Over 40 expatriates from France, India, Philippines and Romania among others had a first-hand taste of Malay culture and cuisine last Friday, when they attended the Hari Raya Satay party organised by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) on Friday, October 3, 2008.

Held at the residence of the former Sultan Hussein, Istana Kampong Gelam, the event saw our expatriate friends busk in the celebratory mood of the festive Hari Raya Puasa season. Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts group put up a dazzling showcase of their energetic brand of Malay music and dance performances.

While enjoying a buffet dinner of satay, lontong, samosas, and Malay kueh kuehs, our expatriate friends swayed to the beats of traditional Malay drums, learnt ethnic dance movements, symbolic hand gestures and even sashayed down the catwalk donning colourful sarongs.

Ms. Anke Stuurman, 20, a student from Holland, says, "I've never seen a Malay dance performance before, let alone participated in one. I found the movements very beautiful."

Jim Tietjen, 56, from America said that "(The) Satay Party so much fun. The food and entertainment were great!"

The SIF Xpats Fest event is organised under the umbrella of the SIF Xpats Connect! programme, an initiative by SIF to help expatriates gain a deeper understanding of the local society and culture and to foster a closer involvement with the local community.

Click here to check out pictures from the event.

Step into Little India at the next SIF Xpats Fest and discover Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights. Let the spice-scented streets, jasmine garlands and silk saris welcome you to this colourful ethnic quarter. Treat your tastebuds to authentic Indian cuisine and get an introduction to traditional and modern Indian dances.