Forge Networking, Collaboration With Foreign Scouts - Malaysian State Minister

KUCHING (Sarawak, Malaysia), May 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia's Sarawak state government welcomed any kind of networking and collaboration between local scouts and their foreign counterparts. State Minister of Social Development and Urbanisation William Mawan said such ties would be of mutual benefit and promote friendship, cultural exchanges and greater understanding between countries. He told the media this after a courtesy call by 29 Rover Scouts from Canada led by Canadian National Scouts Association board member John Chow at his office here, Thursday. Mawan suggested that the Canadian scouts, who are here on a five-day visit, to explore rural areas and the Iban longhouses for a memorable and unique experience. Meanwhile, John Chow said the Canadian scouts welcomed local scouts to network with them in areas such as membership, leadership and sharing sessions in environmental protection. "We want to make friends and to create a better world for all," he said. During their presence here, they would also assist to plant mangrove trees at the Kuching Wetland National Park as part of their environmental agenda. They will also interact with more than 200 local scouts over the weekend and visit the Semengok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sarawak Cultural Village before departing for home on Tuesday. Iban is one of six major ethnic groups in east Malaysian state of Sarawak. --BERNAMA