KUALA LUMPUR – 28 November, 2008, the Deputy National Chairman of Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC), Mr. Hisham Harun Hashim officially opened the Southeast Asia National Societies Secretaries – General Forum.

The Secretaries of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the South-East Asia region, met today to discuss on challenges and achievements since their last forum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in September 2007. The Cambodian RC Secretary General, Madam Pum Chantinie delivered her brief report of 2007 Secretary General Forum before she handed over of hosting from Cambodian RC to MRC.

The forum began with Session 1 - Plenary chaired by the MRC Secretary General, Maj Gen Dato Hj Megat Mohd Yusof bin Dato Hj Megat Mahmud (Rtd) focusing on regional implementation from the outcome of the following:

• 2007 SEA RC/RC Meeting, Phnom Penh
• 2006 Asia Pacific RC/RC Conference, Singapore
• 2007 General Assembly & International Conference, Geneva

Later in the afternoon, the session was broke up into two sessions to discuss on Response and Lessons Learnt from Nargis chaired by Dr. Hla Pe, Myanmar RC Honorary Secretary and Regional Resource Mobilization chaired by Mr. Christopher Chua, Singapore Red Cross Secretary General.

Not forgetting the discussion on IHL/RFL Strategy which to bring the outcome of 2007 Council of Delegates & International Conference to the region.

The meeting wrapped up by the Malaysian RC Secretary General around 6.30 pm in order for them to prepare for leaders meeting on 29 November 2008.

As courtesy, a warm Welcome Cocktail hosted by the Malaysian RC and IFRC was specially organized for all delegates and it was held at the Bronx V, Berjaya Times Square.