JOHOR BARU: STATE Public Works, Rural and Regional Development chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad and Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim entered the honorary circle of the Asean Federation of Engineering Organisations (Afeo) recently.
The event was organised by the Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) (southern branch) recently.
Hasni, a committee member of IEM since 1992, and Ismail, were both conferred the titles in recognition of their distinguished services and contribution to the nation.
The gathering, held at a leading hotel here, was celebrated on a grand scale as it coincided with Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Merdeka Day.
About 500 IEM members and other guests attended the event.
Hasni, who is the State Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Executive Committee chairman, was also the guest-of-honour.
He represented Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Present were IEM Malaysia president Datuk Lim Chow Hock, Afeo secretary general PE Chong, IEM Malaysia (southern branch) chairman Assoc Prof Hayati Abdullah, immediate past chairmen and committee members of organising committee.
Guests were also treated to a singing performance by Malaysia’s top entertainer Adibah Noor, and a sketch by a Mr Bean impersonator.
Awards were also presented to primary and secondary students who excelled in academic and co-curricular fields.
The recipients were nominated by their parents who are members of IEM (southern branch).
In her opening speech, Hayati thanked those who attended the reception.
“Presently the IEM (southern branch) has the highest membership among other branches in the country.
“The high number of members will help us plan activities,” added Hayati.
The institute will be organising the JB Engineers Run on Sept 13.
Hayati said the institute also planned to organise a conference on dengue with Rotary International and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on Sept 20.
Meanwhile, Lim congratulated Hayati for her drive in garnering a large enrolment especially among young and capable engineers.
In his speech which was read by Hasni, Khaled praised the IEM members and engineers for their contributions as well as the role they have played in nation building.
He also said that their role in Johor’s Iskandar Malaysia was crucial in making the region one of the fastest economic growth centres in the nation.
While eating, guests were feted to a dance by the “SR” dancers from Johor Baru.
The audience were in stitches after Mr Bean impersonator Faiket Luari took to the stage and imitated British comedian Rowan Atkinson’s antics.
Singer Adibah Noor’s performance was also greeted with a standing ovation by the audience.
Clad in a flowery white kebaya, Adibah mingled with the guests by stopping over at tables, interacting and even taking photographs with them during her performances.
The night ended with a mass singing of two patriotic songs, Jalur Gemilang and Keranamu Malaysia, by guests as they waved the mini Jalur Gemilang distributed by the organisers.