31/05/2026
Bringing Muay Thai to the World
ASEAN Village ( Home of culture, tradition,sports and education sharing)
On 23 May 2026, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad officially concluded the 5th Online Internship Program (OIP) 2026, held in conjunction with the "ASEAN Village" cultural event. As a flagship program aligned with Indonesia's chairship of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), this year's OIP was organized in collaboration with the University of the Punjab to strengthen people-to-people contacts between ASEAN and Pakistan, particularly through education.
On this occasion,
Ambassador Mr. Shahid Ali Seehar, Director General of the East Asia and Pacific Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, attended as the Chief Guest.
Indonesian Ambassador H.E Lt. Gen (R) Chandra Warsenanto, Thai Ambassador H.E Mr Rongvudhi Virabutr, Philippine Ambassador H.E Dr. Emmanuel Fernandez, Malaysian High Commissioner H.E Mr Dato Muhammad Azhar Mazlan, Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner Colonel (r) Kamal Basha, Myanmar Ambassador H.E Mr Wunna Han, PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali,officials from ASEAN embassies, Officials from Pakistan foreign office representatives from cultural and sports like Pakistan Muay Thai Federation were present.
The closing ceremony showcased traditional dances (like Malaysia's Pahang dance and Indonesia's Ganongan)
Internationalised Thai taste: the offering of the famous street food- Thai style chicken rice with spicy dipping and ‘Yok Manee’ pandan sago pudding impressed the ASEAN diplomatic corps and youth participants
Bringing Muay Thai to the world: demonstration of the legendary Muay Thai by the Pakistan Muay Thai Federation of Pakistan.
At the event, the Myanmar Embassy served traditional food and showcased a variety of exhibits at the Myanmar representative pavilion. These displays included traditional handmade Pathein umbrellas, wooden sculptures, Myanmar traditional gold embroidery, Myanmar Marionettes, precious Myanmar jade and amber products, as well as the country's famous tourist destinations.
Led by H.E. Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez and Mme. Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez, the 30-member Philippine delegation showcased the Philippines’ rich culture and traditions through a vibrant Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan-themed cultural booth, complete with floral decorations, a sagala exhibit, and an informative video presentation on the beloved Filipino May celebration.
Guests also enjoyed warm servings of arroz caldo, a comforting Filipino rice porridge symbolizing Filipino hospitality and care, while participating in fun trivia and interactive cultural games led by the Philippine team as part of the ASEAN Amazing Race.
