IN 1851 the Great Exhibition was held in London. Organised by Prince Albert, it provided a platform for nations to show off their newest inventions, sparking creativity and ultimately fuelling scientific progress and economic growth. Over the years, these World Fairs evolved, and now come under the ambit of the Bureau international des expositions, organised into “World Expos” and “Specialised Expos”.

We have a good record of involvement. The World’s Columbian Expo­­si­tion in Chicago in 1893 saw the participation of Johor, and the New York World’s Fair in 1964 – though not receiving official recognition from the bureau – saw the new nation of Malaysia feature a pavilion with a Negri Sembilan roof showcasing rubber, timber and tin and offering satay to visitors.