On 8 November 2025, the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park took on a vibrant glow as the Australian Malaysian Singaporean Association (AMSA) hosted its Annual Dinner 2025. With the theme “Weaving Cultures, Celebrating Unity” the evening brought together Malaysians, Singaporeans, Australians and friends of the community to celebrate shared heritage, meaningful friendships and the cultural ties that continue to strengthen across borders.
A Celebration with Special Significance
This year’s dinner carried special significance, marking Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence (SG60) and the 70th year of diplomatic relations between Australia and Malaysia. These milestones set the backdrop for a night rich with reflection, cultural pride and transnational unity. For AMSA, the annual dinner has always been more than a formal gathering. It is a space where community bonds are strengthened, diaspora members reconnect and cultural stories are shared across generations.
The 2025 edition was designed to showcase unity between the Malaysian and Singaporean communities in New South Wales while promoting intercultural understanding through food, conversation and community-building.
Honouring Distinguished Guests
The event was graced by an esteemed list of guests whose presence added depth and significance to the evening.
AMSA was honoured to welcome The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration, as the Distinguished Guest of the night.
In his heartfelt address, he spoke about Australia’s multicultural richness and acknowledged the meaningful contributions of Malaysian and Singaporean communities to the nation’s social and cultural fabric. His presence resonated with many attendees, who expressed their appreciation for the recognition of their heritage at a national level.
Also, in attendance were Councillor Robert Kok, City of Sydney, Dr Fahmi Abdul Rahim, Consulate / Director of Education Malaysia Australia (EMA), representing the High Commission of Malaysia to Australia and Ms Simret Kaur, Second Secretary (Economics), representing the High Commission of Singapore to Australia.
Their participation reflected the shared values of cultural exchange, diplomacy and friendship at the heart of AMSA’s mission.
A Culinary Experience Curated by Chef Audra Morrice
Guests enjoyed an exceptional menu curated by AMSA Patron and MasterChef Judge, Audra Morrice, whose culinary vision brought the essence of Malaysian and Singaporean flavours to life.
Drawing inspiration from this year’s theme ‘Weaving Cultures, Celebrating Unity’, Audra crafted a menu that seamlessly intertwined the culinary traditions of Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. Each dish celebrated familiar flavours with a refined, modern twist, reflecting the harmonious blend of cultures that defines our community. Guests were particularly drawn to the Confit Duck Percik Samosa, paired with mandarin jam, crisp curry leaves and a coconut–lemongrass Percik sauce – an unforgettable reflection of tradition meeting innovation.
The thoughtful curation and storytelling behind the dishes made the dining experience one of the most memorable highlights of the evening, as echoed by many guests. Guests praised the menu for its warmth, complexity and the way it encapsulated the shared culinary stories of the community.
Empowering the Next Generation with MyHeart
One of the most meaningful collaborations this year came through MyHeart by TalentCorp, whose support played an important role in empowering young Malaysians in Sydney. MyHeart provided ticket allocation for Malaysian students in Australia, making it possible for them to attend the annual dinner and gain exposure to a formal community event that many would not otherwise have been able to experience.
This support allowed the students not only to be part of the celebration, but also to take centre stage through their opening performance of the evening. Their performance symbolised the nurturing of young talent within the Malaysian diaspora and highlighted the importance of providing spaces for students to express their cultural pride, develop confidence and connect with community leaders.
MyHeart’s support also aligned with the broader purpose of the initiative — to inspire Malaysians abroad to stay connected, participate in community events and celebrate their heritage. By featuring the annual dinner on MyHeart, AMSA hopes to amplify the voices and experiences of Malaysians living abroad and contribute to a vibrant global diaspora narrative.
Community Impact and Voices from the Night
With over 150 attendees, the dinner brought together community members from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared appreciation for cultural heritage. Many attendees described the evening as warm, meaningful and reminiscent of the community spirit back home.
“It felt like a beautiful blend of tradition and togetherness. The atmosphere reminded us of how strong our community truly is.”
“Seeing students perform and be part of the celebration was inspiring. It showed the bright future of our diaspora.”
Opportunities for networking, cultural exchange, and student empowerment further enriched the evening, reinforcing AMSA’s mission to support and strengthen the Malaysian and Singaporean diaspora in Australia.
Looking Ahead
The AMSA Annual Dinner 2025 concluded on a note of gratitude and anticipation for the year ahead. As AMSA continues its work to uplift and connect communities in New South Wales, the success of this year’s event stands as a testament to the importance of unity, collaboration and cultural pride.
AMSA extends its heartfelt thanks to all who attended, supported, or contributed to the evening. The association looks forward to more meaningful initiatives, cultural celebrations, and opportunities for engagement in the coming year.
For more information about AMSA’s future events and activities, visit www.amsa.com.au
This story was submitted by the Australian Malaysian Singaporean Association (AMSA).
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