Message Allex Seah Portuguese Settlement 3rd Asian Portugues Community Conference

 “It gives me great pleasure be here with the delegates of the 3^rd Asian Portuguese Community Conference.

 

I understand that this is the third time such an event is being held in Melaka. I wish to welcome you to our historical State and hope you have a pleasant stay here.

 

Melaka is made up of many races including several ethnic minorities with unique centuries-old cultural traditions and this includes the Melaka Portuguese community.

 

I must acknowledge that the Melaka Portuguese community plays an important role towards our State’s promotion in the tourism sector.

 

The Melaka Portuguese have been localized, with their culture and traditions preserved for hundreds of years.

 

They have also retained the language of their ancestors. I am told that several hundreds of the local Portuguese words spoken in the Portuguese Settlement are similar to words used in Bahasa Malaysia.

 

Likewise, several traditional music like the Portuguese folk songs, have similarities to our local folk music too.

 

The Asian Portuguese community gathering today will further enhance our State potential for more tourists to visit Melaka.

 

Again, I wish to thank the Organizing Committee for inviting me to this gathering today and wish all the delegates a great success in this conference.

 

Thank you."

 

Allex Seah Shoo Chin

EXCO Pembangunan Usahawan, Koperasi dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna Negeri Melaka