The event was attended by the Governor and leaders of the Penang state government, the Commander of the Royal Malaysian Navy, and heads of ASEAN naval delegations.
Thousands of local residents and visitors gathered to witness this first street parade in Penang in 35 years, with the last one held on May 19, 1990. The parade featured 23 formations, including the flag bearers, naval crews, marching bands, reservists, naval cadets, and veterans from the Royal Malaysian Navy and participating ASEAN countries. Spectators also enjoyed performances by local community and school bands and demonstrations by fast attack craft and helicopters of the Royal Malaysian Navy.
The street parade was held to highlight cherished cultural traditions, honor the friendship among ASEAN navies, strengthen maritime cooperation, and reinforce peace and solidarity among ASEAN nations.
AMNEX 3 takes place from August 15 to 22, featuring 10 naval vessels, three helicopters, and one high-speed craft, with a combined force of more than 1,200 personnel. The Vietnam People’s Navy sent Frigate 016-Quang Trung and a working delegation led by Senior Captain Nguyen Vinh Nam, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4, to participate in the exercise.
In addition to onshore activities, the ASEAN Naval Fleet Review will be held on August 21, followed by the at-sea phase of AMNEX 3 on August 22.
On August 19, the 19th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting will convene in Penang to discuss issues concerning security, peace, and stability in the region’s waters.
Below are photos of the street parade in Penang.
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The Governor of Penang (in civilian attire) reviews the Guards-of-Honor of the Royal Malaysian Navy. |
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A drum performance by the Penang Cultural Council’s art troupe |
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Officers and sailors of Frigate 016-Quang Trung march past the grand stand. |
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Formations from naval delegations participating in AMNEX 3 at the event |
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School bands from Penang perform at the parade. |
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A balancing act, in which poles are transferred from one performer to another’s head at varying heights and postures, showcasing Penang’s distinctive cultural identity |
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Fast attack craft of the Royal Malaysian Navy stage a demonstration. |
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A large crowd of locals and tourists attend the event. This photo is of the performance of four helicopters of the Royal Malaysian Navy. |
By Ngoc Hung (from Penang, Malaysia)
Translated by Tran Hoai