Newsletter

of the Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia

November 2015

Foreword from Ambassador Michael Winzap

Ladies & Gentlemen, dear compatriots

It gives me great pleasure to be contributing for the first time to the Newsletter of the
Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia.

My wife Marina and I have arrived in Kuala Lumpur some weeks ago and we are
looking forward to discover this beautiful country and its welcoming people. After
having spent the last three years in Amman, Jordan and being accredited in the
Hashemite Kingdom and in Iraq, we are very happy to have moved to this part of the
world.

My main aim is to contribute to the strengthening of the Swiss-Malaysian relations in

several fields. Although the consular affairs are handled since 2012 by the Regional
Consular Centre at Embassy of Switzerland in Bangkok, and no changes of this
situation is in the planning or envisaged, I am very much interested in meeting Swiss
citizens and the representatives of Swiss companies living in Malaysia in order to hear
from them about their experiences, to know what they expect from the Ambassador or his staff as well as to find out
how a fruitful mutual collaboration can best be established and ‘operationalised’ to promote Swiss interests in
Malaysia effectively. Therefore, please do not hesitate to present your proposals and ideas.

Upon my arrival in Malaysia, I have had the pleasure to meet and accompany several delegations. You will find
information about these meetings in the following pages.

This month we also had a visit from a Swiss Member of Parliament, Mr Philipp Hadorn, who was here to attend a
Roundtable discussion on the abolition of the death penalty organized by the Parliamentarians for Global Action. As
you certainly know, the right to life and the respect for human dignity is at the core of Swiss foreign policy.

On a personal note, I am looking forward to the presentation of the Letters of Credence to His Majesty the Yang di-
Pertuan Agong in the near future. Only after this ceremony, I will be fully empowered to act as the official
representative of Switzerland in Malaysia.

I hope you will enjoy reading this edition of the Newsletter and also do take the time to give us some feedback on how
best the Ambassador and the team at the Embassy can be of assistance to you.

As it is also the closing of another year, Marina and I, together with the staff at the Embassy want to take this
opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very Blessed Holiday season.

Kind regards
Michael Winzap

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

1
Current Events
16th European Union Film Festival (EUFF)
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The Embassy of Switzerland is participating in the 16 European Union Film Festival (EUFF), which is an annual
event with Golden Screen Cinema (GSC) which showcases a collection of films from all over Europe. The EUFF will
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be held in Kuala Lumpur from 29 October – 8 November, in Penang from 12 – 18 November, in Kuching from
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26 November – 2nd December and in Kota Kinabalu from 10 – 16 December 2015 respectively.

This year, Switzerland will be showcasing a fiction titled ‘Eine Wen iig, Dr Dällebach Kari’ (Someone like Me) directed
by Xavier Koller. The screenings will be on:

30 Oct (Fri) @ 7.00pm at GSC Pavillion Kuala Lumpur

01 Nov (Sun) @ 4.10pm at GSC Mid Valley
07 Nov (Sat) @ 8.40pm at GSC 1 Utama
13 Nov (Fri) @ 7.10pm at GSC Gurney Plaza Penang
29 Nov (Sun) @ 5.20pm at GSC City One Megamall Kuching
12 Dec (Sat) @ 4.30pm at GSC Suria Kota Kinabalu

Synopsis:
Kari Dällebach was born with a cleft palate. His mother takes care
of him like a bird that has fallen out of the nest. As a young man
Kari decides to become a barber and despite his handicap he wins
the heart of Annemarie with his humour, charm and sensitivity. His
happiness seems almost complete – but Annemarie’s middle class
parents have already made other plans for their daughter…

‘Eine Wen iig, Dr Dällebach Kari’ won the 2012 Swiss Film Prize
“Quartz” in both categories: Best Actress and Special Award of the
Academy.

For more information about the EUFF 2015 and its schedule, please visit the following webpages:
https://www.facebook.com/myeuff or http://www.euff.com.my/

‘The Swiss Touch in Landscape Architecture’ Exhibition in Penang

‘The Swiss Touch in Landscape Architecture’ Exhibition will be extended to
Penang after its debut in The One Academy of Communication Design at Bandar
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Sunway from 19 – 23 October 2015.

This exhibition comprises of 36 panels highlighting Switzerland’s role in the

evolution of landscape architecture which not only placing emphasis on designs
alone but also integrating different aspects of ecological sustainability.

Details of the exhibition:

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Date: 16 – 30 November 2015
st
Venue: 1 Avenue Mall
182, Jalan Magazine 10300
Georgetown, Penang

For more information about the exhibition at Bandar Sunway, please refer to page 6.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

2
Past Events
Swiss National Day 2015
The celebration of the National Day of the Swiss
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Confederation was held on 29 July 2015 in the Grand
Ballroom of Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur. More
than 600 guests consisting of compatriots, members of
the Malaysian and Swiss business circles, foreign
diplomats and friends of Switzerland joined the
Ambassador, H.E. Dr Rolf Lenz and his wife to
celebrate this occasion.
This event was graced by The Honourable Datuk
Azizah Mohd Dun, Deputy Minister Women, Family and
Community Development of Malaysia; H.E. Ueli Maurer
- Swiss Federal Councillor and Minister of Defence,
Civil Protection and Sport and his delegation; and the
Lausanne 2020 candidature delegation headed by its
president comprising of the Mayor of Lausanne and two
Canton de Vaud State Ministers among others. 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. Dr Rolf Lenz and H.E Ueli Maurer each
gave a short address where Dr Rolf Lenz also took the
opportunity to bid farewell to his guests.
The guests got to savour the Swiss specialities such as
the ever popular Raclette, Swiss wines and desserts as
EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND
16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur
3
well as international dishes. This delicious treats were
meticulously prepared by the Renaissance Hotel Kuala
Lumpur. Guests were also treated with various
congratulatory cakes by business associates.
Food stations, cocktail tables and the surroundings
were adorned with flowers and drapes in the traditional
red and white colours as well as Swiss and Canton
flags displayed in all corners have created a celebratory
ambience. Buntings and DVD screening of the beautiful
sceneries of Switzerland provided by Switzerland
Tourism were displayed to showcase Switzerland as a
tourist destination. The crowd’s high spirit has indeed
added to the festive atmosphere of this memorable
evening.
In conjunction with the Swiss National Day, the
embassy also organised an exhibition to showcase
some artworks from The INTI Centre of Art & Design
(ICAD) and Sri KDU Primary School to present the
three Olympic values identified by the International
Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC held its 128th
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Session from 30 July till 3 August 2015 in Kuala
Lumpur and the Swiss city of Lausanne, where the
Headquarter of the IOC is based has been selected to
host the Youth Olympic Games 2020.
Apart from the exhibition, Pro Patria’s badges were also
on sale to collect donations to the benefit of social and
cultural works of national public interest.
In the end of the evening, the guests were presented
with a set of Vallotton postcards, Travel + Leisure
magazine - Swiss Special Edition, sample of Kambly
Bretzeli and Kagi Swiss Wafer as well as a Presence
Suisse lapel pin.
“Swiss Game Design” Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur
The HELP College of Arts and Technology has organised the “Swiss Game Design” exhibition and workshop in Kuala
Lumpur in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland and support from Pro Helvetia. The exhibition was held from
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5 – 10 October and the workshop was arranged on 7 October 2015 at the HELP College of Arts and Technology’s
Campus at Fraser Business Park.
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The Official launch on 7 October 2015
The event kicked off with an official launch in conjunction with a
workshop presented by two Swiss independent game designers, Mr
Adrian Stutz and Mr Florian Faller. The visit of these two Swiss artists
was made possible with the support from Pro Helvetia and assistance
from House of Electronic Arts Basel.

This event was officiated by Mr Siow Aik Wee, Manager for Games and
Programme Development from Multimedia Development Corporation
(MDeC); Mrs Narajana Jantan, Director of the HELP College of Arts and
Technology and the Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of
Switzerland in Malaysia, Mr Rolf Ott.

Approximately 100 people attended the launch which consists of staff

and students from the HELP College of Arts and Technology; students from Cochrane Secondary School, KDU
University College, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and all the way from Johor, University Tun Hussein
Onn Malaysia; Streamline studios as well as MDeC. After the official launch, Florian Faller presented a short talk
about the ‘Swiss Game Design’ exhibition as well as highlighting the technological and creative potential of game
design in Switzerland. After which, the attendees were given a tour of the exhibition by Mr Florian Faller and Mr Adrian
Stutz. A small cocktail was hosted by the Embassy of Switzerland for the VIPs who attended this event.
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The Workshop on 7 October 2015
A five hours workshop was conducted by Mr Adrian Stutz and Mr Florian Faller covering the topics – “Game
Mechanics and Rules’ and ‘Game Development Method’ at the flip classroom at level 7 of the HELP College of Arts
and Technology. A total of 48 students and guests from the HELP College of Arts and Technology, KDU University
College, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia and Streamline studios
attended this workshop. Both designers had guided the participants in groups in an interactive method to work on the
design and technical aspects of game design. In general, the participants were appreciative with their guidance and
found the workshop very useful as well as interesting.
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The Exhibition from 05 – 10 October 2015
The exhibition was held in the common area of level 4 at the HELP College of Arts and Technology. The 6 days
exhibition was also open to the general public. The exhibition has drawn an estimated crowd of 700 which comprised
of students, teachers as well as the general public. Apart from the “Swiss Game Design” posters were being exhibited,
3 computers were set up with featured games and films as well as the student games and the essays at the visitors
disposal.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

4
Canton of Geneva: Fact Finding Mission
A delegation of nineteen people from the Canton of Geneva led by Mr Pierre Maudet, the Conseiller d’Etat of Geneva
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visited Kuala Lumpur from 14 – 16 October 2016 for a fact finding mission and location promotion. This Swiss
delegation comprised of members of the Geneva state government, chamber of commerce and private companies.

The Ambassador of Switzerland in Malaysia, Mr Michael Winzap and the senior trade office, Mr Lim Soon Tong both
presented a short briefing about Malaysia and its business opportunities respectively before the delegates adjourned
with their two days programme.

The delegation visited Malaysian Investment

Development Authority (MIDA) with a presentation by
co-host ‘InvestKL’, Labuan Financial Services
Authority (Labuan FSA), Technology Park Malaysia
Corporation, DKSH Corporate Shared Services Centre
and Sunway Group. The visit to Labuan FSA has
triggered strong interest from the participants to set up
Swiss financial and trading entities in Labuan and the
Sunway Group’s township development projects also
left an impressive mark in particular with the
Malaysia’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that
runs on elevated and dedicated 5.4 km track, a
MYR400 million Public-Private Partnership project
between Sunway Group and Prasarana.

The delegation also attended talks by Ms Pauline Lum of PricewaterhouseCoopers on Investment Strategies and Tan
Sri Dr Michael Yeoh of Asli.

Twenty-seven prominent businessmen from local Malaysian companies and Swiss links companies were invited and
attended a business dinner with a presentation on ‘Location Promotion’ to showcase the positive features of Geneva
to attract foreign investment by Mr. Pierre Maudet.

Before their departure from Kuala Lumpur, the embassy managed to arrange a visit to the Skybridge at the Petronas
Twin Tower where the delegates had an opportunity to walk across the twin tower and take a glimpse of Kuala
Lumpur from 170 metres above ground.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

5
“The Swiss Touch in Landscape Architecture” Exhibition
“The Swiss Touch in Landscape Architecture” exhibition by the School of Interior Design at The One Academy was
held in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia and initiated by Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Art Council
to showcase Switzerland’s role as one of the leaders in landscape architecture and to highlight to the public this
crucial form of culture.

This exhibition was being held in conjunction with ‘Creative

October’ which is the school’s annual initiative to promote the field
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of design and architecture from 19 – 23 October 2015 and it was
accessible to the general public.

Mr Rolf Ott, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Switzerland in

Malaysia; Dr Eric Leong, Head of The One Academy’s School of
Interior Design and Mr Tatsun Hoi, Managing Director and Principal
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of the One Academy officiated the exhibition on 19 October 2015
with approximately 70 guests & medias attended.

The exhibition featured 36 panels (images & text) and 3 short films that displayed Swiss landscape architecture
projects that privilege formal beauty, and yet place emphasis on ecological context.

The exhibition’s content is as follows:

• Introduction
• Features - provide an insight into the features of the Swiss
landscape architecture.
• History - introduction to historical gardens, gardening
shows, national exhibitions, and to Lausanne Jardins, the
international festival of urban garden design.
• Pioneers – show the important role played by the pioneers
of Swiss landscape architecture.
• The Protagonists - provides a survey of the most
significant Swiss landscape architecture studios.
• Nouvelle Vague - presents the works of a new generation
of Swiss landscape architects.

The three short films about the great Swiss architecture were
projected:
• Christian Stern, asp, Zurich: Irchelpark
• Pascal Amphoux, Contrepoint, Lausanne and Dom Alois,
La Valsainte: The Charterhouse of Valsainte, Fribourg
• Paolo Bürgi, Studio Bürgi, Camorino, Ticino: Cardada

Apart from the exhibition, Mr Rolf Ott also gave a presentation to approximately 250 students on the topic of
‘Switzerland – A land of great diversity’ which touched on the diversity of Switzerland’s culture, tradition and cuisine.

The 5 days exhibition has attracted approximately 600 visitors and the event has been highlighted in the local press
such as Sin Chew Jit Poh, Oriental Daily, China Press, United Daily; in the websites of Harian Metro, The Star Online,
Max It Online, the Embassy of Switzerland Kuala Lumpur and The One Academy.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

6
Visit of Akademie St. Gallen to Johor Bahru
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On 14 July 2015, 60 students from Akademie St. Gallen, a state-owned higher business school for applied science in
St. Gallen visited Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and Bandak (MF) Sdn Bhd in Johor Bahru as part
of their study trip in Asia. Their trip includes a company visit and a workshop on international topics which will provide
them with a good knowledge of Asian markets and a wide range of intercultural skills.

In IRDA, a short briefing on incentives offered by the

government of Malaysia, followed by a factory visit in
Nusanjaya was organised. Later in the day, the students
visited Bandak (MF) Sdn Bhd – a Norwegian oil & gas
fabrication manufacturing plant. The students & lecturers
were very impressed by the presentation from the Managing
Director, Mr Mark Stuart Treen who shared his accumulated
experience in the process of selecting Johor to expand their
site as well as setting up and building the company in
Malaysia. The students participated actively in the Questions
& Answers session and the lecturers were interested to use it
as a case study for the student’s academic programme.

Academic Visit from the University of Mara Technology (UiTM)

A group of 30 students and a lecturer from UiTM Dungun,
Terengganu who are studying for the final semester in
Diploma of Public Administration visited the embassy again
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on 28 August 2015.

Mr Rolf Ott from the Embassy of Switzerland gave a

presentation covering the culture, political structure,
economic, social and current affairs of Switzerland. The
sessions were very fruitful whereby the students absorbed
the information with enthusiasm and participated keenly in
the Question & Answer session.

St. Gallen Institute of Management in Asia / Business Study Mission Malaysia

About forty students from the St. Gallen Institute of Management in Asia, Singapore
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had visited Malaysia on a business study mission from 4 – 9 October 2015.

In the frame of the study mission, the students had the opportunity to explore various
topics ranges from doing business and investing in Malaysia to cross-cultural
understanding. They had visited some manufacturing companies i.e. Sime Darby,
Nestle, Omya, Escatec etc. in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The Ambassador of Switzerland in Malaysia, Mr Michael Winzap welcomed and

shared his insights with the students at a business dinner organized at the Chalet
Suisse Restaurant. The St. Gallen Institute of Management in Asia will be organizing
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another business study mission from 6 – 11 December 2016.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

7
Aiglon College Choir in Malaysia
The Aiglon College, a private co-educational boarding school located in the alpine village of Chesiéres (near Villars)
had organised a musical tour for the Aiglon College Choir members and the Music team to Singapore and Malaysia
from 10 – 19 October 2015 which comprised of 36 international students (15 – 19 years old) and 6 teachers.

The Embassy of Switzerland with the assistance from the Young Choral Academy had organised the followings
exchange programme for the choir group:
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17 October 2015 (Saturday)
Exchange Vocal Workshop Session with Seafield Secondary School
The Aiglon College Choir had a 2 hours exchange session with around 40 members of Seafield choir. Both choirs
started the exchange with an ice-breaking session and vocal warm-up session together. Other activities were the
Aiglon Choir teaching the Seafield choir a folk song from Switzerland and in return they were taught a Malay folk song
as well as taking turns to perform a few songs.
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18 October 2015 (Sunday)
Participation in Tunku Abdul Rahman University College Choral Exchange 3
The Aiglon College Choir had the opportunity to perform 2 songs to approximately 1000 audiences, which by far the
biggest platform for the choir. This event was held at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College Sports Complex with
choral performances by 19 choir groups of various age groups and backgrounds which range from institutions,
associations to independent ensembles.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

8
News from Switzerland Tourism
Collaboration Workshop – Switzerland Tourism & Gullivers Travel Associates (GTA)
Switzerland Tourism collaborated with GTA, a world leader in
the provision of ground travel products and services to the
fully independent travel (FIT) industry in a 6 months campaign
to increase room nights focusing on Switzerland Tourism’s
annual theme "Touring Country Switzerland", highlighting its
two value propositions, the Grand Tour of Switzerland (Self
Drive), as well as the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland (Public
Transportation).
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A joint workshop was organised on 16 June 2015 at the
Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur to conduct training for 45
travel agent’s sales staffs in Klang Valley to enhance their
product knowledge as well as to elaborate on the sales
campaign.

Switzerland Tourism & Convention Bureau’s South East Asia Roadshow

The Switzerland Tourism & Convention Bureau (SCIB) has
organized a roadshow together with their partners - Lake
Geneva Region, Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation,
Zurich Convention Bureau, Bern Tourism, Arosa Kulm Hotel &
Alpin Spa and Lucerne Convention Bureau. A breakfast
meeting for travel agents specialized in Meetings, Incentives,
Conventions & Events (M.I.C.E) and a luncheon for corporate
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clients has been organized on 29 September 2015 at the
Grand Hyatt Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The objectives of this event is to promote the top meeting and

incentive destinations in Switzerland, create a platform for the
Switzerland Tourism’s partner to meet the corporate’s meeting
and incentive planners and update the planners about new
developments which might interest them for their future
programmes.

Chef Wan in Switzerland

Switzerland Tourism in Malaysia worked with the Food
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Ambassador of Malaysia, Datuk Chef Wan in filming his 3
season of his travelogue titled ‘Kembara Chef Wan’.

Three episodes on Switzerland are scheduled to be air on

January 2016 in Astro Prima. The episodes are expect to
cover Appenzell, Bern, Jungfraujoch, Lake Geneva Region,
Gruyere, Geneva, Lugano and Lucerne which also includes a
masterclass for the students in IMI Hotel Management School
in Kastanienbaum.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

9
Upcoming Happenings and Events
30th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar
The Embassy of Switzerland together with the Chalet Suisse Restaurant will
be participating in the Christmas Charity Bazaar organised by the German
Speaking Society Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 21st November 2015 from 2pm
– 6pm at the Carcosa Seri Negara. The Chalet Suisse Restaurant will be
selling cheese platter and Swiss wine will be served to raise fund to support
this charitable event.

You are most welcome to join us for this festive and meaningful afternoon. For
more information about the Christmas Charity Bazaar, kindly refer to page 19
of this newsletter.

Penang Jazz Festival 2015

Swiss violinist, Mr Tobias Preisig and his Quartet will be
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performing in the Penang Jazz Festival which will be held from 3
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– 6 December 2015. They will be performing on Saturday, 5th
December 2015 from 9.00pm – 9.40pm at the The Bayview
Beach Resort Gardens, Batu Ferringhi, Penang. Tickets are
available at TicketPro website.
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Mr Tobias Preisig will also be conducting a workshop on 5
December 2015 at 10.15 am @ the ballroom of the Bayview
Beach Resort. (free entrance)

© by Kohei Yamaguchi

For more information about Tobias Preisig, you may refer to http://www.tobiaspreisig.com
For further information about the Penang Jazz Festival 2015, please refer to http://www.penangjazz.com/

Switzerland Travel Experience (STE) in Kuala Lumpur 2016

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The 5 STE Workshop will be held in Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 28 January 2016 from 09:00 a.m. till 04:00
p.m. 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 was 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.

French Language Week in Kuala Lumpur 2016

The French Language Week is an initiative taken every year in Malaysia by the 23 diplomatic missions in Kuala
Lumpur who are members of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. In 2016, the French Language
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Week will be held from 12 – 20 March 2016. The Embassy of Switzerland will be participating in this annual event.

More information about the event programmes will be announced nearer to date. Should you are interested to
participate in the French Language Week 2016, please do not hesitate to drop us a line.

Watt d’Or Travelling Exhibition

The University of Malaya is planning a month long event titled ‘Empowering Sustainable Development: Renewable &
Green Energy Solution’ in March/ April 2016.

The Embassy of Switzerland is working with the Frontier Science Research Cluster at the University of Malaya to
feature Watt d’Or Travelling Exhibition, an exhibition showcasing award-winning Swiss energy innovative projects as
special guest exhibit in this event as well as exploring the possibility of organising a lecture/talk by a Swiss expertise.

For any further information, you may contact Lyn Loh at +603 2148 0622 or lyn.lohtanfoong@eda.admin.ch

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

10
News for the Swiss Abroad
Das Auslandschweizergesetz tritt in Kraft
Der Bundesrat hat am 7. Oktober das Inkrafttreten
des Auslandschweizergesetzes auf den 1. November
festgelegt und die Auslandschweizerverordnung
sowie die Gebührenverordnung EDA verabschiedet.
Das Gesetz fasst die wichtigsten Aspekte für die
Auslandschweizerinnen und -schweizer in einem
Erlass zusammen. Die beiden Verordnungen
enthalten die Umsetzungsbestimmungen dazu. Die
neuen Bestimmungen tragen der steigenden
internationalen Mobilität der Schweizerinnen und
Schweizer Rechnung.
Für die Auslandschweizerinnen und Auslandschweizer
ist Folgendes wichtig:
GUICHET UNIQUE
Der Guichet unique des EDA ist neu im Gesetz
verankert. Er ist die einheitliche Anlaufstelle, an die
Schweizer Bürgerinnen und Bürger sich mit Fragen
zu Reise- und Auslandschweizerthemen wenden
können. Sie erhalten Informationen und Rat und
werden wenn nötig an die richtige Dienststelle
weitergeleitet. Der Guichet unique ist ein virtueller
Schalter, der sich aus der jeweils zuständigen
Vertretung und den zuständigen Diensten in Bern wie
etwa der Helpline EDA (Tel. +41 800 24-7-365)
zusammensetzt. Sie können sich also weiterhin
jederzeit an uns oder an die Helpline EDA wenden!
ANMELDEPFLICHT
Für Schweizer Bürgerinnen und Bürger, die im
Ausland leben, ist die Anmeldung bei der
zuständigen Vertretung weiterhin eine Pflicht. Das gilt
namentlich auch bei Änderungen im Zivilstand. Sie
müssen sich also weiterhin bei Ihrer Vertretung
anmelden und Änderungen mitteilen! Bitte
melden Sie uns auch Ihre E-Mail, damit wir
einfacher in Kontakt bleiben!
MELDUNG VON ADRESS-ÄNDERUNGEN
Bei der Meldung eines Adresswechsels vereinfacht
das Gesetz das Verfahren für die eingetragenen
Personen: Wer im Ausland umzieht und einen neuen
Wohnsitz bezieht, hat der Vertretung bloss die
Adressänderung mitzuteilen. Die Vertretung nimmt
die Änderung im Auslandschweizerregister vor. Sie
müssen sich bei Umzug ins Ausland nicht mehr
ab- und anmelden, sondern nur ummelden.
POLITISCHE RECHTE
Die bisherigen Bestimmungen zur Ausübung der
politischen Rechte durch Auslandschweizerinnen und
-schweizer sind weitgehend ins Gesetz überführt
EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND
16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur
11
worden. In Einzelheiten wurde das Recht vereinfacht.
Neu können Sie nur ihre politischen Rechte noch in
der letzten Wohngemeinde in der Schweiz ausüben.
Bei Auslandschweizerinnen und -schweizern, die
noch nie Wohnsitz in der Schweiz hatten, gilt die
Heimatgemeinde als Stimmgemeinde; bei mehreren
Heimatgemeinden kann eine ausgewählt werden. Die
Stimmgemeinde bleibt aber dieselbe für Personen,
die bereits in eine Stimmgemeinde eingetragen sind.
Weiterhin bietet der Bund auf seinen Seiten in der
Schweizer Revue offizielle Information über
Rechtliches und über bevorstehende Wahlen und
Abstimmungen an. Ebenso wird die ASO in den
Hauptseiten der Revue Informationen zu
Abstimmungen und Wahlen publizieren. Weitere
Informationsquellen sind u.a. Swissinfo und die
Service Public-Fernseh- und Radioanstalten.
Das Verfahren wurde zudem vereinfacht:
Stimmberechtigte müssen die Anmeldung nicht mehr
jeweils vor Ablauf von vier Jahren erneuern. Im
Gegenzug kann die Stimmgemeinde Personen aus
dem Stimmregister streichen, wenn das
Stimmmaterial drei Mal in Folge an den Absender
retourniert wird, weil der Empfänger unter der
angegebenen Adresse nicht erreichbar war. Sie
können Ihre Rechte also weiterhin wahrnehmen
und sich auf den gewohnten Medien informieren!
• EIGENVERANTWORTUNG: Das Gesetz erklärt die
Eigenverantwortung zum Grundsatz in der Beziehung
des Bundes zu den Personen, denen er Rechte
garantiert oder Hilfe gewähren kann. Der Bund
erwartet, dass jede und jeder bei der Vorbereitung
und Durchführung eines Auslandaufenthalts oder der
Ausübung einer Tätigkeit im Ausland persönliche
Verantwortung wahrnimmt. Laut
Gebührenverordnung EDA handelt fahrlässig, wer a)
die Empfehlungen des Bundes, namentlich die
Reisehinweise und die individuellen Empfehlungen
des EDA missachtet, b) gegen die Gesetzgebung
des Empfangsstaates verstösst oder c) keinen
ausreichenden Versicherungsschutz besitzt oder die
Versicherungsdeckung infolge eines
Ausschlussgrundes verliert.
Es gilt deshalb weiterhin: Plane gut, Reise gut,
achten Sie besonders auf ausreichende
Versicherungsdeckung!
La loi sur les Suisses de l’étranger entre en
vigueur
Le 7 octobre, le Conseil fédéral a fixé au
er
1 novembre la date d’entrée en vigueur de la loi sur
les Suisses de l’étranger, et adopté l’ordonnance sur
les Suisses de l’étranger ainsi que l’ordonnance sur
les émoluments du DFAE. La nouvelle loi réunit
dans un seul texte les aspects les plus importants
concernant les Suisses de l’étranger. Les deux
ordonnances contiennent les dispositions
d’exécution de ladite loi. Les nouvelles dispositions
prennent en compte la mobilité internationale
croissante des Suisses.
Les points importants pour les Suisses de l’étranger sont
les suivants:
GUICHET UNIQUE
Le principe de guichet unique est désormais inscrit
dans la loi. Le guichet unique du DFAE remplit la
fonction de point de contact unique auquel les
ressortissants suisses peuvent s’adresser pour toute
question ayant trait à des voyages ou aux Suisses de
l’étranger. Il leur prodigue informations et conseils et
les renvoie si nécessaire au service compétent. Il
s’agit d’un guichet virtuel, qui se compose de la
représentation compétente et des services
compétents à Berne, comme la Helpline DFAE (tél.
+41 800 24-7-365). Le guichet unique et l’Helpline
DFAE se tiennent à disposition pour répondre à
vos questions!
ANNONCE OBLIGATOIRE
L’obligation de s’annoncer auprès de la
représentation compétente est maintenue pour les
ressortissants suisses qui vivent à l’étranger, tout
comme l’obligation de communiquer les
changements d’état civil. Vous êtes donc toujours
tenus de vous annoncer auprès de votre
représentation et de lui communiquer les
éventuels changements vous concernant!
Veuillez nous indiquer votre adresse électronique,
afin de faciliter les contacts entre nous!
COMMUNICATION DE CHANGEMENT D’ADRESSE
S’agissant de la communication d’un changement
d’adresse, la loi simplifie les démarches que doivent
accomplir les personnes inscrites au registre des
Suisses de l’étranger: une personne qui change de
domicile à l’étranger doit simplement communiquer le
changement d’adresse à la représentation, qui
procède au changement dans le registre des Suisses
de l’étranger. Lorsque vous déménagez, vous
n’êtes plus obligé(e) d’annoncer votre départ à
l’ancienne représentation et votre arrivée à la
nouvelle, il vous suffit de communiquer le
changement d’adresse à l’une ou à l’autre.
EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND
16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur
12
DROITS POLITIQUES
Les anciennes dispositions relatives à l’exercice des
droits politiques par les Suisses de l’étranger ont été
largement reprises dans la loi. Sur certains points de
détail, le droit a été simplifié. Désormais, vous ne
pouvez plus exercer vos droits politiques que dans la
dernière commune de domicile en Suisse. Dans le
cas de Suisses de l’étranger n’ayant jamais été
domiciliés en Suisse, c’est la commune d’origine qui
est considérée comme commune de vote; s’ils ont
plusieurs communes d’origine, ils peuvent choisir
l’une d’elles. Mais les personnes qui sont déjà
inscrites dans une commune de vote ne peuvent pas
en changer.
La Revue Suisse continue à fournir des informations
officielles de la Confédération sur des questions
juridiques et sur les élections et les votations à venir.
L’OSE publiera elle aussi, dans les pages principales
de la revue, des informations sur les élections et les
votations. Swissinfo et les chaînes de radio et de
télévision du service public, entre autres, constituent
également des sources d’information précieuses.
Par ailleurs, la procédure à suivre a été simplifiée: les
électeurs ne doivent plus renouveler leur inscription
tous les quatre ans. En contrepartie, la commune de
vote peut radier des personnes du registre des
électeurs, si le matériel de vote a été renvoyé trois
fois de suite à l’expéditeur parce que le destinataire
était introuvable à l’adresse indiquée. Vous pouvez
exercer vos droits comme par le passé et vous
informer par les médias habituels!
• RESPONSABILITE INDIVIDUELLE: la loi érige la
responsabilité individuelle en principe devant sous-
tendre les relations de la Confédération avec les
personnes auxquelles elle garantit des droits ou
accorde une aide. La Confédération attend de tout un
chacun qu’il assume ses responsabilités dans la
préparation et la réalisation d’un séjour à l’étranger
ou dans ses activités à l’étranger. Conformément à
l’ordonnance sur les émoluments du DFAE, a fait
preuve de négligence quiconque a) n’a pas suivi les
recommandations de la Confédération, notamment
les conseils aux voyageurs et les recommandations
individuelles du DFAE, b) a enfreint la législation de
l’Etat de résidence ou c) ne dispose pas d’une
protection d’assurance suffisante ou a perdu sa
couverture d’assurance en raison d’un motif
d’exclusion.
Le principe «Départ réfléchi. Voyage réussi» reste
donc de rigueur. Veillez en particulier à disposer
d’une couverture d’assurance suffisante.
La legge sugli Svizzeri all’estero entra in
vigore
Il 7 ottobre scorso il Consiglio federale ha fissato al
1° novembre 2015 l’entrata in vigore della legge
sugli Svizzeri all’estero e ha approvato l’ordinanza
sugli Svizzeri all’estero e l’ordinanza sugli
emolumenti del DFAE. La legge riassume in un
unico atto gli aspetti più rilevanti per le Svizzere e gli
Svizzeri all’estero e le due ordinanze contengono le
relative disposizioni attuative. Le nuove prescrizioni
tengono conto della crescente mobilità
internazionale delle cittadine e dei cittadini svizzeri.
Aspetti rilevanti per le Svizzere e gli Svizzeri all’estero:
SPORTELLO UNICO
Lo sportello unico del DFAE trova ora fondamento
giuridico nella legge. Punto di contatto unico per tutte
le questioni riguardanti l’espatrio e la vita all’estero,
fornisce informazioni e consigli alle cittadine e ai
cittadini svizzeri, indirizzandoli all’occorrenza al
servizio di spettanza. Lo sportello unico è uno spazio
virtuale formato dalla rappresentanza competente e
dai servizi preposti a Berna, tra cui l’Helpline DFAE
(tel. +41 800 24 7 365). Lo sportello unico e
l’Helpline sono sempre a vostra disposizione per
rispondere alle vostre domande.
OBBLIGO DI ANNUNCIARSI
Rimane in vigore l’obbligo per le Svizzere e gli
Svizzeri che vivono all’estero di annunciarsi presso la
rappresentanza competente, anche in caso di
cambiamenti dello stato civile. Come in passato,
dovete annunciarvi alla vostra rappresentanza e
comunicare qualsiasi cambiamento.
Trasmetteteci anche il vostro indirizzo e-mail,
sarà più facile contattarvi.
COMUNICAZIONE DEI CAMBIAMENTI DI
INDIRIZZO
La legge prevede una procedura più semplice per la
notifica dei cambiamenti di indirizzo da parte delle
persone iscritte nel registro degli Svizzeri all’estero:
gli Svizzeri all’estero che si trasferiscono e cambiano
domicilio devono semplicemente comunicare alla
rappresentanza il nuovo indirizzo. La rappresentanza
apporta le modifiche nel registro degli Svizzeri
all’estero. Se effettuate un cambiamento di
domicilio all’estero non dovrete più annunciare la
vostra partenza e riannunciarvi alla
rappresentanza competente: basterà comunicare
il cambiamento.
DIRITTI POLITICI
Le vigenti disposizioni in materia di esercizio dei diritti
politici da parte delle Svizzere e degli Svizzeri
all’estero sono state in ampia misura riprese nella
EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND
16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur
13
legge. Il diritto è stato semplificato in alcuni dettagli.
D’ora in avanti potrete votare soltanto nel vostro
ultimo Comune di domicilio in Svizzera. Le cittadine
e i cittadini svizzeri all’estero che non sono mai stati
domiciliati in Svizzera votano nel loro Comune
d’origine; se hanno più di un Comune d’origine, ne
scelgono uno. Per le persone già iscritte in un
Comune di voto, questo rimane invariato.
Attraverso la Schweizer Revue/Gazzetta Svizzera
verranno diramate anche in futuro le informazioni
ufficiali della Confederazione su questioni giuridiche
e su votazioni ed elezioni imminenti. Nelle pagine
principali della rivista figureranno inoltre gli avvisi
dell’OSE riguardanti elezioni e votazioni. Tra le altre
fonti informative si ricordano Swissinfo e le emittenti
radiotelevisive del servizio pubblico.
La procedura è stata inoltre semplificata: gli aventi
diritto di voto non devono più rinnovare l’iscrizione nel
catalogo elettorale allo scadere dei quattro anni. Il
Comune di voto può dal canto suo radiare una
persona dal catalogo elettorale se il materiale di voto
è rinviato al mittente per tre volte consecutive perché
non ha potuto essere consegnato al destinatario.
Potete dunque continuare a esercitare i vostri
diritti informandovi attraverso i consueti media.
• RESPONSABILITÀ INDIVIDUALE
La legge sugli Svizzeri all’estero pone la
responsabilità individuale alla base delle relazioni tra
la Confederazione e le persone alle quali garantisce
dei diritti o può concedere un aiuto. La
Confederazione si attende che chiunque prepari o
effettui un soggiorno all’estero o eserciti un’attività
all’estero ne risponda in prima persona. Ai sensi
dell’ordinanza sugli emolumenti del DFAE, un
comportamento è considerato negligente se la
persona interessata: a) non osserva le
raccomandazioni della Confederazione,
segnatamente i consigli di viaggio e le
raccomandazioni individuali del DFAE; b) viola la
legislazione dello Stato ospite; o c) non dispone di
una copertura assicurativa sufficiente o perde la
copertura assicurativa per un motivo di esclusione.
Vale dunque sempre la regola «Preparati bene.
Viaggerai bene». Vogliate prestare particolare
attenzione a disporre di una copertura
assicurativa adeguata.
The Swiss Abroad Act enters into force
On 7 October the Federal Council set the entry into
force of the Swiss Abroad Act for 1 November 2015
and adopted the Swiss Abroad Ordinance and the
Ordinance on Fees of the FDFA. The Act brings
together in a single piece of legislation the most
important provisions on Swiss nationals living
abroad. The two ordinances contain provisions for
its implementation. The new rules take into account
the increasing international mobility of Swiss
citizens.
The following are of particular importance for Swiss
nationals living abroad:
GUICHET UNIQUE
The concept of the Guichet unique (single counter) is
now codified in the Act, providing a one-stop shop for
Swiss citizens with questions about travel abroad and
other matters of interest to Swiss nationals living
abroad. The Guichet unique can provide information
and advice and if necessary direct the client to the
competent office. It is a virtual counter service
provided by the relevant Swiss representations and
the units responsible at head office in Bern, such as
the FDFA Helpline (tel. +41 800 24 7 365). You can
therefore continue to contact us or the FDFA
Helpline at any time.
OBLIGATION TO REGISTER
For Swiss citizens living abroad, registration with the
competent representation remains mandatory. This is
also the case for changes in civil status.
Registration with your representation is therefore
still required and changes to civil status must be
notified. Please provide us with your email
address so that we can contact you more easily.
REGISTERING A CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The Act simplifies the procedure for registered
persons to notify a change of address. If you move
house abroad and acquire a new domicile, simply
inform the representation of your new address. The
representation will then make the necessary change
in the Register of Swiss citizens Abroad. When
moving house abroad, you no longer need to de-
register and re-register; simply notify the change
of address.
POLITICAL RIGHTS
The previous rules for the exercising of political rights
by Swiss citizens living abroad have been largely
incorporated into the Act. The law has been simplified
in some details. You are now only entitled to exercise
your political rights in the commune where you were
last domiciled in Switzerland. Swiss citizens living
abroad who have never been domiciled in
EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND
16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur
14
Switzerland can vote in their commune of origin, or if
the person has more than one commune of origin
one of them can be chosen. However, nothing
changes for persons who are already registered in an
electoral commune.
Furthermore, in its section in the Swiss Review the
federal government provides official information
concerning legal matters and about upcoming
elections and referendums. The Organisation for the
Swiss Abroad will also publish information in the
Review's main section about referendums and
elections. Other sources of information include
Swissinfo and the public service television and radio
stations.
In addition, the procedure has been simplified: voters
no longer have to renew their registration every four
years. However, the electoral commune can remove
persons from the electoral register if the voting
material is returned three times in a row because the
recipient could not be reached at the given address.
You can continue to exercise your rights as
before and keep informed via the usual channels.
• PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Act specifies that personal responsibility is the
basis of the federal government's relationship with
Swiss citizens whose rights it guarantees and to
whom it provides assistance. The federal government
expects each and every citizen to exercise personal
responsibility in preparing their stay or conducting
business abroad. Under the FDFA’s Ordinance on
Fees, persons who a) disregard the
recommendations of the federal government,
especially the travel advice and the individual
recommendations of the FDFA, b) violate the laws of
the receiving state or c) lack adequate insurance
cover or lose insurance cover because of a reason
for exclusion, are deemed to have acted negligently.
As before, plan well, travel well. Make sure that
you are properly insured and consult the travel
advices of the FDFA!
EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

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EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

16
Links to internet pages of interest for Swiss nationals abroad

• Deutsch: Auslandschweizerinnen und Auslandschweizer

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home/leben-im-ausland/die-fuenfte-schweiz.html
• Französisch: Suisses et Suissesses de l’étranger
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/leben_im_ausland/die-fuenfte-schweiz.html
• Italienisch: Svizzere e Svizzeri all’Estero
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/it/home/leben_im_ausland/die-fuenfte-schweiz.html
• Englisch: Swiss nationals abroad
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/leben_im_ausland/die-fuenfte-schweiz.html

• Deutsch: Rechte und Pflichten der Schweizer Personen im Ausland

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home/leben-im-ausland/rechte-und-pflichten-der-schweizer-
personen-im-ausland.html
• Französisch: Droits et obligations des ressortissants suisses à l’étranger
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/leben_im_ausland/rechte-und-pflichten-der-schweizer-
personen-im-ausland.html
• Italienisch: Diritti e doveri delle Svizzere e degli Svizzeri all’estero
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/it/home/leben_im_ausland/rechte-und-pflichten-der-schweizer-
personen-im-ausland.html
• Englisch: Rights and obligations of Swiss nationals abroad
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/leben_im_ausland/rechte-und-pflichten-der-
schweizer-personen-im-ausland.html

• Deutsch: Struktur des Staates und Aktualität der Schweizer Politik

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home/leben-im-ausland/struktur-des-staates-und-
aktualitaet-der-schweizer-politik.html
• Französisch: Structure de l’Etat et actualité politique suisse
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/leben_im_ausland/struktur-des-staates-und-
aktualitaet-der-schweizer-politik.html
• Italienisch: Struttura dello Stato e attualità politica svizzera
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/it/home/leben_im_ausland/struktur-des-staates-und-
aktualitaet-der-schweizer-politik.html
• Englisch: Structure of the state and current-day politics in Switzerland
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/leben_im_ausland/struktur-des-staates-und-
aktualitaet-der-schweizer-politik.html

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

17
News from the Swiss Malaysian Business Association

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

18
German Speaking Society Kuala Lumpur (GSSKL)
Tradition and festive setting for a charitable cause:
Kuala Lumpur to sparkle with continental European
Christmas Flair
For the 30th time the German Speaking Society Kuala Lumpur is
bringing traditional continental Christmas sparkle to Malaysia. The
st
annual Charity Bazaar is taking place on Saturday, 21 November
2015 at Carcosa Seri Negara. More than 50 sellers offer a wide
range of products from continental specialties to homemade biscuits,
jams and Christmas decoration to jewellery, accessories and art.
Focus is, just like at any traditional Christmas fair in Europe, food
and beverage. Given that the days leading up to the end of the year
are short and the temperatures are close to freezing, people huddle
together over mulled wine and comfort food. Bazaar visitors in will
be able to sample traditional foods at Carcosa Seri Negara.

“The bazaar is again under the patronage of the Austrian, German

and Swiss Embassies. We are very grateful for their support”, states
Kerstin Mueller-Roelke, the event’s coordinator. All three
ambassadors will be present at the event.

The German Embassy kindly donated 14 hand-painted “Buddy

Bears” which will be auctioned off at the event. “Buddy Bears” are
symbols of tolerance, peace, freedom and friendship between
countries. They can be found in company head offices, consulates
and private residences. All proceeds generated by the auctions and
the event will be donated to local charities.

Kerstin Mueller-Roelke: “The event would not have been possible

without the generous donations of our numerous sponsors. For the
first time in the history of the bazaar, the event is being supported by
a title sponsor - BMW Malaysia. Visitors can expect to take a closer
look at some of the new BMW models which will be on show”.

30th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar – German Speaking Society

Kuala Lumpur
Saturday, 21st November 2015
2pm – 6pm
Carcosa Seri Negara
Adults: RM 20 / Children: RM 5

Entertainment for children – raffle draws – traditional foods – door

prizes – silent auction and
general Christmas merriment.

Press contact: Alexandra Morrow / 017-330 1461 / thegsskl@gmail.com

Photo credits:
“Christmas decoration for sale” – KL-POST

The German Speaking Society Kuala Lumpur (GSSKL) is a non-profit organisation focusing on Kuala Lumpur’s German speaking community.
Membership is open to all nationalities. The society is a platform for people interested in anything Austrian/German/Swiss with the objective to
provide insights into the lifestyle and culture of those countries and to foster the local German speaking community’s appreciation of Malaysia’s
cultural diversity. The GSSKL offers a variety of interesting events throughout the year, regular get-togethers and networking opportunities as well
as the ‘KL-POST, its monthly member magazine and the only German language publication in Malaysia. Also organised by the GSSKL is the
annual Christmas Bazaar - one of the highlights in KL’s social diary with all proceeds being donated to charity.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

19
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

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

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