Swedish National Day celebrated all over Southeast Asia

Tuesday 6 June 2017 was a celebratory day for all Swedes around the world, and Southeast Asia was no exception. As the calendar turned to the Swedish National Day, Swedes and the Swedish embassies got out their blue and yellow flags for a celebration of a nation.

The tradition of celebrating this date began 1916 at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium, in honour of the election of King Gustav Vasa in 1523, as this was considered the foundation of modern Sweden.

Photo from Embassy of Sweden in Thailand.

In Thailand, the Embassy of Sweden celebrated Swedish National Day at Dusit Thani Hotel in Pattaya. Ambassador Staffan Herrström held a speech about why the Swedish National Day is on 6 June, explaining how it was an important step on the road to democracy. The Ambassador also expressed how much Swedes enjoy travelling to Thailand.

Guests from local authorities and businesses as well as the Swedish community in the region had the opportunity to try Swedish food by Olearys.S.B.D, drink water in Tetra Pak boxes and listen to Swedish live music performed by Erik Stenberg-Roos.

Photo from Embassy of Sweden in Singapore.

About 120 people gathered at the British Club to celebrate the Swedish National Day on the 6th of June in Singapore.

Here the National Day celebration was a collaboration between the Embassy of Sweden, SBAS Swedish Business Association of Singapore, Swedish Women’s Educational Association, SWEA, and the Swedish Supplementary Educational School. 

Photo by Embassy of Sweden in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the local Swedes celebrated the National Day already on Monday 22 May, where they held a reception sponsored by Atlas Copco, Bae Systems, Saab, Scania and Volvo.

“A thousand thanks to all you dancing queens and kings who came to celebrate with us the National Day of Sweden and the 70th year anniversary of Sweden-Philippines diplomatic relations last night!” wrote Embassy of Sweden in Manila on their Facebook following the day of celebrations.

In the Philippines, they did not only commemorate our National Day, they also celebrate the 70th year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sweden and the Philippines. 

Photo from Ambassador Pereric Högberg.

In Vietnam, the Swedish Ambassador, Pereric Högberg, took the National Day as an opportunity to share some of his thoughts on Sweden and on Sweden in Vietnam.

“Today it is the Swedish National Day and we recognize and celebrate peace, Swedish values, Swedish traditions, Swedish culture and Swedish food! And our strong relations with the Vietnamese people!” wrote the Ambassador on his Facebook as he shared a piece he had written for Dan Tri newspaper. 

Photo from Embassy of Sweden in Phnom Penh.

The Embassy of Sweden in Phnom Penh celebrated Swedish National Day at Raffles Hotel Le Royal Ballroom. The special event was presided over by guest of honor H.E Ouch Borith, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, hosted by Swedish Ambassador Maria Sargren.

Furthermore it was  attended by 350 distinguished guests including government officials, diplomatic missions, private sectors, development partners and friends to Sweden. The event was also an occasion to showcase and give visibility to Sweden activities in Cambodia during the past year. Environment, Climate Change, and oceans were the main themes. 

The atmosphere was vibrant and open while the guests enjoyed delicious Swedish food, desserts and drinks.

Photo from Embassy of Sweden Section Office in Yangon.

In Myanmar more than 200 guests attended the Embassys reception in Nay Pyi Taw. The Guest of Honour was the Union Minister from the Ministry of Health and Sports, Dr. Myint Htwe, who gave a much appreciated speech. The Union Minister from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, U Ohn Win, was welcomed at the reception as well.

The speech by Myint Htwe was followed by a speech from Ambassador Staffan Herrström about Sweden and the National Day. The Ambassador devoted most of the speech to gender equality and the photo exhibition that was on display during the evening. The photo exhibition was about Swedish dads and equality between parents, and especially dads taking more responsibility at home with the children.

The evening continued with Ms Pwint Mar Han being officially welcomed as Sweden´s Honorary Consul by Ambassador Staffan Herrström

 

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