Farewell Reception for Mrs Jane Duke, Deputy Australian High Commissioner and Mr Ridwaan Jadwat, Political & Economic Counsellor

His Excellency Mr Rod Smith PSM, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia and his wife Ms Leanne Brueckner held a grand farewell dinner for his outgoing Deputy High Commissioner Mrs Jane Duke and his Political & Economic Counsellor Mr Ridwaan Jadwat on 3^rd December 2014.

It was a grand evening at the Residence of His Excellency with over 150 esteemed guests invited to the event. The MAAC President Ms Pat PW Yeoh, Vice President, Alumni Relations Mr Adrian Ong and Vice President, Bilateral Relations Ms Nicole Lim were honoured to be amongst other distinguished guests including politicians from both sides of the bench, members of parliament, senators, heads of states, representatives of esteemed private and social organisations, associates and friends of the Australian High Commission in Malaysia.

The evening started with cocktail servings followed by a heart-warming address by Mr Rod Smith sharing his encounter with both his outgoing colleagues along with a toast. It was indeed an emotional moment as most of the guests present have shared a close and positive working relationship with both Jane and Ridwaan, and developed friendship beyond their official roles.

Mrs Jane Duke and her husband Mr Simon Duke were asked to say a few words. The lovely Jane was seen trying hard to hold back her tears and had to pause a few moments as she read from her notes. Ridwaan and his wife Mrs Ilhaam Soeker-Jadwat also shared a few words with the crowd in teary eyes.

Accordingly, Ms Pat PW Yeoh presented a token of friendship from The MAAC to Mrs Jane Duke whom we have enjoyed working closely with during her tenure in Malaysia.

The event concluded with a tasteful international buffet meal.