SP Setia throws durian party in Australia again
MELBOURNE: There is no party like a durian party!
More than 8,000 people thronged the city’s Queen Victoria Market for the recent “Durian and Fruit Party” hosted by Malaysian property developer SP Setia Bhd for the third time. The festival has gained popularity among Malaysians and their Australian friends who have become accustomed to the taste of durian.
Christina Chai, a Malaysian professional based here, said tasting durian together with a large group of people brings back memories of home.
“Eating durian, with the aroma of satay in a market environment like this is really nostalgic,” she said.
Malaysian ConsulGeneral Westmoreland Palon praised SP Setia for organising the event.
SP Setia operations chief executive officer in Australia Choong Kai Wai was delighted by the positive response to the festival.
“We received many requests from Malaysians in Sydney and Brisbane to host durian parties there. They don’t want to miss out too,” he said.
He said durian was not for everyone, so international delicacies such as Greek souvlaki, Turkish street food, Spanish and Italian gelato and locally sourced berries were also served at the festival.
Among those who made the festival a success were the Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia (Masca), the Australasian Association of Melbourne University and Malaysian student volunteers.