Penang hosted the 11th Global Organisation of Tamil Origin (GOTO) conference for the first time outside Tamil Nadu, India on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5.
The event, held at Dewan Sri Pinang, Malaysia, saw the participation of 1,000 delegates from countries including Singapore, India, and Myanmar. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the significance of the conference in strengthening long-term economic ties between Penang and Tamil Nadu.
GOTO is a global network that unites Tamils through the Tamil language, regardless of religious or geographical differences. With approximately eight crore Tamils in Tamil Nadu and another two crore in states like Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Pondicherry, as well as 3.6 crore Tamils across countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Europe, the Americas, Canada, Africa, Mauritius, and Norway, GOTO works to ensure that Tamils worldwide preserve and celebrate their rich culture, traditions, arts, food, and fashion.
The GOTO conference, traditionally held in Tamil Nadu, was moved to Penang this year, marking a new chapter in the relationship between the Malaysian state and the Tamil community.
The conference included business talks, educational exchanges, and cultural discussions, to unite the Tamil diaspora and bridge geographical and ideological divides.
A major highlight of the conference was the Women Leadership Forum. The forum celebrated and empowered women leaders from around the world, providing a platform for sharing experiences, networking, and mentorship.
The conference focused on uniting the Tamil diaspora through business dialogues, educational exchanges, and discussions on cultural heritage.
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