ASEAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL
アセアン文化祭
The Association of Southeast Asian states or better known as ASEAN is a political and economic organization of 10 Southeast Asian countries. ASEAN has a motto of "One Vision, One Identity, One Community".
Brunei
Brunei, officially the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Brunei is the only sovereign state completely on the island of Borneo; the remainder of the island's territory is divided between the nations of Malaysia and Indonesia. Brunei's population was 408,786 in July 2012.
Cambodia
Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, once known as the Khmer Empire, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Its total landmass is 181,035 square kilometres (69,898 sq mi), bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia. An archipelagocomprising thousands of islands, Indonesia has an estimated population of over 255 million people and is the world's fourth-most-populous country and the most-populous Muslim-majority country.
Malaysia
Interesting and Amazing Facts About Malaysia
1. Do you know that the KL Tower (421m) appears to be taller than the Petronas Towers? This is because it is built on top of a 94m hill.
2. The oil palm produces the highest yield of oil per hectare compared to other vegetable oils. It is the most consumed and the cheapest edible oil in the world.
3. According to a survey reported in 2010, Malaysians had the largest number of friends on Facebook, with an average of 233. The Japanese were the pickiest with only 29 friends.
Laos
Laos’ unique mix of stunning natural beauty, rich culture and relaxed places attract people coming back time and time again. In the northern part, there is the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang where you can savor our temples, caves and waterfalls, colorful night market, fragrant cuisine and gentle area around the banks of the Mekong River. Close to Luang Prabang, we have Xieng Khouang province, where you can explore the mysterious megalithic archaeological landscape of the Plain of Jars. From there, you can go back to the Mekong River to explore the colonial grandeur and majestic Buddhist temples of the capital city, Vientiane. Later you can wrap up your journey with a visit to the biggest waterfall in Southeast Asia Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, and the tranquil riverine archipelago of 4,000 Islands in southern Laos. Laos is definitely a must-see simply beautiful country!
Myanmar
Myanmar is located South East Asia, long shape from north to south and border with China, Thai, Bangladesh and Laos . South side of Myanmar has contiguous coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Myanmar has an area of 680,000 square kilometers (about 1.8 times that of Japan) and population is 5,141 million people. It is in the tropical monsoon climate and main seasons are summer, rainy season and winter. A diverse range of languages and cultures exists in Myanmar since there are more than 135 ethnic groups living in the country. Most of Ethnic minorities are living in mountain areas and the other ethnic groups are living in flat areas. Highest mountain of South East Asia, Mt. Hkakabo Razi is located at northan part Myanmar. South of the country is surronded by natual sandy beaches and blue sea. If you come to myanmar, please visit to both mountain area and beaches. Since food from each ethnic group is different, you can enjoy varity of food in each area. Moreover, Myanmar has a wide range of tropical fruits.
Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago comprised of more than 7,000 islands. It is home to about 100 million Filipinos who are known for their hospitality, so you can expect smiles and great memories when you come to visit the country. There are many languages spoken in the Philippines but the official languages are Filipino and English.
The Philippines is a country with rich biodiversity, both in flora and fauna. Its archipelagic feature has created natural wonders, such as beautiful beaches, underground rivers, rainforests and waterfalls, and mountains and caves. Being one with nature has never been as easy or as fun to do as in the Philippines. Aside from the glorious nature scenes, the Philippines has also a rich historical and cultural heritage. From the standing stone fortress within the city of Manila, to the historic town of Vigan that serves as a time machine taking you back to the sights of the Philippines during the Spanish era, to the national museums that house many works from famous Filipino artists, to the sprawling high-rise and business landscapes of urban cities, the link of past and present lingers in your senses.
Whether you are looking to experience the unique taste palettes of Filipino cuisine, feel the fine sands of their beaches under your toes, participate and regale in the many festivals all throughout the year, or stroll along the stoned pavements of history, the Philippines can offer you a myriad of cultural experiences that would stay with long after you have returned back to your home country.
Thailand
At the geographical heart of ASEAN lies Thailand, the third largest country in Southeast Asia. Kind, friendly and generous by nature, the Thais and their hospitality are widely renowned, and Thailand has become known to visitors as “The Land of Smiles”. Thailand boasts a rich and unique culture which is sure to captivate, from the variations of the Thai Dance; elegant performances symbolic of each region, to the world-famous Muay Thai, or Thai Kickboxing. As Buddhism is closely woven into Thai society from the early days, there are numerous cultural sites of significance to satisfy any historical tour, such as the ancient ruins and temples in the World Heritage city, Ayutthaya. The tropical climate also provides Thailand a delightful variety of tropical fruits, from durian, the King of Fruits, to the sweet, succulent coconut. Flavored with a vast selection of herbs and spices, Thai dishes come with an array of rich aromas and tastes you will never forget, and this is what we have brought you this year. We hope you enjoy our food and drinks, and be sure to visit Thailand and experience the authentic Thai culture.
Singapore
Singapore, one of the founding members of ASEAN, is an island city-state in the heart of South East Asia. Singapore achieved her independence in 1965 and celebrated her 50th birthday earlier this year.
Geographically, Singapore is situated 1 degree North of the equator. Like many of its ASEAN neighbours, Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with high levels of precipitation and high temperatures throughout the year.
Characterised by its cultural diversity, Singapore is home to more than 5 million people from 4 major ethnic groups- Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians.
Perhaps as a result of the racial diversity and large numbers of foreign nationals in Singapore, cuisines from all around the world can be found in the city and some have even merged to form fusion cuisines. For example, Peranakan cuisine is the unique hybrid of Malay and Chinese cuisine.
Food is often seen as one of the most attractive features of the country for tourists and residents alike. That being said, Singapore also prides itself on its principles of Meritocracy, efficient institutions and economic developments.
In terms of foreign relationships, Singapore contributes actively in international and regional organisations such as ASEAN. Singapore most recently hosted the ASEAN summit in 2007 and has been hosting the Shangri-La Dialogue since 2002.
Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. With an estimated 90.5 million inhabitants as of 2014, it is the world's 13th-most-populous country, and the eighth-most-populous Asian country. The name Vietnam translates as "Southern Viet" (synonymous with the much older term Nam Viet); it was first officially adopted in 1802 by Emperor Gia Long, and was adopted again in 1945 with the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh. The country is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and Malaysia across the South China Sea to the southeast.[8] Its capital city has been Hanoi since the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1976.