Singapore - Singapore and Malaysia have collaborated to organise a four-day event filled with arts and cultural activities, from May 8-11.
It is called Titian Budaya, which means "cultural bridge", and is being held at The Esplanade.
The idea of Titian Budaya took root in 2005, when Malaysia decided to cultivate and enhance bilateral ties with ASEAN member countries in culture, arts and heritage.
The first Titian Budaya was held in Brunei from 24 to 26 March 2006 and the second in Indonesia from 16 to 18 December 2006.
Singapore is the travelling multi-modal cultural extravaganza‘s third stop. The programme will continue with other ASEAN member states.
The highlight of this year‘s event is a concert by artistes from Singapore and Malaysia on Friday.
The show was attended by the Information, Communications and the Arts Minister, Dr Lee Boon Yang, and his Malaysian counterpart Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Among the performers were Malaysian Idol Jaclyn Victor and Singapore television celebrity, Maya Rahman. A fashion show, featuring batik art, was also part of the concert.
Besides the concert, there is also a visual arts exhibition at the National Museum - which features "The One Kilometre World - the World‘s Longest Pen Drawing on Canvas", by S Amin Shahab - and a film week showcasing Malaysian films, including "Evolusi KL Drift", "Congkak", "Duyung" and "Cuci".
The event is put together by the Malaysian Ministry of National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage and is supported by Singapore‘s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.
Jaclyn Victor said: "It‘s really exciting because it sort of showcases your voice in another country and (on) another level. So I‘m really excited."
Maya Rahman added: "Such shows like Titian Budaya will help Singapore and Malaysia to get closer. I hope there will be more such shows in the future."
Meanwhile, the arts ministers of both countries have said that besides Titian Budaya, more partnerships in arts and culture can be expected in the future.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com (10 Mei 2008)
