2024 Joint ASEAN Societies Reception; David Stringer-Lamarre, MD, Fortis Consulting London, was pleased to be the MC. Lao reported on progress during the year of it Presidency of ASEAN and Malaysia commented upon objectives for it’s coming year.

The several UK based societies with a focus on countries with ASEAN came together, with diplomats and invited guests to consider varied aspects of ASEAN. From a UK perspective the fact the country will soon be joining CPTPP was an added dimension to this year’s discussion.

Fortis Consulting London is active in international business development with respect to ASEAN and a member of British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT).

Welcoming addresses were made by Mei Sim Lai OBE DL, Chair, The British Malaysian Society and Steve Buckley, Chair, Anglo-Thai Society.

The keynote speakers were: The Rt Hon The Lord Vaizey of Didcot, Chairman of UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC); Thavone Singhraj, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Lao and Mohiuddin Ghazali, Deputy High Commissioner of Malaysia.

There were cultural inputs including songs by Aaron Teoh and a traditional dance from Sarawak performed by Munica Liwan.

Image by Marcus Jamieson-Pond FRSA: David Stringer-Lamarre