A durian-eating competition will be a highlight of the inaugural Melbourne Malaysia Festival which will be officiated by Foreign Minister Datuk Sri Anifah Aman, here on Nov 3.

The festival, sponsored by Tourism Malaysia, is held in conjunction with 'Visit Malaysia Year 2014' and the 50th Malaysia Day anniversary this year.

There will also be a 'roti canai' making competition and Malaysian cooking demonstrations as well as cultural performances to reflect Malaysia's diversity and uniqueness.

An indigenous Sarawakian will be flown in to perform at the festival which will be held at Queensbridge Square, next to Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne.

Most of the proceeds from the event will go to InspireSEA - a programme dedicated to helping underpriviledged students in Malaysia and is an initiative of the Malaysian Students' Council of Australia, Victoria.

"The event also aims to celebrate the ties and shared history between Malaysia and Australia, especially to acknowledge the efforts of Australian troops during war times in Malaya/Malaysia," said festival organiser Joyce Ng.

The National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association of Australia Inc. will set up a photo gallery to illustrate the role played by Australian troops during World War II, the Emergency and Confrontation and the formation of Malaysia.

Ng, the editor of JOM Magazine published in Melbourne, said there would be a 'pasar malam' atmosphere at dusk when candles will be lit up to celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Lights.

JOM Media, publisher of JOM Magazine, the only Malaysian community magazine, is the principal organiser of the festival.

The Malaysian Consul General in Melbourne, Datuk Dr Mohd Rameez Yahaya will host a 'durian fiesta' on Nov 5, the Melbourne Cup day. - Neville D'Cruz