The Chairman, Mr Ric Charleton,

Directors of the Australia-Malaysia Society

Members of the Malaysia-Australia Foundation

The Exhibition's Curator, Ms Marina Mahathir,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentleman,

I am delighted to be here this evening for the launch of the "Visions" photographic exchange and exhibition.

Let me first congratulate Marina Mahathir, who had the inspiration and creativity to conceive of this fine project and the initiative to get it off the ground in collaboration with the Australia-Malaysia Society and the Malaysia-Australia Foundation. She has, once again, demonstrated her superb talents as a cultural and artistic ambassador for Malaysia.

The Australia Malaysia Society and the Malaysia Australia Foundation are the promoters of this "multicultural exploration" of our two countries. The imagination and dedication of these two institutions in promoting cultural and people-to-people relations between Australia and Malaysia is second to none, and I would like to offer my thanks for their efforts in connection with this exhibition.

The "on-ground" organisers, Mosaique Communications and the Asia Link Centre, have done a lot of hard work to coordinate this event, so I want to thank them.

I would also like to thank the sponsors of the exhibition, particularly the major sponsors - the ANZ, Transfield Defence Systems, Pioneer Concrete, Royal Selangor Pewter and the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute. Without such generous support, great ideas like this cannot be fully realised.

This exhibition explores and celebrates the various manifestations of cultural diversity in Malaysia, which has a long history of cultural diversity. It also focusses on Australia's vibrant multiculturalism.

Australia and Malaysia are a part of the Asia Pacific region - one of the most culturally and economically diverse regions of the world. And within the region, our two countries are amongst the most multicultural.

This is a tremendous asset and strength because, in today's modern trading environment, the mixing of different community groups creates personal networks which are fundamental to building new markets for both countries' goods and services,

Multiculturalism can provide the entry point and recognition needed to overcome language and communication barriers which can often get in the way of business

The contribution being made by Australia's migrant communities - especially those from Asia - to strengthening our trade and economic opportunities should never be underestimated.

By identifying new export opportunities for products and services and by developing new markets here in Australia for products and ideas which have enriched and improved the lives of other Australians, our migrant communities have made a real difference to Australia's economic and export prospects.

So, from an economic point of view - as much as from any other point of view - there is a great deal to celebrate in a multicultural society: new opportunities, new industries, new markets and economic and social growth.

These good things cannot, however, be taken for granted. They must be nurtured and protected.

That is why the bipartisan Parliamentary motion passed on 30 October condemning racism and reaffirming our absolute commitment to a non-discriminatory immigration policy was so important.

It was a statement of our unequivocal determination to advance the ideals that have made our country an effective, relevant and humane nation today. It was a reaffirmation of the ideals which have positioned us strongly to take advantage of the challenge of the 21st century.

Looking at this exhibition, I think there is still a lot that Australians and Malaysians can learn from each other and from themselves.

It creates a whole new and original set of artistic and human perspectives - a new set of "visions" - as this event is so aptly titled.

The concept of gathering a group of photographers from each country and sending them out to photograph the multicultural aspects of the other is path breaking and exciting.

And I am sure you will agree it has resulted in some extraordinarily powerful, rich and unique images.

I hope, in particular, that the exhibition helps Australians gain a better understanding of Malaysia's multicultural experience and the reasons why it is now such a confident and forward-looking nation.

And when Australians see aspects of our contemporary society depicted in these photographs, I hope they can view themselves and our multicultural society from a new perspective, and take pride in its richness and diversity.

This exhibition of photographs reflects the realities and aspirations of our respective societies. It is a celebration of who we are. I am heartened by the sense of optimism and hope it conveys for both countries as we strive to achieve our respective individual and national aspirations.

Let me conclude by once again thanking the organisers, sponsors and the curator of this fine event. And, of course, I should thank the six photographers who have captured through their lenses the depth and spirit of our multicultural societies.

They have afforded the rest of us the chance to reflect and recommit ourselves to the goals of making our two countries stronger, more tolerant and more engaged with each other into the 21st century.

I declare the "Visions" exhibition and exchange open.