Inaugural Handicraft Exhibition and Pre-Gawai Celebration Marks a Milestone

The Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) Miri marked a milestone yesterday with the launch of its inaugural Handicraft Exhibition and Pre-Gawai Celebration.

The Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) Miri achieved a significant milestone yesterday with the launch of its inaugural Handicraft Exhibition and Pre-Gawai Celebration at Miri's multipurpose hall.

The event was designed to promote traditional handicrafts while providing a valuable platform for veterans and their families to showcase their creativity and strengthen community bonds.

The ceremony to officiate the event was performed by Councillor Dato Victor Lau, who was appointed by Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Lau expressed his admiration for PVATM Miri in successfully organizing the exhibition, highlighting the creativity and financial effort that went into making it possible.

He urged the attendees to support the veterans by purchasing their handmade products, as this would directly contribute to the association's welfare.

"These events not only strengthen the association but also offer an opportunity for the community to better understand and support our veterans," Lau noted.

In his speech, Lau highlighted five key goals for the event and association, which included uniting veterans, encouraging more to register with the association and raising funds to support its operations.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits they are entitled to from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

"There is also a need to expand activities that can benefit veterans and foster stronger ties between retired and active military personnel and the state government.

"I hope PVATM Miri will continue to receive strong community support and thrive in the years ahead," Lau added.

Following the officiating ceremony, attendees had the chance to tour the exhibition area, engage with vendors and admire the array of crafts on display.

Also present at the event were PVATM Miri head Nelus Nyelak; PVATM Sri Kandi head Juliana Esah Kakok; Councillor Lisa Yu, who represented Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting; and Councillor Sean Huang, who represented Miri mayor Adam Yii.