Kuala lumpur: Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, First Lady of the Kingdom of Cambodia, joined spouses of Heads of State/Government from ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners for a distinguished cultural visit to the Seri Negara Cultural Centre and the Kebaya Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this morning.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the delegation was greeted warmly by Datin Seri Wan Ismail, spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, alongside YB Dato Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, and several spouses of Malaysian senior government officials.

The tour provided the First Ladies with a valuable look into Malaysia’s rich history and culture, centred on the iconic Seri Negara. Seri Negara, part of the historic Carcosa Seri Negara complex, is a magnificent colonial-era mansion set within Kuala Lumpur’s Perdana Botanical Gardens.

Originally built as the official residence of the British High Commissioner in Malaya, the estate holds profound historical significance. The site was pivotal to Malaysia’s independence movement, serving as the location where the country’s constitution was drafted and the Federation of Malaya Agreement was signed in 1957. Both Carcosa and Seri Negara have since been declared national heritage sites.

Today, the complex showcases striking Tudor Revival architecture and operates as a luxury heritage hotel, renowned for its elegant rooms and the celebrated English afternoon tea experience. It has also gained international attention as a filming location for the blockbuster movie, Crazy Rich Asians. The property is currently undergoing restoration as part of Malaysia’s preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026.

During the programme, Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet and the ASEAN First Ladies expressed their sincere appreciation to Datin Seri Wan Ismail for organising the cultural initiative, which offered valuable insights into Malaysia’s traditional and contemporary cultural heritage.

The visit successfully highlighted the commitment of the ASEAN First Ladies to strengthening cultural understanding and friendship among member states and dialogue partners.