It’s here. The Malaysia Global Business Forum, Bosnia and Herzegovina is finally here in Kuching, Sarawak! Held in the humble city of Kuching, the capital city of the state of Sarawak, located in the heart of Borneo.

 

First of all, great thanks to Mr. Nordin Abdullah, the Managing Director of Glenreagh Sdn. Bhd., the main organiser of the forum, for inviting myself, Fahri, Cyril and Amiey to cover the 3-day event, and all access pass to the events. Thanks once again, it is indeed a great opportunity.

 

The opening dinner was held on the 8th November, first day of the forum itself, to welcome expatriates from Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as local entrepreneurs to the business forum. As once said, “This is the gathering of both worlds!”

 

“Don’t judge the book by it’s cover”. Yes indeed. No doubt, that Bosnia and Herzegovina used to be a war torn country during the war in 1992. Even some said, when anyone mentioned the country Bosnia, they thought it’s going to be like Iraq and Afghanistan, or should I say, even more graphical, it should look like this:

 

Source: Wikipedia (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Nevertheless, Bosnia and Herzegovina went through a hard time back then during the war, it was disastrous. Before putting on a judgement immediately about a country, take a look at Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

 

 

 

There you have it. This is what Sarajevo looks like. Quite similar to what you see in Austria and Switzerland. Does this change what you think about Bosnia and Herzegovina now? I’m sure you are.

 

Now, back to business. Fahri, Cyril, Amiey and I carpooled to the convention centre. As usual, we got to be there earlier meet up with Ms. Anne and Lily. We dressed up pretty well, in line with the dresscode for the opening gala dinner. It’s great to dress up formally sometimes though.

Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching

 

We reached at the venue at about 7.15 pm, as usual, we have to be earlier isn’t it? That should be our culture when it comes to such high profile event.

And there, we found ourselves a seat at the media table, while waiting for the guest of honour, The Right Honourable Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to arrive. I was quite busy taking photos of the event, I could only remember some of the things mentioned during the speech. Sorry for that. But, enjoy the photos!

 

The arrival of Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to the Opening Gala Dinner.

Welcoming dance. 

 

Welcoming speech by Mr. Nordin Abdullah.

 

Speech by The Honourable Dr. Selmo Cikotic, Minister of Defence Bosnia-Herzegovina.

 

Opening speech by The Right Honourable Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sarawak.

 

Mr. Nordin presenting a momento to Pehin Sri Abdul Taib.

 

Entree!