By V. Sivaji
Being the first female Honorary Consul in Penang, the Honorary Consul of Brazil in Penang Dato Annie Chin was conferred the rare recognition of being awarded the “Order of Rio Branco” by the Brazilian government.
The Order of Rio Branco (formed in 1963) serves to recognise and celebrate the merits of Brazilians and foreign individuals who have significantly contributed to the promotion of Brazil’s relations with the world.
Present to conferred the award was the Brazilian ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr Ary Norton de Murat Quintella.
Also present was the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Chow Kon Yeow along with several state exco members. Among them were YB Yeoh Soon Hin, YB Zairil Khir Johari and YB Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain at the St Giles Wembley Hotel here.
Lending support was the Consul-General of Japan in Penang, His Excellency Mr Orikasa Hiroyuki, Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Penang, H E Bapak Bambang Suharto, H E Zheng Fang, Consul of Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang and the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium in Penang Michel Van Crombrugge.
“I am pleased to preside over this ceremony to recognise Dato Annie with the Order of Rio Branco. She is not only also the Honorary Consul of Brazil in Penang but also for Kedah.
“She has also help organise the first Latin American Film Festival in Penang and also serves for the Women for Change (WCC),” said Mr Ary Norton.
Meanwhile, Chow congratulated Dato Annie for the recognition and paid credit as she joins a group of select Malaysians whose commendable contributions in promoting international diplomacy between Brazil and Malaysia.
“I believe Dato Annie will do her very best in enhancing cooperation between our two countries especially in fields of cultural engagement, industry and other areas of mutual interest,” he said.
In the meantime, Chow also urged more Brazilians to visit Penang once the international borders open soon.
