The IFBB wishes to express its profound thanks and sincere appreciation to Hans Bender, Kevin Horton, Pamela Kagan, and Tony Blinn who contributed the photographs appearing in this Report.

The tourist brochure said: "We have what you seek! Something OLD, something NEW, and something WONDERFUL. There's none like it. There's something about Melaka that makes you want to stay. It could be the history and culture. The sea breeze and beaches. The food, the charm of antiques shopping, or the enchanting natural environment. Whatever it may be, Melaka will take a hold of you and you will find yourself intoxicated with delight, leaving you with wonderful memories to last a lifetime!

Athletes, delegates, officials, press, and supporters from 59 countries descended upon Malacca to celebrate the IFBB's premiere amateur bodybuilding event. Upon arrival, everyone experienced their first taste of the well-known Malaysian hospitality as all were warmly greeted and enthusiastically welcomed by the Malaysian Organizing Committee. Accommodations and meals at the Official Hotel, the Century Mahkota Hotel Melaka, were first-class.

The Organizing Committee, led by Datuk Wira Gan Boon Leong, Chairman of the Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation and Founder of the Malacca Bodybuilding & Weightlifting Association, rose to the monumental task of organizing, promoting, and hosting the 54th IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and International Congress, which involved several years of planning and coordination.

From the first to the last day of these Championships, Datuk Wira Gan Boon Leong, and his Organizing Committee, "left no stone unturned" as they surpassed all expectations in rendering an immensely successful event - first-class all the way!

Plenty of time was scheduled for visits to the historical city of Malacca. And plenty of photographs were taken of such famous sites as the Proclamation of Independence Memorial, the Sultinate Palace, A'Famosa, the Stadthyus, Christ Church, the Portuguese Ship, and Jonker Street.

A highlight of the week's festivities included an organized parade, with delegates, officials, and athletes riding through the main streets of Malacca in tri-shaws and vintage cars. Along the road, and at every turn, thousands of Malacca residents warmly greeted and loudly cheered the seemingly endless procession. The Chief of Police of Malacca, Y.Bhg. Sac1Dato'Abdul Malek Abdul Hamid, did an outstanding job in making sure that the "caravan's" progress was unimpeded.

The IFBB profoundly thanks Datuk Seri Utama Syed Ahmad Al-Haj Syed Mahmud Shahabudin, Governor of the State of Malacca; Datuk Wira Mohd Ali Rustam, Chief Minister of Malaysia; Dato' Seri Dr. Ling Liong Sik, Minister of Transport and President of the Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation; and Paul Chua, IFBB Vice President for Asia, for their strong commitment and dedication towards the success of these Championships.

A special thanks to Datuk Wira Gan Boon Leong for a lifetime of service towards the development and growth of bodybuilding throughout Malaysia and Asia, and to the Malaysian Organizing Committee, for hosting the best World Championships ever!

We say farewell to the beautiful and historic city of Malacca and look forward to once again meeting in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, in Yangon City, Myanmar, for the 55th IFBB Men's World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and International Congress.

Until then, I wish each of you peace, good health, and much success.

Ben Weider, C.M., C.Q., Ph.D.
President
International Federation of BodyBuilders