The Choc Pot - for lovers of chocolate!

The Choc Pot

Lets admit it, everyone loves chocolate. I know I do. I am a chocaholic. That is why I went with my family to check out the new Choc Pot at the Chatswood Interchange in Sydney Australia. It was the opening weekend of the Vivid light festival, and for the first time, Vivid came to Chatswood.

I was amazed at the array of wonderful desserts on the menu at The Choc Pot. The best part was they all featured chocolate! If I had my way I would always skip mains and head straight to the desserts.

I was after a good time, that is why I was drawn to the dessert listed as "Super Terrific Happy Time" on the menu. It was a delicious home-made crunch waffle with Cranky Pants salted caramel and Belgian chocolate topped with salted caramel fudge pieces and crunchy wafers. The best part was the chocolate, as it tasted like real chocolate. This was because it was real chocolate!

Chocolate Risotto

My wife opted for Mr Souff. The light and fluffy warm soufflé in a ceramic pot came with Mr Cranky Pants salted caramel that was poured over the top. Thumbs up for this chocolate dessert!

Our daughter was attracted to the Chocolate Risotto, which happened to be the Dessert of the Month. The creamy homemade warm chocolate risotto cooked in a slightly zesty spiced vanilla stock came topped with crispy chocolate pearls, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and dark chocolate shavings. It was just the dessert to be warmed up with on the cool evening.

Our son chose The Choc Pot signature dessert - the Choc Pot. It was an eruption of gooey molten chocolate and chocolate cake in a ceramic pot that came with strawberries. I was allowed a (small) spoonful of this decadent warm pudding in a pot and the chocolate taste was awesome. 

Choc Pot

The other desserts we could have chosen were the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, The Secret Garden, Lord of the Crepes, The Splits, Strawberry Field Waffle, S'More Nuts, Double Dip Fondue for Two, Waffle Bites or the Bread and Butter Pudding. These are all imaginative fun and playful twists on classic dessert favourites, with the main attraction being they all feature wonderful mouth-watering chocolate. There is always something new being added on the menu.

One of the secrets behind why The Choc Pot's desserts are so delicious, is that they are freshly-made by hand when you order them. They come out with just the right texture, and not rubbery or hard from being pre-made and just heated up. The other one is that they use only the best of ingredients, including Callebaut chocolate, Jersey milk and Billington’s sugar. Yes, the chocolate is real chocolate.

Super Terrific Happy Time

The service at The Choc Pot is very good. The friendly serving team actually smile as they take your order and bring it to your table when prepared. 

So as not to overdo it, we just had glasses of water with our desserts. To have the complete chocolate experience we will have to go back again to try their range of hot (tea, chocolate) or cold (milkshakes, floats, smoothies, smashers, iced) drinks.

The Choc Pot came about from Ash & Deej's love and passion for each other and for chocolate. The Choc Pot motto is Live Cheeky. This is reflected in their range of chocolate desserts, the imaginative names they have come up with for them, and the design and decor of The Choc Pot dessert bars. They opened their first dessert bar in Burwood, and have just recently opened the new one at the Chatswood Interchange. To get to it just hop off the train or bus at the Chatswood Interchange, and take the escalator or lift up to The District dining area on the 3rd floor.

A range of Cheeky Pots (that can be either eaten straight from the pot or heated up in a microwave) or  Spreads can be ordered online and picked up from one of the dessert bars.

THE CHOC POT LOCATIONS

CHATSWOOD

Location: The District, Level 3 Chatswood Interchange, CHATSWOOD, NSW 2067
Opening Hours: SUN to THURS: 11:00am-10:00pm FRI & SAT : 11:00am-10:30pm

BURWOOD

Location: Shop 7 / 1 Railway Parade BURWOOD, NSW 2134
Opening Hours: MON to THURS: 10:00am-10:00pm FRIDAY: 10:00am-11:00pm SATURDAY: 11:00am-11:00pm SUNDAY/PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 11:00am-10:00pm 

Mr Souff

WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM & TWITTER

The Choc Pot Website

The Choc Pot Facebook Page
The Choc Pot Instagram Page
The Choc Pot Twitter Page

Exhibitors awards for creativity and personality

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) will be presenting awards for Best Stand, Best Regional Stand and Best New Exhibitor Stand at MEETINGS 2015.

Judges will be on the look out for high impact, creativity and personality for the best awards, CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan says.

“We can’t wait to see plenty of clever ideas that take design and people skills outside the square.

“Exhibitors are loving the space at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds and they will be making the most if it,” she says.

A panel of three international buyers will judge the best exhibitor stands.

The awards will be presented at MEETINGS Gala Dinner at Shed 10 on Thursday 11 June.

Registration to attend MEETINGS as a day buyer is free. For more information and to sign up as a day buyer, go to www.meetings.co.nz/daybuyer.

FACT SHEET

• CINZ MEETINGS 2015 is New Zealand’s largest business tourism trade exhibition. 
• Now in its 19th year, MEETINGS has been run annually since 1997 by Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ). 
• MEETINGS is New Zealand’s leading platform for connecting influential domestic, Australian and international buyers with key regions, meeting facilities, accommodation, off-site venues and activities. 
• Air New Zealand is Principal Sponsor for CINZ MEETINGS 2015, renewing its ongoing commitment to the sector and to the Hosted Buyer Programmes. 
• The event’s other major sponsors are ASB Showgrounds, Peek Exhibition and Centium Software. 
•  CINZ MEETINGS 2015 will showcase 190 exhibitors, including 20 new exhibitors from 18 regions across New Zealand. They include venues, theming companies, hotels, AV companies, regional bureaux, attractions and activities. 
• The Luxury Collection, which debuted in 2014, returns in 2015 and will highlight exhibitors offering luxury incentive products, venues and services around New Zealand. 
• Over 90 hosted buyers and media from New Zealand, 90 hosted buyers and media from Australia and 400 day buyers from all around New Zealand are set to attend. 
• Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) and Air New Zealand are bringing a record number of international buyers and media from China, South and South-East Asia and North America. More than 50 buyers and media will attend MEETINGS, with a full day of appointments, and will attend the Gala Dinner before heading around New Zealand on regional familiarisation tours. 
• TNZ is also bringing 10 additional New Zealand-based association buyers with international business. 
• They will hold more than 6,000 meetings during the two days of pre-scheduled appointments and social networking events. 
• With the support of key regional convention bureaux, CINZ is offering Australian hosted buyers seven different regional pre-tours in the weekend prior to MEETINGS 2015- Hamilton/ Waikato, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown.
• Over $50 million of business was contracted at MEETINGS 2014. 

• Media will undertake a hosted VIP tour of the exhibition floor and CINZ will host a VIP Industry tour of the exhibition. 
• Masterclass 2015 for PCOs will feature updates on technology and venue occupational health and safety. 
• Last year 90 per cent of hosted buyers said MEETINGS 2014 met or exceeded their expectations. 
• 96% of hosted buyers at MEETINGS 2014 rated the overall organisation of MEETINGS as very good or excellent, and 95% rated the overall value of their appointments with exhibitors as very good or excellent. 
• Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) is the official, membership based association of New Zealand’s conference and business travel industry with over 400 members across a broad range of sectors www.conventionsnz.co.nz
• CINZ’s role is to advocate with central and local government, profile and market the sector provide information, professional development and bring real business opportunities to its members.

Better Customer Understanding Is The Biggest Takeaway For Corporate Travel World (CTW) China Gold Sponsor AirPlus International China

The first-ever Corporate Travel World (CTW) China held from 14 to 16 April 2015 received substantial sponsorship support from internationally renowned hospitality, airline and other corporate travel solution companies including AirPlus International China, China Eastern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Dragonair, Etihad Airways and Frasers Hospitality, who had the opportunity to engage corporate travel professional delegates through various captive platforms during the event.

AirPlus International China – the leading international provider of business travel paymentsolutions – participated at the inaugural conference as its Gold Sponsor. As a result of their sponsorship, the company was able to engage more than 200 corporate travel professionals during their exclusively branded coffee breaks and showcase their products and services at the table top exhibition. The conference programme itself also provided the opportunity for AirPlus International China to emphasise their leadership and competence in cost savings by sharing their insights and perspectives on this topic at the Corporate Travel and Meeting Cards session held on the second day of the event.

Sharing the motivation behind their sponsorship at CTW China, AirPlus International China’s Managing Director, Lucy Wang said, “This event draws the attention and support of our industry partners and experts, including event co-organiser Carlson Wagonlit Travel, China, who is also one of our major international partners. Our sponsored coffee break session presented an invaluable opportunity for us to engage with the delegates in order to understand more about our customers’ needs and wants.”

CTW China’s ability to bring the brand closer to their key and potential customers is also a huge valuable factor that is in line with AirPlus International China’s outreach plan. As Wang explains, “We leverage on several communication touch points to reach our customers globally. CTW China provided an excellent opportunity to expand our network of customers in the China market, while gaining a better understanding of their needs, as well as industry trends, insights and developments.”

Wang continued, “Our biggest benefit of being here is taking away a good understanding of the market needs, which will aid in our future product development efforts. We look forward to having CTW continue subsequent editions here that focus and specialise on China’s corporate travel market. We are very keen on continuing our participation with CTW China, as we find the show’s depth and relevance valuable. “

Corporate Travel World (CTW) China 2016 will be held from 6 – 8 April in Shanghai and is part of the Shanghai Business Events Week 2016 line-up. For more information, visit www.corporatetravelworld.com/china

CTW CHINA 2016

Date: April 6 - 8, 2016
Venue: Shanghai Exhibition & Convention Center of International Sourcing, China
Event URL: www.corporatetravelworld.com/china

CTW CHINA

The Leading Corporate Travel Management Conference For China

Since 2015, CTW China has been the market’s answer to the proliferation of business travel & entertainment (T&E) activities from Chinese-grown companies and multi-national corporations based in China. This market-driven event is thus dedicated to raising the sophistication of Chinese corporate travel professionals who manage the T&E needs for their organisations. By localising best global practices and cultivating a sustainable expert and peer-sharing knowledge support network, CTW China is at the helm of enabling local influencers, planners and decision makers of corporate travel functions to get the most of their T&E decisions.

Co-located with IT&CM China, CTW China is part of the CTW Events series co-organised by TTG Events, a business group of TTG Asia Media. This event is co-organised by Carlson Wagonlit Travel, China.

ibis Hotels Jump Into Bed With the Australian Music Community

ibis Hotels

In a move which will directly benefit both the Australian music community as well as die-hard music fans, undisputed leader of the economy hotel market ibis Hotels has today announced an innovative campaign where guests can connect, discover and participate in a world of music following the brand's partnership with Deezer, an international music streaming service.

Guests of ibis, ibis styles and ibis budget will have access to an exclusive microsite through the group's partnership with Deezer, called ibis PLAY (www.ibisplay.com), which will grant guests access to regularly updated geo-localised gig guides, tastemaker curated playlists, reviews, music community news, artist interviews, photo galleries and exclusive ibis Hotels created content, while featuring some of Australia's most talented live acts.

Adding to the excitement and to celebrate the ibis Hotels and Deezer partnership, reputable boutique wine producer and known supporters of the Australian music community, Cake Wines has joined the party with a series of out-of-the box ideas certain to cause a stir.

Bridie Commerford, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Accor Australia, said “Accor has worked incredibly hard to develop an offering that today's young music fans will enjoy and find tangible value in. We understand that typically fans of live music travel far and wide for shows and festivals, and spending money on expensive accommodation is not a high priority. Our ibis hotels across Australia can now cleverly play the role of trip planner, enabler and host, while providing exclusive opportunities that no other hotel group can provide.”

Dona Inthaxoum, head of label relations for Deezer in Asia and Oceania, said "This partnership with Ibis is truly representative of our vision for Australia - to make music as accessible as possible so that it becomes an integral part of the everyday lives of Australians. On top of our catalogue of over 35 million tracks, our worldwide network of music editors has specially curated content for the Ibis Play website – where guests at Ibis can enjoy finding old favourites and discovering new tunes in the comfort of their hotel."

ibis Hotels

To celebrate the release of ibis PLAY and ibis Hotels partnership with Deezer and Cake Wines, ibis Hotels are offering stays starting from $109 per night, and giving each guest 15% off the room rate to spend at the bar with their Paint it Redpackage. Offer valid until 19 August 2015.

To book, head to www.ibishotels.com.

ibis

ibis, the worldwide economy hotel brand of the Accor group, offers consistent quality accommodation and services in all its hotels, for the best local value: a well-designed and fully-equipped bedroom, major hotel services available 24/7 and a wide choice of on-site food and beverage options. The quality of the ibis standard has been recognised by the International Organization for Standardization certification ISO 9001 since 1997. ibis is also the world's first hotel chain to demonstrate its environmental commitment through securing the ISO 14001 certification, which has already been awarded to one third of its hotels. Established in 1974, ibis is the European leader and one of the first economy hotel chains in the world, with 1012 hotels in 59 countries. For additional information, please visit www.ibishotel.com.

Abu Dhabi promotes itself as world class golfing destination

The UAE capital Abu Dhabi is building its strength to become a world-class golfing destination. The emirates golf industry partners are planning to target expanding golf markets in Europe, China, and India and across the GCC and UAE.

Pitching the extensive promotional push to the emirate’s golf industry partners, TCA Abu Dhabi is set to get into full swing through the establishment of a powerful Industry Development Committee (IDC), supported by Abu Dhabi’s leading golf courses, tour operators, hoteliers and destination promotion agencies, which will work together to fulfill the emirate’s expanding golf tourism ambitions.

The New website dedicated to golf tourism on visitabudhabi.ae will be marketing and drawing golf enthusiasts. It will be a one stop shop to connect to a range of golf holidays and direct booking tools connecting to the golf industry of the emirates.

The IDC is also focused on facilitating extensive networking opportunities for the leading golf courses and tour operators, driving engagement across the board ahead of the build up to the busy winter golfing season across the emirate.

Sameer Taher Bagaber, IDC Golf Clubs chairman and section manager, Strategy and Policy Department, TCA Abu Dhabi says that Abu Dhabi is perceived as the world’s foremost golfing destinations and visitors are attracted by the diverse golfing experience of the courses.

With over 4.5 million visits and over 100,000 active users of the associated mobile apps, visitabudhabi.ae will host individual pages for each of the emirate’s golf clubs in nine languages, and will be supported by a dedicated packages section and offer the opportunity to book rounds directly with the individual golf clubs.

All global awareness activity will drive users to the site, and the site will also feature unique content from Matteo Manassero, the Golf in Abu Dhabi Ambassador, as well as detailed information on the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the European Tour’s annual curtain-raising event held on the National Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club each January.

A priority for the IDC Golf Clubs group is to expand the number of worldwide tour operators featuring Abu Dhabi’s golf proposition in their marketing campaigns and brochures.

Targeting activities in the UK, Germany, France and Italy, the European golf market has been identified as one of huge growth potential, with a series of joint marketing promotions, familiarisation visits and major golf event promotional activities on the cards. The IDC will also be working closely with clubs and domestic Tour Operators to develop packages in the emirate, with the popularity of ‘night golf’ a particular focus.

Users will be able to view various golf content as part of the global promotional activity which will be supported by visitabudhabi, social media channels and digital advertising. Regular newsletters will be sent to more than 65,000 subscribers. The activity is anticipated to generate 200,000 visits during the course of the year, which will be a huge boost for golf tourism.

Sleep With Australia's Most Artistic Hotel QT Sydney and Experience the MCA's Light Show This Winter

With its strong focus on art and design, QT Sydney, the most cutting-edge design hotel in Australia and the official hotel partner of Sydney's iconic Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) has launched the 'Light It Up' package for guests to celebrate the opening of the museum's spectacular new 'Light Show' exhibition, coinciding with Vivid this winter.

The 'Light It Up' package at QT Sydney includes overnight accommodation for two guests in a luxurious QT King Deluxe room, breakfast for two at the hotel's award-winning restaurant Gowings Bar & Grill, and two tickets to 'Light Show' at the MCA. This major exhibition explores all facets of light and its versatility as a sculptural medium, showcasing nearly 20 installations and sculptures by international artists from the 1960s to today, including such renowned luminaries as Dan Flavin, Francois Morellet, David Batchelor, Carlos Cruz-Diez, James Turrell and Anthony McCall.

Presented in conjunction with Vivid Sydney and the UN/Unesco 2015 International Year of Light, 'Light Show' will also be complemented by a series of public programs, including LIGHT LAB, a creative family space offering free interactive activities with light and color, and extended hours at MCA until 9pm every night during Vivid Sydney (May 22-June 8, 2015).

Since opening in September 2012, and as the only member of the exclusive Design Hotels to be located in Sydney, QT has transformed the city's hospitality scene and, with its unique design and art-centric interior, has established a reputation for being a venue for showcasing contemporary artists and a wildly eclectic collection of new medium art throughout the hotels public areas, lifts, lobbies, dining spaces and guest rooms.

QT Sydney's Art Curator, Amanda Love, has commissioned and acquired a vast collection of modern art that is the hallmark of the hotel's public spaces. With a strong focus on local and regional talent, works include a signature digital installation by New Zealand artist Daniel Crooks, a multi-channel installation by indigenous artist Daniel Boyd, and sculptures by Sydney-based Morgan Shimeld.

The Light It Up Package:

• Overnight accommodation in a QT King Deluxe
• Breakfast in Gowings Bar & Grill
• 2 tickets to the MCA 'Light Show'

Prices start from $370 per night and available for bookings between 16 April – 5 July.

For more information or to book the package at QT Sydney, please visit: www.qtsydney.com.au/promotions/light-show. 

For more information on 'Light Show' at MCA, visit: www.mca.com.au/exhibition/light-show.

Bestonia: A beautiful life in Estonia

What? You’re from Australia and live in Estonia?

“Yes, I live here in Tallinn.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to try something different.”

A local’s reaction? They laugh!

In a way it seems rather exotic to live in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, but not in the way that people generally think of exotic destinations like places filled with sunshine and beaches. Tallinn is this hidden gem tucked away on the east side of Europe and that when people do come to visit, they are pleasantly surprised with what this small yet thriving seaside city has to offer.

For me, I get to live out my Disney Princess fantasy. Tallinn is home to one of Europe’s most preserved medieval old towns famously labelled the ‘medieval pearl of Europe’ and is UNESCO listed.

It is easy to spend a day getting lost along the cobblestone streets of Old Town and soaking up the surrounds. A favourite afternoon past time is to sit in Town Square and and unwind with a traditional fare of Estonian food – Elk soup! And don´t forget the moose pie too – it is delicious!

Along the outskirts of Tallinn, there are various oddities and sights to visit. The Russian Market sells anything and everything – from Russian delicacies, items from Soviet times to tombstones, it is really a sight to behold. Abandoned building Linnahall, used for the 1980 Moscow Olympics Rowing competition, is a local favourite spot to watch the sunset and gaze at ferry liners departing to Helsinki, Stockholm and St Petersburg. The area of Kalamaja oozes coolness and is considered to be the hip and happening area of Tallinn with former old industrial type buildings converted into trendy restaurants and cafes and start up designers selling goods in warehouse buildings.

Close around Tallinn, there are many abandoned buildings from the Soviet era and beyond including manors, old submarine ports and castles.

And this is why I live in Tallinn. It is completely different. There are so many unique things to see and considering its challenging and interesting past, the overall vibe of the place is peaceful and perfect. Perfect for me to live out my fairy tale dream.

* Blog written by Julia D’Orazio

Disney’s Cars and Disney’s Frozen take over the Winter Skate Festival at Medibank Icehouse these school holidays

There will be no winter blues in sight for the young or young-at-heart these school holidays, with Medibank Icehouse’s Winter Skate Festival returning with Disney’s Cars and Disney’s Frozen fun and games.

Boys and girls alike will love the thrill of racing and the quest for speed in the first week of school holidays, with Disney’s Cars racing into the ice rink.

From June 29 to July 5, champion race car Lightning McQueen will turn the Olympic size rink into a roaring ice-laden racetrack between 11am and 3pm every day. Lightning McQueen will be revved up and ready to meet all his fans on the ice.

Racing inspiration can then be channelled into the inflatable racetrack, where kids have the chance to get behind the wheel of a specially designed bob sled and feel as fast as lightning.

During the week visitors can also watch ice carving experts transform a block of ice into a replica of Lightning McQueen.

Then from July 6 to July 11, Medibank Icehouse will be transformed by the magic of Disney’s Frozen every day from 11am to 3pm.

Frozen-themed activities will cast a frosty fun spell over the budding Elsa’s, Anna’s and Kristoff’s of Melbourne, including a fun karaoke experience that lets visitors record themselves singing the all-time favourite “Let It Go”.

From 12pm, 1pm and 2pm daily, performers will also take to the ice to deliver live renditions of the “Let It Go” chart topper, as well as “Do You Want To Build a Snowman?” and “First Time in Forever”.

Children and parents alike are encouraged to get in the spirit by coming dressed as their favourite Frozen characters while enjoying all things Frozen.

The Disney fairy-tale doesn’t end at Medibank Icehouse though, with kids given the chance to take home Frozen and Cars game giveaways and ultimate prize packs.

All the Winter Skate Festival activities at Medibank Icehouse are free with all day general admission entry:

• Adult - $26 including skate hire
• Concession - $24 including skate hire
• Child (6 to 14) - $22 including skate hire
• Child (3 to 5) - $13 including skate hire
• Family (two adults and two children) - $80 including skate hire

The winter school holiday program will also include:

• Free Beginners Lessons – Free with entry and designed to give non skaters the skills they require to enjoy their experience. Every hour from 11.00am to 2.00pm daily as well as a 7.00pm lesson.
• Come and try Ice Sports – The perfect introduction to ice sports, anyone who purchases a general skating ticket can try ice hockey and speed skating on Saturday 4th of July between 1.45-3.00pm and figure skating and curling on Sunday 5th 1.45-3.00pm.

Medibank Icehouse in Melbourne Australia continues its extensive promotions and partnerships well into the year, giving visitors the best value entry fees and ancillary offers available. These offers include a partnership with Melbourne Star (Observation Wheel) where guests can enjoy a 20% discount for a flight. 

Visitors also receive a 20% discount on entry when they show a valid Vline ticket.

For more information please visit www.icehouse.com.au.

UNESCO-Malaysia Day 2015 celebrated with great fervour and zeal

In a swirling display of music, dance and ‎youthful energy, Director-General Irina Bokova and the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Tan Sri Muhiddin Mohd Yassin celebrated Hari UNESCO Malaysia on the theme of “Togetherness,” in Kuala Lumpur on 24 May, 2015.

“Hari UNESCO Malaysia has special significance in this year when we mark the Organization’s 70th anniversary. The theme of ‘Togetherness’ stands at the heart of UNESCO’s mission to strengthen humanity as a single community,” said the Director-General, who praised the presence of so many young people, youth groups and artists.

“The voices, energy and ideas of young people have never been as important as they are today, in world transforming, getting younger every day.”

Ms Bokova highlighted the breadth of Malaysia’s partnership with UNESCO, together with its leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that all “testify to a belief in the power of education for tackling poverty and building inclusive prosperity.”

Celebrated since 2011, this year’s Malaysia UNESCO Day was staged in the symbolic setting where Malaysia proclaimed its independence on 30 August 1957.

“Since then, Malaysia has progressed from being a commodity-based nation to that of a manufacturing and knowledge based economy,” said Mr Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin, who serves also as Minister of Education and the President of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO.

“All this could not have been achieved if Malaysia was devoid of one critical characteristic that is unity. This simply means that the common bond of being Malaysia binds us together, irrespective of race, religion and socio-economic stature. And as such, this brings about the aptness of our theme today, which is Togetherness.”

He further affirmed that “UNESCO’s aspiration has always served as a point of reference for our developmental plans and goals.”

The Director-General and the Deputy Prime Minister toured animated ‎booths, featuring youth talents and initiatives, from batik and puppet making to robotics, natural conservation projects, university clubs, community service work, street libraries and story telling.

They also walked through an interactive exhibition, showcasing Malaysia’s rich cultural and natural heritage, spanning the historic cities of Melaka and George Town to the Malu and Kinabalu Parks and the archaeological heritage of the Lenggong Valley; the art of Mak Yong Theatre, four Memory of the World inscriptions and two Biosphere Reserves.

At the close of the event, the Malaysian chapter of the YESPeace Network (Youth for Education Sustainability and Peace Network) was launched, an initiative of UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, based in India.

Malaysia is hosting the third meeting of the Scientific Advisory Board of the United Nations Secretary-General, which opens on 25 May.

Preparing for Southern Fruit Festival in HCM City

From June 1-20, 2015, the Southern Fruit Festival will take place at Suoi Tien Tourist Area, HCM City.

The event aims to honor values of exotic fruits and growers in Viet Nam and the Southern region in particular as well as to promote the cultural identity of Vietnamese people.

At the festival, there will be more than 150 kinds of regionally distinguished fruits, like Nam Roi grapefruit, Queen dragon fruit, Luc Ngan lychee, and Cai Mon, Ben Tre durian… to be introduced to visitors. In addition, many other activities will be held in the frame of the festival such as fruit parade, a show of rare fruits and cooking contest.

Specially, an int’l music performance staged by both domestic and foreign art troupes from India, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos and folk games will also be held.

In 2014, the southern fruit festival welcomed more than 1 million visitors.