A cultural exchange program promoting trade and travel named "Experience Maldives" has been successfully held in Malaysia by the Embassy of Maldives in collaboration with the Maldivian company Typewriter Pvt. Ltd. The week long programme which started on 6th March 2017 day tours to universities and ended last night with a main event in Malaysian Tourism Centre (MATIC).
Universities that supported the day tours were Nottingham University, Sunway University, Asia Pacific University and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. The day tours at universities included interactive Maldivian music performances by Mandheera Boduberu and FasyLive. A lucky winner was selected at each Partner University after a raffle draw where the winner got a free 4 night inclusive holiday package in Maldives.
The main event held last night consists of an exhibition and an invitee only Gala Night. The exhibition that began at 19:30 Malaysian time included showcasing of Maldivian products, art and cuisine. The Gala Night which began at 20:45 Malaysian time included a cultural dance performance by Asia Pacific University students, Traditional lifestyle of Maldives by Maldivian artist Ahmed Nimad (Andhu), well known Maldivian contemporary musician Ahmed Faseeh (Fasylive) and Mandheera Boduberu and a combined performance of Malaysian Cultural Orchestra, Mandheera Boduberu and Fasylive. In addition to that Holiday packages were awarded to the four University lucky winners by Maldives Ambassador Mohamed Fahmy Hassan. Speaking at last night’s Gala Night the Ambassador looked into the history of Maldives and some of the cultural similarities that both the Maldives and Malaysia have. The Ambassador thanked everyone involved in making “Experience Maldives” a successful event.
Speaking on behalf of the event organizer, Typewriter Pvt. Ltd. Maldives their Managing Director Shaahy Abdulla said “This is a great platform to enhance ties with Malaysia and to promote Maldivian culture.” The main sponsor of the event was Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company and co-sponsored by Maldives Tourism Development Corporation while Ensis Fisheries helped as an associate sponsor.