Malaysian Association Of Singapore Officially Launched

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Association of Singapore (Masis) was officially launched Friday night to connect Malaysians living, working and studying in Singapore. Masis mirrors similar associations in several countries which were founded to foster a sense of belonging among Malaysians living abroad. The launch was held at Agrobazaar Malaysia at Sultan Gate, which is a hub for the promotion of Malaysian fruits and agro-based products. The event was graced by the Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Husni Zai Yaacob, who is the patron of the association. In his address at the launch, Husni Zai said the establishment of Masis had become a reality despite all the challenges. He said Masis would be an ideal platform for the Malaysian community to meet and establish networking. It is estimated that there are more than half a million Malaysians in Singapore. "I am confident that Masis will be a useful association not only to benefit members but Malaysians as a whole. "I hope for all Malaysian diasporas and 'friends of Malaysia' to support Masis to be a successful organisation," he said. Also present at the event were Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican, Husni Zai's wife Norshiha Hasbullah and Malaysians living, working and studying here. Masis, founded in September 2014, is headed by Abraham Vergis, a lawyer as the inaugural president. Speaking at a press conference later, Abraham said one of the main aims of Masis was to help Malaysians relocating to Singapore settle in, and also to build better understanding and cooperation between both countries. "We hope to at least recruit 500 to 1,000 members within a year," he said, adding that currently about 120 Malaysians had registered as members. Masis has two vice-presidents, Elaine Teh and Jennifer Lim, who are both businesswomen. At the event, Abraham also launched the association's website www.masis.org.sg and facebook page www.facebook.com/massisorg. -- BERNAMA