Malaysia And Singapore Want To Strengthen Cultural Ties

By Zakaria Abdul Wahab

SINGAPORE, May 10 - Malaysia and Singapore want to strengthen cooperation in culture, arts and heritage as the "Titan Budaya" joint programme has been instrumental in forging cultural ties.

Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal who was here for "Titian Budaya" said the countries would be strengthening cooperation in handicraft and museum activities.

He hoped that the programme which includes cultural and fashion shows by Malaysian artistes could be held in Malaysia, this time by Singapore artistes.

The four-day programme included a Malaysian Film Festival Week where painter S. Amin Shahab showed his skills painting a kilometre-long canvass.

The highlight was the screening of nine Malay films, including latest offerings "Duyung" and "Congkak."

Shafie was today accompanied by Singapore Information, Comunication and Arts Minister Dr Lee Boon Yang to visit the Singapore National Museum and the new Peranakan Museum.

It was the third "Titian Budaya" programme after Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia held to strengthen cultural ties among Asean members since 2006.

Malaysia-Singapore ties had been strained for years over issues like water, the new bridge and claims over Pulau Batu Putih in the Johor Straits.

The Pulau Batu Putih issue will be decided by the International Court in The Hague, Netherlands on May 23 - BERNAMA