Friday, 19 Jul 2024   | 8:46 PM 

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Department for Culture and Arts has organised the Asean Heritage Train (AHT) - Enhancing Connectivity Towards Cultural Diversity programme from July 9 to 26, bringing together artists from Asean countries.

In a statement on Friday (July 19), the department announced that AHT will be mainly held aboard a train traversing across Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand, in collaboration with Persatuan Penggiat Pelancongan Senibudaya Warisan Kraf Negri Selangor and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad.

"AHT is a programme under the Asean Cultural Fund. It gathers artists in the fields of performing arts, gastronomy, and crafts from nine Southeast Asian countries - Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

"The journey begins in Laos, passes through Thailand, and ends in Malaysia. Throughout this scenic route, delegates will participate in art performances, exhibitions, workshops, craft demonstrations, and traditional cooking," read the statement.

It highlighted that AHT aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural diversity in the Southeast Asian region, strengthen relationships, and create a network of collaboration among participants.

The statement informed that the AHT will pass through Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane in Laos from July 9 to 14, followed by Nong Khai, Bangkok, Phetchaburi, and Songkhla in Thailand from July 15 to 20, and cover Kedah, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from July 21 to 26.

"One of its main highlights is the Asean Traditional Headgear Exhibition, which will take place from July 22 to 24 at KL Sentral. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is expected to launch AHT on July 23," the statement added.

Meanwhile, in the same statement, the department's director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said the programme is meant to foster an appreciation for cultural arts, provide a platform for local community participation, and strengthen the Asean identity.

"It will also indirectly enhance cultural understanding, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to a more inclusive, connected, and sustainable Asean community," he said.

More information and details about AHT can be obtained at its Facebook page www.facebook.com/mysenibudaya. - Bernama