The ASEAN Ladies Circle, or ALC in The Hague, organised the first ASEAN Coffee Morning at the beautiful Kasteel de Wittenburg in Wassenaar on Tuesday, 22 November 2022. This event was organised to honour the solidarity and togetherness of ASEAN’s women, as indicated in the ASEAN motto “One Vision, One Identity, One Community,” and introduce the Netherlands’ international community to the rich culture of ASEAN nations.
ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional organisation presently comprising 10 Southeast Asian nations. The ALC comprises spouses of ASEAN Ambassadors and diplomats, and female diplomats and staff members of 5 ASEAN Embassies based in The Hague, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Present were 60 persons, being the members of the Ambassadors’ Spouse’s Association (ASA) and the friends of the ALC.
Present were 60 persons, being the members of the Ambassadors’ Spouse’s Association (ASA) and the friends of the ALC.
When seated, we started with singing the The ASEAN anthem with the following text “we dare to dream, we care to share, together for ASEAN” which is a perfect summary of the ASEAN Identity and Unity.
The words of welcome were spoken by the spouse of the Thai Ambassador, Mrs. Nataya Archjananun, who is the current President of the ALC for the term 2021-2022. In her presentation, Mrs. Archjananun mentioned that ASEAN nations are rich in cultural diversity, friendly people with natural charms, many beautiful sites to visit, and delicious food, and is on track to become 4th largest economy in the world. In her speech she said “All of these reflects the strength of Southeast Asia as a region amidst diversity in cultures, languages, and religions. Yet, despite all these differences, we are united as one. Today, ALC would like to invite you to experience and see the uniqueness of our ASEAN countries. Imaging yourself taking a tour for holiday to visit ASEAN. So, fasten your seat belts and please enjoy your “trip” today to see we are united as one ASEAN Community. ASEAN nations is rich in cultural diversity, friendly people with natural charms, many beautiful sites to visit, and delicious food, and is on track to become 4th largest economy in the world. Kopkun mark ka.”
The event featured a fashion show, cultural entertainment, and delicious Southeast Asian cuisine. Guests were introduced to performances of Panyembrama Dance from Indonesia, Wan Bulan dance from Malaysia, Igorat Cordillera Dance from the Philippines, and Rum Plern Dance from Thailand.
In addition, they were also introduced to the traditional attire of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The fashion show became even more spectacular as the spouses of ASEAN Ambassadors and H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah Osman, Ambassador of Malaysia paraded in their exquisite attires.
All ASEAN country’s celebrations include delicious food, a warm ambience, and entertaining activities. Guests were invited to sample unique dishes from each ASEAN country, such as Nasi Lemak, Sa-te, Chendol, Pad Thai, Goi Cuon, Palabok, and Ube Macapano cupcakes. All those present enjoyed the delicious Asian dishes.
The celebration ended on a high enjoyment, thanks partly to ASEAN Line Dance, performed by ASEAN women present and all the guests. The solidarity as ASEAN women is celebrated and cherished through this dance.
Written by Nanda Jagusiak-Monteiro