International Convention Centre, Brunei Darussalam
9 October 2013

The 23rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits officially ended its first day with a gala dinner and performance hosted by the Chair, Brunei Darussalam, for the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN Member States and their Dialogue Partners.

President Benigno S. Aquino III, wearing a yellow long sleeve batik shirt, was the third leader to arrive at the International Convention Centre. He was welcomed by His Majesty the Sultan and Her Majesty before he proceeded to the Plenary Hall.

Brunei’s traditional textile of batik is uniquely different from designs used in neighboring countries as it incorporates the elements of the national flower of simpur, sumboi-sumboi (pitcher plant), and the country’s traditional design of air muleh in the textile. These elements are important in creating a distinction between Brunei’s batik from those in Malaysia and Indonesia.

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