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N° 2
June 2019 |
| Embassy of Switzerland in Kuala Lumpur |
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| Foreword from Ambassador Michael Winzap |
| Ambassador Michael Winzap ©FDFA |
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Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Compatriots,
As we are halfway through the year 2019 it is timely to inform you about some past events as well as to look forward to the upcoming activities.
In order to create higher awareness of Switzerland’s presence in Malaysia, several undertakings took place during the month of April under the label of Swiss Weeks.
In cooperation with the University of Malaya, the Modern Direct Democracy exhibition and forum was organized. Some 15 Swiss companies opened their doors to the Malaysian public and explained about Swiss know how, work ethics and how Malaysia is perceived for business opportunities. Switzerland as a Tourism destination was also promoted and last but not least Swiss culinary arts where exhibited at several places.
In this context, the Embassy has just launched it's Facebook page to elevate Swiss visibility in Malaysia. Do follow us and share it with your friends.
On a personal note, I would like to announce that my term in Malaysia is coming to an end in August. Marina and I enjoyed very much our stay in Malaysia. We were received here with open arms by the welcoming and friendly Malaysians and we had a lot of opportunities to visit and explore this beautiful and fascinating country. And, I was privileged to have the opportunity to witness the peaceful change of government on 9th May 2018.
Our new destination will be New Zealand and we will have the possibility to discover another wonderful nation.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the National Day celebration. As the previous years, it will take place on the 1st August at the garden of the residence. Invitations will be e-mailed soon.
All the best,
Michael Winzap |
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| DKSH Corporate Shared Service Center (CSSC) Grand Opening |
| Datuk Kenny Tan, Michael Hutab, Michael Winzap ©FDFA |
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Ambassador Michael Winzap was pleased to join the celebration of the opening of new office of DKSH CSSC on 28th January which also marked the 15 years of continued growth and service excellence of this Swiss company who has deep roots in Asia-Pacific. DKSH has a nearly 150-year-long tradition of doing business in and with the region; serving four Business Units: Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Performance Materials and Technology. Ever since the company’s IT department was headquartered in Malaysia, it has been a global hub for leading-edge IT services, connecting clients with hundreds of interfaces and setting new industry standards for market information access. In line with its strategy for sustainable and profitable growth, DKSH continually reinvests in both physical and IT infrastructures. More than 230 specialists currently work in the new facility. |
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| Launch of Tissot 2019 Exhibition |
| Ribbon cutting ceremony ©FDFA |
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Swiss watchmaker, TISSOT held an exclusive cocktail evening in Suria KLCC to celebrate the launch of Tissot 2019 Exhibition. The week-long watch showcase, which ran from 5th March to 11th March, was opened to the public and offered an exciting look at the latest novelties from Tissot’s 2019 collection.
The evening commenced with an opening address by Ms. Kim Lim, Vice President of Tissot Malaysia, after which she was joined by Mrs. Tipanat Lenbury, Country Manager of The Swatch Group Malaysia, Mr. Michael Winzap, Ambassador of Switzerland to Malaysia, Mr. Lloyd Parker, General Manager of Leasing, Suria KLCC, as well as actress-model-TV personality Ms. Amelia Henderson for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of watch enthusiasts, style innovators, influencers, and members of the media. |
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Swiss Image, an attainable range of face care products, imported from
Switzerland has been launched by Natural Options Sdn Bhd on 28th March at the Chalet Suisse Restaurant. During the launch, Ms Ambra Orsolini, International Trainer from Swiss Image gave a presentation and product demonstration to the guests who comprised of media and social influencers. Also present at the event were Mr. Michael Winzap, Ambassador of Switzerland, representatives from Swiss Image headquarters as well as Watson Malaysia.
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| Fête de la Francophonie in Kuala Lumpur 2019 |
| Launch of the Francophonie with the Deputy Minister of Education, YB Teo Nie Ching©FDFA |
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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 began with the Francophonie Buffet on 28th March at the Glasshouse Seputeh where food and drinks from 14 participating countries and cultural performances were showcased. The Embassy of Switzerland took this opportunity to present the all-time favourite Swiss specialty – Raclette to approximately 400 guests.
A FrancoTour was also organised where representatives from the participating Embassies were visiting schools in various states for sharing sessions with the local students. Small gifts were offered by the Swiss Embassy for this activity. |
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| Straton Grand Opening ©FDFA |
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Ambassador Michael Winzap was invited as the Guest of Honour to launch the opening of Statron Manufacturing Sdn Bhd in Malaysia on 4th April. Statron Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd was established in 2010 to serve as the regional hub for the Asia Pacific market providing professional services to support the demanding industrial market of Oil & Gas, Power Generation and Transmission & Distribution. As Asia Pacific becomes more important, the board of directors of Statron Group has decided to expand its operation in Malaysia with the establishment of Statron Manufacturing Sdn Bhd. |
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| Swiss Weeks 2019 in April |
This year the Embassy initiated Swiss Weeks 2019 with the objectives to provide a platform to promote Swiss gastronomy, culture, tourism as well as Switzerland's presence in the trade sector. The Swiss Weeks 2019 took place in the month of April with various activities. Amongst the highlights were the Modern Direct Democracy Exhibition and Forum, the Open House by Swiss companies, Swiss gastronomy promotion, Swiss Hospitality Fair & Career Talk organised by SUISSEedu as well as events organised by Switzerland Tourism and Swiss Malaysian Business Association.
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 Belimo Automation Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Comerge Solutions Sdn Bhd, Endress+Hauser (M) Sdn Bhd, Hilti Asia IT Sdn Bhd, Huber & Suhner Malaysia Sdn Bhd, JUST Essentials Sdn Bhd, KDU University College Sdn Bhd in collaboration with IMI International Management Institute, Micromechanics Sdn Bhd, Nestle Malaysia, Rail System Engineering Sdn Bhd, PMCC Corporation, SGS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Sika Kimia Sdn Bhd, SR Technics Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Swiss Profile and Zuellig Pharma Sdn Bhd.
Swiss Gastronomy Promotion
Three establishments took part in the Swiss Gastronomy Promotion: Chalet Suisse has organised an authentic Swiss Sunday Brunch and a Swiss Fondue & Raclette Evening as well as Swiss Bread making & Swiss Desserts classes by Swiss Executive Pastry Chef, Mr Eric A. Roos. Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur with the Swiss Executive Chef Rolf Knecht and his culinary team have prepared a line up of Swiss-inspired offerings at the hotel's signature restaurant - THIRTY8. A Swiss lunch at the school restaurant has been offered by the students and lecturers from KDU University College in collaboration with IMI International Management Institute. |
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| Modern Direct Democracy: Forum and Exhibition |
| Forum with Adrian Schmid at Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya ©FDFA |
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The Embassy of Switzerland in collaboration with the Asia-Europe Institute at the University of Malaya organised an exhibition titled ‘Modern Direct Democracy: Exhibition and Forum’ in conjunction with Swiss Weeks 2019 from 8th – 19th April at the foyer of the Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya accessible to the general public.
The exhibition aimed to draw attention to modern direct democratic institutions in Switzerland and their peculiarities comparing with the developments in the host country. The objectives of this exhibition was to enable the visitors to learn about the history of direct democracy as well as new developments and challenges for the people, institutions and politicians in Switzerland as well as in Malaysia besides providing an ideal platform for bilateral exchanges of ideas.
Michael Winzap, Ambassador of Switzerland, Datuk Abdul Rahim Hashim, Vice-Chancellor of University of Malaya and Professor Dr Azirah Hashim, Executive Director of Asia-Europe officiated the exhibition on 8th April.
In conjunction with the launching, the guest speaker Mr. Adrian Schmid, CEO of the Swiss Heritage Society and President of the Swiss Democracy Foundation was present to give a keynote speech followed by a panel discussion led by moderator Y.B. Charles Santiago, Member of Parliament in Malaysia. The members of the panel discussion were Mr. Thomas Fann, BERSIH chairperson, Professor Dr Rajah Rasiah, Distinguished Professor at Asia-Europe Institute and Dr Khoo Ying Hooi, Senior lecturer with the Department of International & Strategic Studies, University of Malaya. Approximately 80 guests from the ministries/government agencies, international organisations, humanitarian organisations, diplomatic circles and academic circles attended this event held at the Asia-Europe Institute Auditorium, University of Malaya.
Apart from that, the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence Asia-Europe Institute, in collaboration with the Centre for ASEAN Regionalism, University of Malaya (CARUM) also organized a public lecture by Ambassador Michael Winzap titled ‘Direct Democracy: The Swiss Experience’ with Mr. Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Founder and former CEO of IDEAS & Chairman of PTPTN as the moderator. This lecture took place on 17th April at the Asia-Europe Institute Auditorium, University of Malaya. |
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| Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions |
| Ms Biljana Milosevic, YB Dato' Haji Mohd Rashid Hasnon, Ambassador Winzap ©FDFA |
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The Embassy of Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in partnership with the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRCS), organised on 30 April an event in Kuala Lumpur to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols form the core of international Humanitarian Law (IHL). They protect people who are not or no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. The Geneva Conventions have been universally ratified by 196 countries including Malaysia which ratified the Conventions on 24th August 1962.
Ambassador Michael Winzap gave an overview of the Geneva Conventions and Switzerland’s commitment to the International Humanitarian Law in his welcome speech. Ms Biljana Milosevic, Head of Regional Delegation of ICRC, focused on the mandate of the ICRC and the organization’s role vis-à-vis the Geneva Conventions and IHL. The keynote address was delivered by YB Dato’ Haji Mohd Rashid bin Hasnon, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malaysia. The seminar discussed Malaysia’s commitment to the Geneva Conventions. |
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| Opening of SGS Academy & Laboratory |
| Ribbon cutting ceremony ©FDFA |
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SGS Academy Malaysia and Multi-Business Laboratory at Seksyen 22, Shah Alam, Selangor was formerly opened on 23rd April. This event was graced by Mr Michael Winzap, Ambassador of Switzerland, Mr Malcolm Reid, COO SEAP of SGS and Mr Pradit Yongpanchai, Managing Director of SGS Malaysia. SGS (Malaysia) provides a wide range of services and specialised solutions for all sectors of Malaysian industry. At the same day, SGS also organised a laboratory visit and walkabout for the registered guests in conjunction with the Open House of Swiss Weeks 2019. |
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| The 1000th limited edition unit of Z8 unveiled |
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VISTA Eye Specialist, together with Michael Winzap, Ambassador of Switzerland and the Sales Director of Ziemer Dominique Van Herzeele, unveiled the 1,000th limited edition unit of the Ziemer Femto LDV Z8 Femtosecond Laser worldwide at the VISTA Cataract Awareness Campaign Launch on 24th April. The Z8 by Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems employs the use of a Femtosecond Laser aided by real-time analysis and mapping via an intelligent Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) visualisation system, to replace many of the steps done manually by a surgeon with a metal blade or instruments during cataract surgery. Also present at the event was Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye. |
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| Swiss Business Hub ASEAN's Head Introductory Call |
| S-GE and the industry players ©FDFA |
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New Head of SBH ASEAN (Singapore), Ms. Renee Koh visited Kuala Lumpur together with the Director of Global Network; Mr Stefan Barny from S-GE (Switzerland Global Enterprise) for an introductory call and to have discussion with the Embassy on operational synergies and trade promotion activities in this region on 17th January. During the trip, Renee and Stefan also took the chance to meet with local experts, representative from Swiss Malaysian Business Association (SMBA) as well as industry players to understand the local market. |
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| Switzerland Global Enterprise Working Visit |
| Mr. Alain Graf, the Senior Consultant Asia of Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) paid a working visit to Malaysia to understand more about business opportunities here to support Swiss companies whom like to explore Asia market. From 25th - 29th April, Mr. Graf took the opportunity to have a discussion with Ambassador Michael Winzap and Mr. Werner Bardill on various issues faced by Swiss companies in Malaysia as well as meeting with Malaysian industry promotion government agency and visited a few Swiss Weeks 2019's Open Houses. |
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| NEWS FROM SWITZERLAND TOURISM |
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| Switzerland Travel Experience (STE) in Kuala Lumpur 2019 |
| Presentation by Ivan Breiter ©FDFA |
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This year, the 8th STE Workshop was held in Shangri-la Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 7th March from 8.30 am till 2:00 pm. The programme comprised of a presentation by Mr. Ivan Breiter, Director of South East Asia – Switzerland Tourism and the partners as well as the Switzerland Specialist Award Ceremony; followed by an open workshop where the buyers had the opportunity to meet the sellers. 25 partners from Switzerland participated and a total of 150 travel agents from the Klang Valley attended this event.
A VIP Networking & Appreciation dinner was also organised on 6th March at the FOOK. |
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| Launching of the Stopover Switzerland with Switzerland Travel Experts |
| Launch of Stopover Switzerland ©FDFA |
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In conjunction with the Swiss Weeks 2019, Switzerland Tourism and Swiss International Airlines took the opportunity to launch the Stopover Switzerland programme. The programme was designed for transfer guests flying via Zurich with Swiss International Air Lines. It allows them to explore Switzerland in 2-5 days without incurring additional airfare costs before continuing their journey to their final destination. Stopover guests can purchase attractive and unique stopover packages (including hotel and public transport ticket). The launch cum luncheon took place on 30th April at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. About 40 travel agents including the Switzerland Travel Experts attended this event. |
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| Thursday, 1st August - in the garden of the Swiss Ambassador’s residence |
| Swiss National Day 2019 |
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Programme of the day
06.00 – 08.00 pm Session 1: Event with the officials, dignitaries and business representatives.
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 are registered with the Regional Consular Centre, Bangkok by third week of June via email and RSVP is compulsory. |
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| 17th October till 6th November - Golden Screen Cinema |
| European Union Film Festival (EUFF) 2019 |
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| Switzerland will be participating in the European Union Film Festival (EUFF), which is an annual event that showcases a collection of films from all over Europe. This year the EUFF tentatively will be held from 17th October till 6th November in Klang Valley and Penang. More information will be provided nearer to date via EDA's website and facebook. |
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| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for 2020- 2021 |
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The Swiss government, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), awards various postgraduate scholarships to foreign scholars and researchers. These scholarships provide graduates from all fields with the opportunity to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland at one of the public funded university or recognised institution.
The call for the next academic year 2020-2021 will be online by the beginning of August 2019 on the following site: www.sbfi.admin.ch/scholarships_eng |
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| 97.Auslandschweizer-Kongress 2019 in Montreux/ 97e Congrès des Suisses de l'étranger |
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Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, Vom 16.-18. August 2019 wird der 97. Auslandschweizer-Kongress in Montreux im Montreux Music & Convention Centre (2m2c) stattfinden. Dieser Kongress mit dem Titel «Welche Welt für morgen?» bietet die Möglichkeit, die soziale, politische und wirtschaftliche Realität, die Beschäftigungssituation, die Migrationswirklichkeit und die Mobilität von morgen zu untersuchen. Was sind die grössten Herausforderungen für Unternehmen in der Zukunft, wie kann man ihnen begegnen und wie lassen sich bereits heute die Elemente der Lösung und Reaktion umsetzen? Auf dem Programm stehen spannende Reden von herausragenden Persönlichkeiten aus Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Politik sowie als Höhepunkt des Kongresses die Rede des Bundesrates Ignazio Cassis. Der erste Kongresstag ist von der Sitzung des Auslandschweizerrates geprägt. Dieser kommt zweimal jährlich in der Schweiz zu einer ganztägigen Sitzung zusammen, um über wichtige Fragen der Auslandschweizerpolitik zu beraten und zu aktuellen Themen aus der Sicht der Fünften Schweiz Stellung zu nehmen. Zur Plenarversammlung am zweiten Tag werden ca. 400 Landsleute aus aller Welt erwartet. Das vollständige Programm einschliesslich aller Referenten aus Wirtschaft, Politik und Medien können Sie gerne dem beiliegenden Kongressflyer entnehmen. Weitere Informationen finden Sie ebenso auf unserer Webseite www.aso-kongress.ch
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Madame, Monsieur, Le 97e Congrès des Suisses de l’étranger se déroulera du 16 au 18 août 2019 à Montreux. Ce congrès, dont le titre est «Quel Monde pour demain?», sera l’occasion de s’interroger sur les réalités sociales, politiques et économiques, sur la situation de l’emploi, sur la question migratoire ou encore sur la mobilité de demain. Quels sont les grands défis de société à venir, comment les accueillir et mettre en place, dès aujourd’hui, des éléments de réaction et de solution? Des personnalités remarquables de la vie économique, scientifique et politique s’intéresseront à ce sujet et tenteront d‘apporter des réponses. Environ 400 personnes du monde entier sont par ailleurs attendues. La séance du Conseil des Suisses de l'étranger constitue le premier jour du Congrès. Le Conseil se réunit en effet deux fois par année en Suisse pour examiner d'importantes questions de politique touchant les Suisses de l'étranger et pour faire connaître la position de la «Cinquième Suisse» sur des sujets d'actualité. Vous trouverez de plus amples informations sur notre site Internet www.ose-congres.ch
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| NEWS FROM SWISS COMMUNITY |
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| Stammtisch at Chalet Suisse Restaurant |
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We, five Swiss owners from the Chalet Suisse Restaurant supported the idea of having a periodical “Swiss Stammtisch” in Kuala Lumpur. We would like to keep the ball rolling..... We shall meet at the following dates, starting from 18:00 hrs onward:
(37th) Wednesday, July 03, 2019 (38th) Tuesday, August 06, 2019
(39th) Wednesday, September 04, 2019
(40th) Tuesday, October 01, 2019
(41st) Wednesday, November 06, 2019
(42nd) Tuesday, December 03, 2019
Please mark the dates in your personal planner; you might receive a reminder for the event!
For organisational reason, please make your reservation directly via our webpage at www.chaletsuisse.com.my or call us anytime!
Chalet Suisse offers you the first drink as well as some finger food. |
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| Swiss Week in Razzmatazz - Kuching |
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To celebrate the Swiss National Day in Kuching, Razzmatazz - Swiss Bistro and Bar is serving traditional Swiss specialties from 17th July - 4th August 2019.
For further information, please contact
Frieda at +6016 8890600
Razzmatazz Bistro at Tabuan Tranquility Commercial Centre, Kuching, Sarawak |
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| CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS |
Kindly be informed that the general email address for the Embassy of Switzerland has been changed to kualalumpur@eda.admin.ch
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