EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

1

Newsletter of the Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia

June 2017

Foreword from Ambassador Michael Winzap

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Compatriots, We are halfway through the year 2017 and it is therefore timely to inform you about some past undertakings as well as to look forward to the upcoming activities. The focus of the first half of 2017 was the Swiss Weeks which took place in April and May comprising a few remarkable events. One of the key highlights was the open house which was suggested by the Swiss business community where 15 Swiss companies organized open house visits for interested parties. I was delighted that this initiation has received a good response and the Embassy will analyse the feedbacks and decide on the way forward. During the Swiss Weeks, a Family Easter Celebration was held in cooperation with Chalet Suisse Restaurant at the garden of the residence. It was a lovely event where participants of the Swiss community and members of the Swiss Malaysian Business Association mingled and shared some light moments. The Jazz concert which revealed the talent of the Swiss jazz pianist, Claude Diallo and the young Swiss musicians was well cherished by the audience and the

CD’s that were on display after the show were sold out in no time. Participating member of the Swiss Weeks, Chalet Suisse Restaurant, invited a Swiss guest chef to showcase some Swiss specialties. The Embassy took advantage of this special occasion and invited representatives of Swiss companies for a working dinner at the Chalet Suisse during the Swiss Gastronomy Promotion to thank the business community for the fruitful exchanges and cooperation as well as to discuss future events and the Swiss National Day reception. Herewith, I would like to thank everyone involved in the Swiss Weeks 2017 for their contribution and effort in making it a successful and memorable project. Just as last year, the National Day celebration will take place on the 1st August 2017 at the garden of the residence. I look forward to see you at this occasion. You will find more information and details in this newsletter and invitations will be emailed soon. Last but not least, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to my deputy, Mr. Rolf Ott for his great accomplishments, who will be leaving Malaysia soon. I look forward to welcome his successor, Mr. Werner Bardill. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter. Please do not hesitate to give feedback to the team at the Embassy and also myself on how to be the best of assistance to you. All the best, Michael Winzap

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

2

Farewell note from Mr. Rolf Ott, Deputy Head of Mis sion

Dear readers, Preparing this short address to say goodbye I have noticed that time is flying. Almost four years have gone since my arrival in Kuala Lumpur. The rhythm of the diplomat’s life is done by our transfers from one posting to another. It has at the same time pros and cons. One of the disadvantages is that this recurring appointment recalls unfortunately that I am getting older; other four years of my life have gone very fast, too fast if I may add. In fact, my family and I have had a good time in this beautiful Malaysia both professionally and privately. It was not always easy, sometimes even very challenging, but thanks to the support of the people around us who made our first Asian experience enjoyable. Among the advantages I would like to mention is the opportunity to regularly take stock of the achievements, even if the main conclusion is generally the same: implement measures supporting a better work-life balance.

The last word in another chapter of the book of my diplomatic career will soon be in black and white. It is with tears in my eyes that I will add the period on the Malaysian chapter, one part very sad and the other happy. Sad because it is not easy to say goodbye to Malaysia, a beautiful country that offers so much: amazing people, wonderful landscapes and delicious food even though room of improvement in some domains still exists. The reason of the happy tears is related to my nomad soul that expects once in a while profound changes, as the assignment in a new country is. For this reason, I am looking forward with excitement to my new posting to Czech Republic. To conclude, I would like to thank all the people with whom I had interacted during the last four years. I appreciated your collaboration and support very much and I am sure that you will warmly welcome and offer the same care to my successor, Mr. Werner Bardill who will arrive in Kuala Lumpur at the beginning of August. Terima Kasih ! Arrivederci. Rolf Ott & Family

Past Events Bio-metric Exercise in Kuala Lumpur

A bio-metric exercise in Kuala Lumpur has been conducted by Ms Natalie Koller from the Regional Consular Centre, Bangkok on 21st & 22nd March 2017. - 42 people came to record their biometric data for a new passport / ID card; - 2 persons came for legislation purposes. Notices by email will be sent out by RCC in Bangkok to inform the Swiss colony for the next session and you are requested to register your name when the time comes.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

3

Rado Product Launch Event at Pavilion

On 13th February 2017 the prestigious Swiss watch brand Rado organized an official event launching one of their new products, Centrix Open Heart watch collection, which is dedicated to romance and couples. The event took place at Pavilion shopping mall in the biggest Rado boutique in South East Asia. More than 80 guests were invited to the launching ceremony of the new watch collection. This event was graced by the presence of the Ambassador Michael Winzap and he gave a brief speech regarding to the importance of innovation, hi-tech and high end products for Switzerland especially for Swiss watch industry.

Sharing the Swiss Experience on Technical Vocationa l Education Training (TVET)

The Embassy of Switzerland in collaboration with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer (FMM) and Antah Schindler Sdn Bhd organized on the 27th and 28th March an event titled “sharing the Swiss Experience on TVET” to promote the Swiss apprentice system in Malaysia. The program was composed by two presentations and other activities, including an interview at the BFM radio. The first presentation took place at the FMM with the participation from the representatives of private companies and the board members of the organisation, such as Mr Davies Danavaindran, Vice President of the FMM, Dato’ Dr. Ir Andy KH Seo, Vice President of the FMM and Puan Sri Maimon Arif Patail, Council Member of the FMM. The second presentation took place at the Ministry of Education in the presence of officials representing different administrative units and institutes offering a technical formation, amongst those were Dato’ Ahmad Tajudin bin Jab, Deputy Director General of Education and Mr. Zainuren bin Hj. Mohd. Nor, Director of Technical and Vocational Education. The presentations were given by a Swiss expert – Mr. Hugo Sager- about the TVET system of Switzerland followed by Antah Schindler Sdn Bhd, who shared their experience in implementing the apprenticeship model of Switzerland by opening a training centre last September in Malaysia. Both sessions were attended by Ambassador Michael Winzap who delivered an opening address which highlighted the importance of the apprenticeship for the Swiss economy and innovation as well as its benefits for the youth, the companies and the government.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

4

Visit to DKSH Corporate Shared Services Centre (CSSC)

Ambassador Michael Winzap visited DKSH CSSC on 16th March 2017 where he was given an overview of DKSH Malaysia and DKSH CSSC by Mr. Nicholas McLaren, Head of Country Management & Group Finance Director and Mr. Michael Hutab, Chief Information Officer respectively. He also had a tour of the Data Centre to learn more about DKSH’s IT platform which is the global hub for leading-edge IT services that set new industry standards for market information access and comparability.

French Language Week in Kuala Lumpur 2017 The French Language Week is an initiative taken every year in Malaysia by the 23 diplomatic missions in Kuala Lumpur who are members/observers of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. This year, the French Language week was held from 18th – 28th March 2017. Amongst the activities during this period were the short movies screening, singing contest and Quiz de la Francophonie at HELP CAT; Buffet de la Francophonie at the Glasshouse Seputeh and “Dessin en liberté” exhibition at Alliance Francaise. The Swiss Embassy took the opportunity to showcase a short movie, contributed some small gifts for the quiz de la Francophonie and presented a raclette cheese station to showcase a Swiss specialty at the Buffet de la Francophonie.

Apart from that, Alliance Francaise Kuala Lumpur with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland and the Embassy of Belgium organized on the 20th March a panel discussion titled “How are cartoons and comic strips in the press used to describe and analyse our society”. This roundtable took place as part of the “Dessin en liberté” exhibition which displays fifty cartoonists’ works, among which were some famous Swiss artists’ drawings, such as MiX & Remix, Alex, Barrigue and Chappatte. For the panel discussion, four artists, including the Malaysian specialist of cartoons from UITM - Dr Muliyadi, the Malaysian cartoonist at the Star Reggie Lee, the French comic writer Nicole Lambert and the Belgian cartoonist Cost were invited to talk about their work then debate on the topic in the presence of more than fifty attendees. Numerous subjects were covered during this event, such as the influence of new technology and social media in our lives, which topics can be used to analyse our society etc. Apart from debating on some topics, the public had also opportunities to ask questions to the panellists at the end of the roundtable. The Embassy of Switzerland offered light refreshments prior to the event, prepared by Chalet Suisse Restaurant.

Workshop and children concert with Maurice Steger

The Embassy supported an exclusive workshop and children concert with the Swiss flautist and conductor, Maurice Steger organized by the German School in Kuala Lumpur (DSKL). This event took place on the 17th March at the Philharmonic Orchestra Malaysia (MPO) where the youngest students from preschool and Class 1 & 2 of DSKL participated. The Ambassador had the pleasure to enjoy the workshop as well as the concert which was tailored especially for these children.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

5

Höhere Fachschule Tourismus (HFT) Luzern Study Trip to Malaysia

This year, about 45 students and lecturers from Switzerland from HFT Luzern visited Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Pangkor Laut for a research and study trip from 3rd – 12th April 2017. The students were expected to explore several tourism related topics in Malaysia through their field studies and to present their research results. On their seminar day on 6th April 2017 at the Majestic Hotel, Rolf Ott from the Embassy of Switzerland gave a short presentation on the role of the Embassy in Malaysia as well as his experiences and insights of Malaysia’s traditions and culture.

Swiss Weeks 2017 This year the embassy initiated Swiss Weeks 2017 with the objectives to provide a platform to promote Swiss gastronomy, culture, tourism as well as economy and trade. The Swiss Weeks 2017 took place from mid-April until mid-May 2017 with various activities. Amongst the highlights were the Open House by Swiss companies, Swiss gastronomy promotion, family Easter celebration, Claude Diallo Quintet Jazz concert, Health Forum organised by JUST International as well as events organised by Switzerland Tourism.

Open House by Swiss companies 15 Swiss companies opened their doors for the locals to learn more about their company and their products, standards and quality as well as the working ethic. The companies who participated were ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Antah Schindler, DKSH Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad, Huber & Suhner Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Micromechanics Sdn Bhd, Nestle Malaysia, Novartis – Ciba Vision Manufacturing & Supply, Rail System Engineering Sdn Bhd, PMCC International Sdn Bhd, Roche Diagnostic (M) Sdn Bhd, Ruag Aviation Malaysia, SGS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Sika Kimia Sdn Bhd, SR Technics Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Unisto Uniss Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Zuellig Pharma Sdn Bhd.

Family Easter Celebration at the Residence A Family Easter Celebration for the Swiss community and members of the Swiss Malaysian Business Association was organised by Chalet Suisse Restaurant at the Garden of the Swiss Ambassador’s residence on 22nd April 2017. The event started in the morning around 11 a.m. with an opening address by the Ambassador and it ended at 3 p.m. with approximately 47 guests attending. Sumptuous Swiss cuisine such as sausages including cervelat from Switzerland, potato salad, Raclette, meat loaf, beef goulash with spaezle were provided by Chalet Suisse Restaurant. Beverages provided by the embassy were served throughout the event as well as ice Milo and Sjorja by courtesy of Nestle. Desserts were brought by some guests to share amongst everyone. There were also various games organised for the children as well as Easter quiz for the adults. Games prizes were sponsored by Nestle, the embassy and Chalet Suisse.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

6

Swiss Gastronomy Promotion Chalet Suisse Restaurant organised a Swiss Gastronomy Promotion with Gault Millau Guest Chef, Hans-Ulrich Wismer who offered Swiss specialities and cuisine with Swiss influence from 26th – 30th April 2017. Apart from being a guest chef at the Chalet Suisse Restaurant, Chef Wismer also conducted a cooking demonstration and lesson for the culinary students in the HELP College of Art and Technology (HELPCAT) on 28th April 2017. The food prepared by students was then served to the guests of HELPCAT.

Jazz Concert by Claude Diallo Quintet In conjunction with the Swiss Weeks 2017, the Embassy of Switzerland with the support from Soka Gakkai Malaysia, WYJF World Youth Jazz Festival and sponsor, JUST International organised a jazz concert – Claude Diallo Quintet at the auditorium of Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai on 2nd May 2017. Guests at the concert included business associates of the embassy, members of the diplomatic community, members of the local media and guests of Soka Gakkai Malaysia as well as JUST International. Approximately 250 guests attended the 60 minutes concert. The Quintet - Claude Diallo on piano, Sophie Bright (12 years old) on trombone, Luca Schambeck (15 years old) on drums and Kristina Bright (20 years old) on flute together with the local bass player Marina Zaini presented an impeccable and moving performance and were delighted with the appreciative response from the audience. They also made an interesting introduction of pieces by Claude Diallo and Sophie Bright. Pre-concert cocktails hosted by the embassy were served to the guests and JUST International also generously provided door gifts to all the attendees. The smooth operations of the concert were made possible by the volunteers from the Soka Gakkai Malaysia. The group also performed at the International Jazz Day on 30th April, WYJF World Youth Jazz Festival on 6th May as well as in No Black Tie on 3rd & 4th May 2017.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

7

Upcoming Happenings and Events Swiss National Day 2017 This year the Swiss National Day will be held on 1st August 2017, Tuesday in the garden of the Swiss ambassador’s residence.

Programme of the day 06.00 – 08.00 pm Session 1: Official event with the officials, dignitaries and business core. 08.00 – 10.00 pm Session 2: 1st of August celebration for the Swiss nationals The invitation for session 2 will be sent out to the Swiss colony in Malaysia who had registered with the Regional Consular Centre, Bangkok by third week of June via email and RSVP is compulsory.

European Union Film Festival (EUFF) 2017 The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) is an annual event which showcases a collection of films from all over Europe. This year the EUFF will be held from 19th October – 5th December 2017. Switzerland will be participating again and plans to showcase a movie titled ‘My Life as a Zucchini’. More information will be provided nearer to date via EDA website and email.

News from Switzerland Tourism High Tea reception and Workshop for Muslim market

Switzerland Tourism participated by giving a presentation at the high tea reception and workshop organised by Kuoni Group Travel Experts focusing on Muslim market on 18th January 2017. This event took place in Flora Terrace@ Hamphires Place with approximately 60 travel agents attended.

Maxis In-House Travel Fair

Together with Lufthansa/Swiss International Airlines, Switzerland Tourism was invited to participate in the Maxis Travel Fair on 28th February 2017. This internal fair was held at the Menara Maxis where it housed 1500 employees. The objectives are to offer wide varieties of travel destinations and products to the Maxis employees. Switzerland Tourism took the opportunity to screen panoramic videos and distribute brochures to the attendees as well as provide games such as cow stacking and alphorn blowing to make the event more fun and festive.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

8

Switzerland Travel Experience (STE) in Kuala Lumpur 2017 This year, the 6th STE Workshop was held in Intercontinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 21st February 2017 from noon till 6:00 p.m. The programme comprised a presentation by Mr. Ivan Breiter, Director of South East Asia – Switzerland Tourism and the partners followed by an open workshop where the buyers had the opportunity to meet the sellers. There were 27 partners from Switzerland participated and a total of 140 travel agents from the Klang Valley attended this event. A VIP Networking dinner was organised in the evening and this event was attended by Ambassador Michael Winzap who also delivered a welcome note. Guests were treated to a Swiss-style of wine & dine, and enjoyed a special magic show by Swiss magician Lionel Dellberg.

Launching of the new E-Learning Programme

In conjunction to the Swiss Weeks 2017, Switzerland Tourism took the opportunity to launch the new E-learning Programme for the Switzerland specialist. This Electronic learning (eLearning) platform offered by the Switzerland Travel Academy is to educate members on practical information on how and where to travel in Switzerland, enhance travel agents and tour operators’ knowledge to plan and market trips to Switzerland. The launch cum luncheon took place on 8th May 2017 at the Chalet Suisse Restaurant. About 40 travel agents including some existing Switzerland specialists attended this event.

Collaboration with Roystar Travel

On 9th May 2017, Switzerland Tourism and Roystar Travel jointly organized a Swiss Dinner Reception to announce Roystar Travel’s latest package in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism covering new destinations such as Lausanne, Bern, Schilthorn and Zermatt to approximately 80 loyal customers of Roystar Travel. Guests were treated to a spread of traditional Swiss fare and the night’s festivities came to an end with a lucky draw, in which the top winner went home with a Tissot watch.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

9

News for the Swiss Abroad 95. Auslandschweizer-Kongress: Jetzt anmelden! vom 18.-20. August 2017 im Congress Center Basel Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren Vom 18. bis 20. August 2017 findet im Congress Center Basel der 95. Auslandschweizer-Kongress statt. Wir laden Sie herzlich ein, sich für den Kongress anzumelden. Kongressprogramm Freitag, 18. August − Delegiertenversammlung des Auslandschweizerrats

Schwerpunkte der konstituierenden Sitzung:

o Bankenproblematik der Fünften Schweiz o Wahl der Inlandmitglieder 2017-2021

Platzreservation auf der Besuchertribüne im Rathaus Basel: direction@aso.ch. Zur Information: Ab 18.00 Uhr findet auf den Strassen von Grossbasel das Sommer-Jazzfest (www.embebbisyjazz.ch) statt. Samstag, 19. August − Vormittags: 2 Führungen in Basel stehen zur Auswahl:

Stadtrundgang «Basel kurz und bündig» oder Architekturführung im Kunstmuseum Basel − Ab 12.30 Uhr: Plenarversammlung im Congress Center Basel

Thema: «Inland- und Auslandschweizer: eine Welt» Inwiefern sich die Sichtweise der Inland- gelegentlich von derjenigen der Auslandschweizer unterscheidet, soll anlässlich der Plenarversammlung herausgefunden werden. Alain Berset, Vizepräsident des Bundesrats, Pascale Baeriswyl, Staatssekretärin EDA, Irena Brez na, Schriftstellerin, und weitere werden ihre Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen diesbezüglich mit dem Publikum teilen.

− Abschlussabend im Volkshaus Basel Sonntag, 20. August − Ausflug: Schifffahrt mit Brunch auf dem Rhein Sonderangebot bei Kongressteilnahme – 75 % Ermässig ung beim Kauf eines Swiss Travel Pass Flex Dieser berechtigt zur unbegrenzten Nutzung der meisten öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel in der Schweiz. Der Swiss Travel Pass Flex zu Sonderkonditionen kann bis Ende Juni 2017 bestellt werden. Links Kongressthema Kongressflyer / Programm / Anmeldung Bestellung Swiss Travel Pass Flex Hotelunterkunft Kongressort Die Auslandschweizer-Organisation freut sich, Sie in Basel begrüssen zu dürfen. Anmeldeschluss: 18. Juli 2017 www.aso-kongress.ch communication@aso.ch

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

10

95e Congrès des Suisses de l‘étranger : inscrivez-vous maintenant ! du 18 au 20 août 2017 au Congress Center Basel Madame, Monsieur, Du 18 au 20 août 2017, le 95e Congrès des Suisses de l’étranger aura lieu au Congress Center Basel. Nous vous invitons à vous y inscrire. Programme du Congrès Vendredi 18 août − Séance du Conseil des Suisses de l’étranger Les thèmes principaux de cette séance constitutive :

o La problématique des relations bancaires de la « Cinquième Suisse » o L’élection au Conseil des Suisses de l‘étranger des membres vivant en Suisse pour 2017-2021

Réservation de place à la tribune à l’Hôtel de ville de Bâle : direction@aso.ch. Pour information : Dès 18h00, se déroulera le festival de jazz (www.embebbisyjazz.ch) dans les rues de Grossbasel. Samedi 19 août − Matin : 2 visites au choix à Bâle :

Promenade en ville «Bâle en bref» ou visite architecturale du Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bâle − A partir de 12h30 : Colloque au Congress Center Basel

Thème : «Suisses de l’intérieur de l’étranger: un seul mon de!» Dans quelle mesure la vision des Suisses de l’étranger diffère-t-elle de celle des Suisses de l’intérieur ? C’est sur cette question que nos invités, le Vice-président du Conseil fédéral Alain Berset, la Secrétaire d’Etat Pascale Baeriswyl, l’Ecrivaine Irena Brezna ainsi que d’aut res débatteront.

− La soirée de clôture se tiendra au Volkshaus Basel Dimanche 20 août − Excursion en bateau sur le Rhin avec brunch Offre exceptionnelle pour la participation au Congr ès – 75 % de rabais lors de l‘achat d‘un Swiss Trav el Pass Flex Le Swiss Travel Pass Flex donne accès de façon illimitée à la plupart des transports publics en Suisse. Il peut être commandé au tarif spécial jusqu’à la fin juin 2017 . Liens Thème du Congrès Flyer du Congrès / programme / inscription Commande d’un Swiss Travel Pass Flex Votre hébergement Lieu du Congrès L’Organisation des Suisses de l’étranger se réjouit de vous accueillir à Bâle. Date limite d’inscription : 18 juillet 2017 www.ose-congres.ch communication@aso.ch

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

11

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

12

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

13

News from the Swiss Malaysian Business Association

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge

55000 Kuala Lumpur

14

News from the Swiss communities

Kontakt / Impressum EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND Tel. +603 2148 0622 16 Persiaran Madge Fax. +603 2148 0935 55000 Kuala Lumpur Email: kua.vertretung@eda.admin.ch Feedback zum Newsletter bitte an lyn.lohtanfoong@eda.admin.ch

Weblinks www.eda.admin.ch/kualalumpur www.swissinfo.ch www.swissworld.org www.swissabroad.ch www.MySwitzerland.com