MFA Press Statement: Visit of Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed to Batam, Indonesia, 2 October 2008

Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed visited Batam on 2 October 2008 to attend the Hari Raya Open House of Riau Islands Province Governor Mr Ismeth Abdullah at the Haj Transit Centre. Governor Ismeth's Open House was attended by three thousand people. SMS Zainul was received by Governor Ismeth, as well as Governor Ismeth's wife Aida and son Danny. SMS Zainul was accompanied by his wife Madam Sakdiah, Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC Ms Denise Phua and a delegation comprising nine prominent figures from the Singapore Malay community. These included Cultural Medallion winner Madam Som Said, batik artist Mr Sarkasi Said, CEO of Mercy Relief Mr Hassan Ahmad, Deputy President of the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Akbar Kader, General Manager of the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) Mr Eddy Noor Hassan, Board Member of the MHC Mr Osman Hamid and owner of the Karezzma Engku N. store at MHC Madam Engku Nurhuda.

The delegation was treated to a traditional Hari Raya feast and entertained by local musicians. SMS Zainul had an exchange with Governor Ismeth on Singapore's relations with the Riau Islands province, including developments in the Batam, Bintan and Karimun Special Economic Zones, and opportunities for other areas of cooperation between the two sides. They also discussed the possibility of the Qur'an institute in the Riau Islands province working together with its Singapore counterpart.

After the Open House, the delegation proceeded to the Infinite Frameworks digital animation studio located at Turi Beach Resort. Managing Director of Infinite Frameworks Mr Mike Wiluan briefed them on the set-up of the studio and on the production of the forthcoming animated feature film, "Sing to the Dawn", which will premiere in Singapore in end-October 2008.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
3 OCTOBER 2008