By NNN-Bernama
Kuala Lumpur : More than 1,000 people of Indian origin from all over the world gathered at the Putra World Trade Centre Saturday for the start of the three-day Ninth Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International Convention.
MIC president S. Samy Vellu who launched the meet, spoke on the achievements of Indians in 110 countries, including Malaysia.
He told the assembly of leaders of industries, business communities, academicians, diplomats and political leaders , that there should be an effective networking, partnerships and collaborative actions between people of Indian origin around the world.
“We can strategically build effective networks and partnerships within us for global advantages,” said Malaysia’s Works Minister, Samy Vellu.
Among foreign political leaders present were Sri Lanka’s Community Development Minister P. Chandrasekaran, Estate Infrastructure Deputy Minister Muthu Sivalingam and Constitutional Affairs Deputy Minister Jagetheswaran, and Justice and Human Rights Minister Jayarama Valayden of Mauritius.
Samy Vellu said that in many parts of the world, the Indian diaspora has excelled in education and professional capacities, economic and business ventures, political and civil society activities.
“In so doing, it has contributed greatly to the nation building in their respective lands where they participate as active and responsible citizens,” he said.
“In the past, People of Indian Origin (PIO) were stereotyped as diligent service providers, such as teachers, lawyers, engineers, doctors and nurses. Over the last 50 years, they have emerged as successful entrepreneurs and have provided leadership in a few sectors in their respective nations,” he remarked.