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N° 1
December 2018 |
| 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,
It is a great pleasure for me to write a few lines for the last Newsletter of the year. Since our last Bulletin in June, quite a number of events took place and therefore it is timely to look back at some past happenings and activities.
The celebration of the Swiss National Day at the Residence was a memorable highlight. Although rainy weather increased the familiar traffic jams, many Swiss citizens, representatives of companies, diplomats, members of civil society and friends of Switzerland attended the festive day and contributed to a great atmosphere and joyful event.
Numerous Swiss companies opened new facilities, shops or offices in Malaysia during the last months. In addition, the Attorney General of Switzerland paid a visit to Malaysia in July.
You will find a more detailed description of some activities in the following pages and I hope that you will enjoy the reading. And as always, please do not hesitate to give feedback to the team at the Embassy and also to myself on how we can assist and support you.
Furthermore, please note that we have a new general email address which you will find announced in this newsletter.
As it is the closing of yet another year, Marina and I, together with the staff at the Embassy would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays and a prosperous and joyful New Year 2019.
All the best,
Michael Winzap |
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| The opening of Nespresso's first boutique in Malaysia |
| Launching of Nespresso's Boutique ©Nespresso |
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Nespresso opened its first standalone store in Malaysia at The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley in June 2018. The new retail enviroment surrounds guests in an immerse coffee experience allowing deeper learning and coffee exploration. The opening ceremony was graced by Columbia Ambassador Mauricio Gonzalez Lopez, Switzerland Ambassador Michael Winzap, Nespresso Head of Asia Renaud Tinel, Nespresso Malaysia business development manager Geoffrey Dalziel and IGB Corporation CEO Antony Barragry.
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| PMCC Corporation's 10th year anniversary celebration |
| Peter Wyss and Ambassador Michael Winzap©FDFA |
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PMCC celebrated their 10th year anniversary on 6th July 2018. This event was special as it is also the opening of the new office which is google style with a Swiss chalet built in as meeting room. It is the first Swiss company in Malaysia with such a themed office. Ambassador Michael Winzap was present to officiate the office and Peter Wyss, the Managing Director described his last ten years since founding of PMCC Corporation. Their attention to detail, service of food & beverages and overall comfort was well appreciated by the invited guests. |
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| Work visit of Attorney General of Switzerland, Michael Lauber |
| Tommy Thomas, Lim Guan Eng, Michael Lauber, Michael Winzap©FDFA |
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The Attorney General of Switzerland, Michael Lauber, and his delegation met with his Malaysian counterpart Tommy Thomas and with Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng on 10th July 2018 in Putrajaya to discuss mutual assistance requests related to 1MDB, a state fund set up for development.
"The main emphasis in the discussions during the official work visit was laid on the need to affirm a mutual commitment to the rule of the law and the resumption of mutual legal assistance between the two jurisdictions", Switzerland's prosecutor said.
Lauber said during a press meeting: “Switzerland will not enrich itself by keeping illicit or stolen assets. He also said that Switzerland had been conducting investigations since 2015, and has been cooperating with countries such as the United States, Singapore and Luxembourg. But the Malaysian Attorney General back then refused the exchange of information." |
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| The Honourable Dorell Leiking & Ambassador Winzap ©FDFA |
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The celebration of the 727th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation was held on 1st August 2018 once again in the lush garden of the Swiss Ambassador’s residence. Despite of the rain and drizzle, it did not dampen the celebratory spirit. Approximately 450 guests consisting of compatriots, members of the Malaysian and Swiss business circles, diplomats and friends of Switzerland joined the Ambassador Michael Winzap to celebrate this occasion. The guests were greeted by a fete like atmosphere upon entry to the embassy which was adorned with Canton flags and highlights such as sponsors’ booths, photo booth as well as a colourful life size cow.
The first official session of the event was graced by the Honourable Ignatius Dorell Leiking, Minister of International Trade & Industry. The celebration started off with the exchange of official toasts, made by the Ambassador and the Guest of Honour to the King of Malaysia and the President of the Swiss Confederation followed by the National Anthems respectively.
The atmosphere for the second session of this event which mainly catered for the Swiss community was informal and relaxed. A short address was delivered by Ambassador Winzap followed by a broadcast speech from Mr. Alain Berset, the President of the Swiss Confederation which then ended with the Swiss National Anthem.
The Embassy would like to take this opportunity to thank ABB, Antah Schindler, DKSH, George Fischer, HACO, Huber + Suhner, JUST Essentials, Nestlé, Novartis, Omya, PX Swissmet, Roche, Rail Systems Engineering, RUAG, Sicpa, SGS, Sika Kimia, Unisto, Zuellig Pharma and Zurich Insurance for their generous support to make this delightful event possible. |
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| Opening of the Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0 |
| Ribbon cutting ceremony©FDFA |
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On 25th September 2018, the opening of the Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0 which has been set up in collaboration between Swiss Smart Factory in Biel/Bienne and the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre took place in Shah Alam. Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Amirudin bin Shari, Chief Minister of Selangor, attended the opening. The Embassy of Switzerland was represented by Werner Bardill, Chargé d’Affairs a.i, and Swiss Smart Factory by its Director, Dr Dominic Gorecky. The cooperation agreement was signed during the opening ceremony.
The Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0 is the first training, demonstration and competence center focusing on the topic of Industry 4.0 and digitalization in Malaysia. It is a unique platform to bring together the relevant stakeholders of polity, from the public and private sector to academia and civil society. It provides hands-on experience, training, technology and talent development for Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory competencies.
The Swiss Smart Factory was set up in May 2017 at the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne. They aim of becoming Switzerland’s leading, internationally-recognized competence centre for Industry 4.0. |
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| Opening ceremony of Belimo Automation Malaysia Sdn Bhd |
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Ambassador Michael Winzap attended the opening ceremony of Belimo Automation Malaysia Sdn Bhd in Klang on 25th October 2018. The CEO of Belimo Holding AG, Mr. Lars van der Haegen was present together with the Group Executive Committee members from Switzerland and Asia Pacific region. The new warehouse will operate as a logistic hub for the whole of South East Asia and function as a training center for building owners, consultants and engineers practicing in the Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) industry. |
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| Opening of Comerge Solutions Sdn Bhd |
| Dr. Till Bay, CEO of Comerge AG ©FDFA |
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Dr. Till Bay, CEO of Comerge AG officiated the opening of Comerge Solutions Sdn Bhd on 5th November 2018. The guests were gratified with the serving of Swiss raclette to complete the gracious event. The office in Malaysia is a team of Swiss and local software developers as well as interaction designers that develop mobile, web, and native-apps focusing in mobility, logistics, and robotics industry. |
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| 20th Anniversary of Huber+Suhner |
| Speech by Werner Bardill ©FDFA |
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Mr Werner Bardill, the Deputy Head of Mission presented a congratulatory speech in the 20th anniversary of Huber+Suhner celebration in Malaysia on 29th November 2018. Since its inception in Malaysia, Huber+Suhner has been serving and addressing the challenges faced by the industry players through providing technology in Radio Frequency, Fiber Optics and Low Frequency to create solutions for Communication, Transportation and Industrial. Guests were being entertained with amazing food, great performances and lucky draws. |
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| St. Gallen Institute of Management in Asia/ Business Study Mission in Malaysia |
| HSG at Chalet Suisse ©FDFA |
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In the frame of the study mission, the students from St. Gallen Institute of Management in Singapore had visited Malaysia with the objectives to explore various topics ranging from doing business and investing in Malaysia to cross-cultural understanding. This year approximately 35 students joined this business study mission in October and December respectively with a business dinner organised at the Chalet Suisse. |
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| The 19th European Union Film Festival 2018 |
| The Divine Order © Zodiac Pictures |
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The Embassy of Switzerland participated in the 19th European Union Film Festival (EUFF), which is an annual event with the Golden Screen Cinema (GSC) which showcases a collection of films from Europe. The EUFF was be held in Kuala Lumpur from 18th - 28th October, in Penang from 1st - 7th November, in Johor Bahru from 15th - 18th November, in Kuching from 22nd - 28th November and in Kota Kinabalu from 6th - 12th December 2018 respectively.
This year, Switzerland showcased a Comedy/Drama titled 'The Divine Order' (Die Göttliche Ordnung) directed by Petra Volpe. |
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| NEWS FROM SWITZERLAND TOURISM |
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| Switzerland Tourism Experience (STE) in Penang |
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The 2nd STE workshop in Penang was held in G Hotel Gurney on 15th November 2018. The programme comprised a presentation by Mr. Ivan Breiter, Director of South East Asia - Switzerland Tourism and the 8 partners from Switzerland. An open workshop was held where the buyers had the opportunity to meet sellers. This event was attended by 54 travel agents from Penang as well as Perak. A VIP networking dinner was organised on 14th November 2018 at Macalister Mansion. 43 VIP guests were treated to a delicious meal and enjoyed a magic show by Pad Alexander. |
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| Switzerland Tourism & Convention Bureau Roadshow |
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The Switzerland Tourism & Convention Bureau (SCIB) has organised a South East Asia roadshow together with their partners. A workshop and lunch for the travel agents specialised in Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Events (MICE) has been organised. A dinner workshop took place for corporate clients. Both events were held on 21st November 2018 at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. |
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| Switzerland's railway themed travelogue launch |
| Charles Kuay, Ambassador Winzap, Melanie Brunner, Lyn Loh, Joseph Seow, Jasper Leong |
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Innovation Media introduced Switzerland’s first railway-themed Chinese travelogue in Southeast Asia titled – “The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: Living in the Alps”. Co-authored by Jasper Leong and Charles Kuay, the book will take readers on a ride across Switzerland in travel-documentary style.
The launch of the travelogue took place at the Residence of the Swiss Ambassador on 28th November 2018, and was graced by the Ambassador of Switzerland Michael Winzap, Swiss Travel System AG Southeast Asia marketing and sales manager Melanie Brunner, as well as co-founder of Innovation Media Joseph Seow.
The travelogue is endorsed by Switzerland Tourism who supported both authors from writing to publishing and publicity tours. |
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| 29th March 2018, Kuala Lumpur |
| French Language Week 2018 |
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| The French Language Week is an initiative taken every year in Malaysia by the members of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. In 2019, the Francophonie event will take place in the Glasshouse Seputeh in 29th March. The Embassy of Switzerland will be participating in this annual happening. More information about the programmes will be announced nearer to date. Should you be interested to participate in the French Language Week 2019 or to attend the Francophonie Buffet, please do not hesitate to drop us a line for more details. |
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| 6th - 7th March 2019, Kuala Lumpur |
| Switzerland Travel Experience (STE) |
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| The 8th STE Workshop will be held on 6th & 7th March 2019. The STE Workshop is a workshop focusing specifically on the needs and requests of the important travel agents and operators in South East Asia. This event will be an excellent platform for travel agents to meet with a selection of Swiss suppliers to explore new ideas and business opportunities, and to learn more about Switzerland and its offerings. |
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| NEWS FROM THE REGIONAL CONSULAR CENTRE BANGKOK |
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| Mobile Consulate in Kuala Lumpur |
| Kindly be informed that the mobile consulate for the biometric exercise will be at the Embassy of Switzerland in Kuala Lumpur from 11th to 13th March 2019. The Regional Consular Centre in Bangkok will be sending out individual invitations to all Swiss citizens registered in Malaysia by email in the beginning of 2019. |
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| Federal elections 2019 – your vote matters! |
Your vote matters! Parliamentary elections will be held in Switzerland on 20th October 2019. As a Swiss national living abroad, who is included in the Register of the Swiss Abroad, you are allowed to vote in elections as well as stand as a candidate for election to Parliament.
Link: Information on the 2019 elections for Swiss nationals living abroad |
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| Frühere Schweizer Klub Malaysia/ Former Swiss Club of Malaysia |
Früherer Schweizer Klub Malaysia
Auf der Schweizerischen Botschaft in Kuala Lumpur ist ein Betrag über rund 8000 CHF vorhanden, welcher vom früheren Schweizer Klub Malaysia stammt. Der Schweizer Klub wurde im Oktober 2007 aufgelöst; Bemühungen in den Folgejahren, den Klub wieder zu aktivieren, blieben erfolglos. Da der Verein aufgelöst wurde, besteht kein Rechtssubjekt mehr, an welches das Vermögen rückerstattet werden könnte. Auch bestehen keine Regelungen oder Vereinbarungen darüber, wie mit dem Vermögen verfahren werden soll, weshalb auch eine Auszahlung an einen künftigen Verein nicht möglich wäre. Die Zentrale hat mit dem Rechtsdienst des Eidg. Departements für auswärtige Angelegenheiten EDA und mit der Eidg. Finanzverwaltung daher abgeklärt, wie mit diesem Vermögen umgegangen werden soll. Sämtliche involvierten Stellen gelangten einhellig zur Auffassung, dass das Vermögen in den Hilfsfonds für Schweizer Staatsangehörige im Ausland überführt werden soll. Dieser Fonds ist in Art. 43 ff. der Auslandschweizerverordnung (SR 195.11) geregelt. Der Hilfsfonds kommt bedürftigen Auslandschweizerinnen und Auslandschweizern zugute und erlaubt somit eine Verwendung des Vermögens, die dem Sinn und Geist des früheren Schweizer Klubs entspricht.
Former Swiss Club of Malaysia
The Swiss Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has a sum of around CHF 8,000 in its possession, which belonged to the former Swiss Club of Malaysia. The Swiss Club was closed in October 2007, and efforts to start it up again in subsequent years were unsuccessful. As the association was dissolved, there is no longer any legal entity to which the money can be returned. Also, there are no rules or arrangements concerning what should be done with this money, so it would not even be possible to transfer it to another association in the future. Head office therefore approached Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Legal Services and the Federal Finance Administration to clarify what should be done with the money. All offices involved came to the unanimous conclusion that it should be transferred to the Support Fund for Swiss Nationals Abroad, governed by Art. 43 of the Swiss Abroad Ordinance (SR 195.11). As this support fund is used for the benefit of Swiss citizens abroad, it allows for an appropriate utilisation of the money in the spirit and intent of the former Swiss Club. |
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| NEWS FROM THE SWISS COMMUNITY |
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| Stammtisch at Chalet Suisse Restaurant |
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 onwards:
(31st) Tuesday, January 02, 2019
(32nd) Thursday, February 07, 2019
(33rd) Tuesday, March 05, 2019
(34th) Wednesday, April 03, 2019
(35th) Tuesday, May 07, 2019
(36th) Tuesday, June 04, 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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| 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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