By Kari Aamodt
On Thursday December 7th we saw a record number of 456 guests at the 8th Annual Scandinavian Business Christmas Dinner. The venue this year was Hilton Kuala Lumpur. I think a lot of the Scandinavians got the “Christmas feeling” as the hotel was decorated with live (!!!!) Christmas trees, lots of candle-lights and red decorations that gave the reception area and the ballroom a real “Christmassy” touch.
Ambassador Arild Braastad gave the opening speech, telling how his Christmas is like back in Norway. His speech was followed with the Lucia Candlelight procession by children from the Swedish School in Kuala Lumpur. The children were backed by Cantus Musicus, a local/expat choir. The children gave us a great performance (and tears to many eyes) and so did the choir afterwards, singing traditional Christmas songs.
A big buffet was waiting for hungry guests – there were salmon and gravlax, different kinds of herring, “Janssons Frestelse”, Swedish Meatball with lingonberry, salmon tart, stuffed turkey with glazed potatoes and roastbeef. Dessert was Creme a’la manda, marzipan cakes, bakes apples with vanilla sauce and much more. The food was accompanied by wine and of course, Akevitt, the traditional snaps for Scandinavians around Christmas time.
Hanne Soervaag, an exellent singer from Norway entertained us with her beautiful voice and her guitar. After her performance it was time for the big Lucky Draw, with an air ticket to Scandinavia from SAS and a 7 days cruise from Star Cruises as the main prizes. Many people went home with a nice prize. In the end Hanne gave us another taste of her songs and it seemed like people had a good time with several lingering around the tables until late.
We are extremely pleased that so many people turned out for the event and we also need to thank all our sponsors (you know who you are). To all of you: guests and sponsors: THANK YOU and may you all have a wonderful Christmas where-ever you are.
Organizing committee:
Malayasia Norway Business Council
Malayasian Swedish Business Associtation
Malaysia Denmark Business Council
