MELAKA – The Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonial and Event Management Unit (UPPANS), operating under the Sarawak Premier’s Department, has carried out a working visit to Melaka aimed at strengthening cooperation in ceremonial and protocol management.
The visit took place at Kompleks Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh, where the delegation from Sarawak was received by the Unit for Event Management and Protocol of the Melaka Chief Minister’s Department. The initiative was designed to encourage knowledge sharing and foster closer ties between the two state administrations.
The Sarawak team was led by Datu Hamdan Sharbini, Director of UPPANS, accompanied by officers from the Sarawak Liaison Office in Kuala Lumpur (PPSKL).
Their programme began with a courtesy call on Datuk Wira Azhar Arshad, the Melaka State Secretary, who expressed appreciation for the delegation’s presence and emphasised the importance of inter-state collaboration.
During the meeting, Datu Hamdan presented a souvenir to symbolise goodwill and partnership between the two governments. He noted that the visit was intended to reinforce professional relationships and provide opportunities for exchanging expertise in protocol administration, ceremonial organisation, and event coordination.
A bilateral briefing session followed, where both sides shared operational practices and experiences. The Melaka presentation was delivered by Luqman Hakim Hamdan, Assistant State Secretary of the Unit for Event Management and Protocol. He highlighted the unit’s mission, achievements for 2024 and 2025, and its responsibilities in administering state honours, decorations, and medals.
Representing UPPANS, Masyitah Kipli, Assistant Director of the Protocol and Event Management Division, outlined the unit’s objectives, organisational framework, and flagship events. She also provided insights into Sarawak’s honours system, which plays a central role in recognising contributions to the state.
The delegation later toured the Balai Istiadat at Kompleks Seri Negeri, observing facilities used for official state ceremonies.
They then proceeded to the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), where they were welcomed by Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Ariff Shah Abdullah Sani. He briefed the visitors on the centre’s infrastructure and its capacity to host major events, underscoring MITC’s role as a hub for trade and ceremonial activities in Melaka.
The working visit concluded with a group photo and luncheon, marking the successful completion of the programme. The initiative was seen as a step forward in strengthening bilateral ties, with both states committed to enhancing collaboration in protocol and event management.
Also present from UPPANS was Wan Fauzi Wan Ismail, Head of the Protocol and Event Management Division, who joined discussions and site visits throughout the programme.
This visit reflects a broader trend of Malaysian states engaging in intergovernmental exchanges to improve administrative practices. Such collaborations are increasingly recognised as vital for ensuring consistency in ceremonial standards and fostering unity across the country.
