuri festival. The Dairi-bina dolls generally depict the Emperor and Empress of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Sannin-kanjo (their three female sl
aves) and five musician dolls known as Gonin-bayashi are also displayed,’ he said,

He said starting around the 17th century, dolls began to be admired as objects of art due to the intricate craftsmanship involved in making each doll.

‘It involves intricate carvings and use of colours and finely detailed clothing and floral garlands. The Isho Ningyo: Fuji Musume (Wisteria Maiden) doll, for example, wears a costume which is a true-to-life representation of the costume worn by the women performing the Wisteria Maiden dance,’ he added.

Tsukamoto said the exhibition also showcases dolls from various regions in Japan, each with its own characteristics and personality. It also sheds light on the evolution of doll craftsmanship over the decades.

‘In Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese performing art using puppets, each puppet is controlled by three individuals to present various tales and stories,” he added.

The exhibition also features a collection of dolls specifically designed for anime enthusiasts, depicti
ng their beloved characters from anime series and games.

Muzium Negara Exhibition and Research Unit curator Shenna Anak Skem said the exhibition will strengthen the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and Japan.

“This exhibition is a proactive and strategic collaborative effort between JMM and JFKL, aimed at making an impact on the relationship between Malaysia and Japan,” she said.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Muzium Negara and JFKL, in collaboration with Animangaki, will organise a Japanese Cultural Day on June 1, featuring a variety of activities such as workshops, demonstrations and competitions related to Japanese culture.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency