NEWSLETTER MWBUCHAREST Autumn/Winter Edition

Bunaziwa from Bucharest…!!!!

Soon we will stepping to Next year also would be an I also would like to take another year. I do wish it has interesting year for Bulgaria and this opportunity to extend Special points of interest: been a fruitful and fulfilling Romania as both countries our appreciation for the either professionally or would be resuming the  Comradeship of the ASEAN Heads of cooperation extended to personally. I am sure we tried Mission Presidency of the Council of the the Embassy and we look our level best to ensure that our EU for the 1st quarter of 2018 forward for your  The Memory of Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Malawakils’ performed its and 1st quarter of 2019 the former Secretary-General of functions to forward the respectively. Meanwhile continuous support for ASEAN interest of our beloved Moldova will held its many years ahead. Not  Golden Jubilee of ASEAN . Parliamentary election by the forgotten, to all my staff

 (IWA) Charity Bazaar 2017 2nd quarter of next year. at the Embassy, I would Our condolence to the people of like to say thank you for  “One World” - Embassies Festival Romania, Bucharest end the For this Autumn/Winter Edition, your commitment, hard (3rd Edition) year with a sad note with the we will walk-through on the work and dedication in passing of former King Michael,  Malaysian Exotic Fruits Promotion Embassy’s and PERWAKILAN realising the success of the who was widely known to Bucharest’s participation in  The Memory of King Mihai I Embassy’s participation in Romanian as King Mihai I on events/programmes/activities in 5 December 2017. King Mihai I collaboration with various events/programmes/ reigned as the King of Romania entities for the second half of activities convened for this Inside this issue: from 20 July 1927 to 8 June the year, programme/activities year and towards ensuring 1930 and again from convened under the ambit of the smoothly of the ASEAN Solidarity 2 6 September 1940 until his ASEAN, Malaysian delegations Embassy’s daily Golden Jubilee of ASEAN 3 abdication on 30 December who have visited us at the operations. Happy New 1947. Now Romania is a Embassy, engagement with Year and have a blessed PERWAKILAN Bucharest 4 republic. counterparts, media and year! Knowledge is power 5 Romanian higher institutions, Malaysia’s tourism attractions, -TYT Dato’ Tajul Aman Mohammad- The World is yours 6 travelling advises, information Talented Malaysians 7 on trade and many more!

Ambassador@Work 8-9 Visitors@Embassy 10 The team@Malaysian Embassy, Bucharest Visit to the early civilisation site 11 Hari Sukan Negara 2017 11 Home-based Staff Local-recruited Staff Tourism Attractions 12-13 H.E. Dato’ Tajul Aman Mohamad Mr. Mihai Andreescu Travelling Advisory 14 Ms. Chenderawasih Abd.Malak Mr. Nicolae Balasoiu Registration for Malaysian voters 14 Mr. Shahrum Abu Hasan Ms. Aneta Anton abroad Mrs. Rohana Abd Latiff Mrs. Claudia Nedelcu Information on Trade 15 Mr. Viorel Neata Malaysian Exotic Fruits 16 Mr. Md. Tarmizi Dol Samad The Memory of King Mihai I 17 MYEmbBucharest Public Holidays for Year 2018 18 : (4021) 211 3801/02 (General) [email protected] Malawakil Bucharest “Comradeship of the ASEAN HOMs”

This year, two Heads of Amb. Diar Nurbintoro Mission out of four from and members of the Amb. Komgrit Varakam Bucharest-ASEAN Com- from Thailand for their mittee (BAC) had ended guidance, dedication of their tour in Bucharest and support on and reported back to programme/activities their respective capital. organised by the BAC. We also would like to From left: Amb. Komgrit Varakam, Amb. Diar Nurbintoro, H.E. take this opportunity to Mrs. Monica Dorina Gheorghiţă, Amb. Tran Thanh Cong and TYT extend our thanks and Dato’ Tajul Aman. appreciations to

“Together we stay stronger”

On 24 November 2017, TYT Dato’ Tajul and spouse has hosted a farewell dinner for H.E. Diar Nurbintoro and spouse at Rumah Malaysia. The dinner was also attended by the home-based staff and the officials from the Embas- sy of Indonesia. Followed by, a bowling game which was held on the next day at MAXFUN, Baneasa Shopping Mall.

The Memory of Dr. Surin Pitsuwan

On 30 November 2017, we have lost a great ASEAN figure, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Thailand's former foreign minister and Secretary-General of ASEAN from 2008-2012.

Innaillah and Al-Fatehah.

Page 2 Golden Jubilee of ASEAN

The 50th Anniversary of ASEAN and the 40th of the dialogue relations between ASEAN and the EU celebrations were held by the Bucharest-ASEAN Committee (BAC) on 8 August 2017 at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. The event was graced by H.E. Mrs. Monica Georghita,

State Secretary for Global Affairs ASEAN authentic costumes and attendance by business communities, media representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.

The working committe

The guests

Embassy of Malaysia

The crowd

Page 3 “Pottery Town of Romania”

On 6 October 2017, PERWAKILAN Bucharest has organised a visit to Horezu, a town (3 hours by car from Bucharest) which is known with its locally hand made pottery products. Monas- tery of Horezu, one of the UNESCO world herit- age centre located in this town.

Participation at the International Wom- “A Celebration Without Borders” en’s Association (IWA) Charity Christ- mas Bazaar, which was held at ROMEX- PO on 10 December 2017. A total of 50 countries has been participated in the annual charity event. Chef Norman Mu- sa has been featured as the special guest at the Embassy of Malaysia’s booth whereby he shows on the art of making roti jala with chicken curry. Rep- resentatives from the Agricultural Office, Embassy of Malaysia in The Hague were also among the attendees.

Page 4 Tea-Talk session

On 19 July 2017, a Tea-Talk session with the internship students (Jerrico Syahputra and John Alexander Leo Rorimpandey) from Gadjah Mada University and Trisakti University, Indonesia was held at the Embassy.

“Malaysia: Economy in Transformation” On 7 October 2017, TYT Dato Tajul Aman has been invited as a guest speaker and he delivered a lecture entitled “Malaysia: Economy in Trans- formation” for the students under the Romanian-French MBA pro- gramme, in collaboration with the Romanian Institute for European- Asian Studies (IRSEA).

“Asia-Pacific Initiative – Partnership for the Knowledge Economy”

Pursuant to that, TYT Dato‟ Tajul Aman and other Asian Ambassadors in Bucharest has been invited as the guest speakers at a knowledge sharing session entitled “Asia-Pacific Initia- tive – Partnership for the Knowledge Economy” organised by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

on 4 October 2017. Page 5 “Tour Around Europe & Balkan countries”

On 29 September 2017, Slovenia, Croatia, the Embassy received Bosnia, 7 motorcyclists from Montenegro, Malaysia on tour around Albania, Greece, Europe and Balkan Bulgaria and countries from 5-30 Romania. The September 2017. They visited 13 countries, delegation was led namely Germany, by Mr. Mohd Faizal Switzerland, Liechten- Sukree. stein, Italy, Austria,

“Solo Cycling Around Europe”

Courtesy call by Mr. Muhamad Rahaimi Ayob, a cyclist from Malaysia to the Embassy on 27 November 2017. He have visited several European countries through his journey. Mr. Rahaimi is a navy diver. He shared on his experiences, photographs as well as video in his Instagram. Check it out!

Page 6 Talented Malaysians

Participation of the students of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Chamber Choir in the 2nd Kalamata International Choir Competition and Festival in Kalamata, Greece (located 2.5 hours from Athens by road) from 9-17 October 2017. The delegation was led by Prof. Madya Dr. Ramona Mohd Tahir, Dean of Faculty of Music, UiTM Shah Alam. They have won several prizes at the competition.

“One World” The Embassy’s participation in collabora- tion with Tourism Malaysia Istanbul at the Embassies Festival (3rd Edition) under the theme “One World” at Titan Park and Grand Hotel du Boulevard on 7-10 September 2017. The event were officiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maria of Romania and Mr. Robert Negoita, Mayor of District 3.

Page 7 Ambassador@Work 1)

1) Courtesy call by H.E. Mr. Safdar Hayat, new Ambassador of Pakistan to Romania on 10 August 2017.

2) Courtesy call on H.E.

Mr. Tudorel Toade, 2) Minister of Justice of Romania, 4 October 2017.

3) Call on H.E. Mr. Sorin Tanasescu, Minister Counsellor, Directorate for UN, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign 3) Affairs, 16 October 2017.

4) Courtesy call by H.E. Mr. Nikoloz Nikolozishvili, the new Ambassador of Georgia to Romania on 21 November 2017. 4)

Page 8 Interviews by local media

Interviews on TYT Dato‟ Tajul Aman by Bucharest FM, TVH and Trinitas TV at the Embassies Festival at Titan Park.

Bucharest FM

Trinitas TV

TVH

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” -Nelson Mandela-

TYT Dato’ Tajul Aman pays a call on H.E. Mr. Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of University Politehnica of Bucharest on 27 November 2017. Both parties deliberated on the future collaboration between Malaysian and Romani- an higher institutions. The Uni- versity Politehnica of Bucharest is the oldest and a prestigious technical university in Romania.

Page 9 1) Dr. Nursuriati Jamil, Associate Professor, Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, 3 July 2017.

2) Mr. Chok Men Fei, a UPM stu- dent who have participated in the ERASMUS-gLINK programme in Iasi, Romania, 18 July 2017.

3) Visit by the Islamic Communi- ty Association of Romania & Malaysia's representatives led by Mr. Muhamad Nazeri Abd.Majid, 22 November 2017.

4) Dr. Syeliya Md. Zaini, Coordi- nator, International Part- nership, IIIP Section and Sen- ior Lecturer, University , 12 December 2017.

Page 10 VISIT TO THE EARLY CIVILISATION SITE AT SARMIZEGETUSA REGIA

TYT Dato’ Tajul Aman and spouse participated in a group visit of accred- ited Ambassadors to Romania to Valcea and Hundoara counties, which was organised by the Romanian Minis- try of Tourism with the support of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) from 28 September–1 October 2017.

Sambutan Hari Sukan Negara 2017 peringkat Malawakil Bucha- rest telah diadakan pada 13 Oktober 2017. Acara berbasikal bersempena dengan sambutan Hari Sukan Negara ini telah diadakan di Taman Herastrau, taman rekreasi yang terbesar di Bucharest dan telah disertai oleh semua Home-based Staff (HBS) dan keluarga serta Kakitangan Ambilan Tempatan (KAT). Page 11 This year the state government has launched Visit Pahang Year 2017 and has lined up events and festivals galore. As the largest state in the Peninsular of Malaysia with a whopping 36, 137 km2 of total area, the state offers some of the more „touristy‟ spots in Malaysia.

Some of Malaysia‟s famous highlands, recreational places, beaches and islands are located in Pahang. The Cameron High- lands, Genting Highlands, Bukit Tinggi and Fraser‟s Hill for people who just love to be one with nature; Gunung Tahan which rises 2,187 meters above sea level; Taman Negara with activities such as rapid shoot- ing, canopy walk and cave exploration; Kua- la Gandah Elephant Sanctuary where you can interact with elephants; as well as Cherating and Teluk Cempedak are among the popular beach resort area; while Ti- oman island, dubbed as „one of the 10 most famous islands in the world‟.

Pahang‟s uniquely eclectic mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous Peoples makes it an even bigger draw for foreign tourists. Domestic and foreign tourists are welcomed to visit Pahang and for more information regarding travel info, destina- tion, things to do and calendar of events, go to www.visitpahang.com or www.pahangtourism.org.my.

Page 12 Ubudiah is a wonderful place with its own unique charm and exciting features that makes it a must visit place to all. From the vibrant city of Ipoh to the dense forest of the Royal Belum, Perak is more than meets the eye.

First of all, Ipoh: Lonely Planet recently named Ipoh as the sixth best Asian destination. The panoramic beaches of Pangkor Island is also a great place to relax and enjoy yourselves. History aficionados, don‟t fret; the archaeological museum is listed as one of UNESCO‟s Historical sites and provides enough history to sate the inquisitive mind. Nature lovers will be bowled over by the Royal Belum Rainforest which hosts a variety of flora and fauna. And this is without even touching upon the diverse culture, cuisine and peoples of Perak.

There are a wide array of activities suitable for everyone in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2017. The Royal Belum International Bird Expedition will run from 26 to 28 August 2017; the Ipoh arts and cultural festival from 28 to 29 October and the International Blues and Raggae festival held from 9 to 10 September at Batu Gajah. Perak, as one of Malaysia‟s premiere tourism destinations has something

Pangkor Island

Lata Kinjang Waterfall Page 13 Steps to be taken if you lost your passport when your are travelling abroad

Find and contact the If your passport has nearest Malaysian been stolen, file a Embassy/ Consulate/ Malaysian Honorary police report Consul

Fill out an application for a new passport and a statement regarding Take a new passport your lost or stolen passport (Borang size photo Permohonan Pasport/Dokumen Perjal- anan- IM. 42 - Pin.1/97), which could be obtained via Malaysian Immigration Department website (http://www.imi.gov.my/images/ borang/Pasport/Borang% 20Permohonan%20Pasport.pdf)

REMINDER: Registration for Malaysian Voters Abroad

Warganegara Malaysia Untuk tujuan tersebut, yang berumur 21 tahun dan tuan/puan adalah ke atas dan masih belum dikehendaki untuk lagi mendaftar dengan ma- membawa bersama kad na-mana bahagian pilihan pengenalan (asal dan sesali- raya adalah dijemput untuk nan) semasa permohonan hadir ke Kedutaan bagi pendaftaran dan boleh hadir tujuan permohonan ketika waktu pejabat, 8.30 “Your vote is your voice” pendaftaran. pagi – 4.30 petang (Isnin – Jumaat). Page 14 Malaysia's Total Trade with Romania

Jan - Sep 2016 Jan - Sep 2017

USD 98.6 Mil USD 129.8 Mil

Malaysia's Total Export Malaysia's Total Import with Romania with Romania

Jan - Jan - Jan - Sep 2016 Jan - Sep 2017 Sep 2016 Sep 2017 USD 19.9 Mil USD 24.1 Mil USD 78.7 Mil USD 105.7 Mil

Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia

Malaysia's External Trade August 2017

Page 15 If your passport has been stolen, file a police report Embassy/ Consu-

@Carrefour Baneasa

@Carrefour Rumicu Valcea Malaysian fruits promotion at Carrefour Rumicu Valcea and Carrefour Mega Mall, Bucharest in collaboration with Carrefour Romania, 8-9 December 2017. Page 16 The grand send off of King Mihai I, the former and the last king of Romania

Romania’s former King Michael I, who reigned as king of Romania during War World II until he was forced to abdicate and leave for King Mihai I exile by the Communists in 1947, 1921-2017 has died on 5 December 2017 in Switzerland at the age of 96. The late King was also widely referred as King Mihai I by Romanians.

He was born on 25 October 1921, in Sinaia and was the son of King Carol II and Queen Elena, Princess of Greece.

The state funeral was held on 16 December 2017 and were attended by the Royal House of Britain, Spain, Sweden, Belgium as well as Jordan. His body was laid to rest at Curtea de Arges, next to his late wife, Queen Anne de Bourbon- Parme, who passed away last year.

He was survived by his 5 children namely, Crown Princess Margareta, Princess Elena, Princess Irena, Princess Sophie and Princess Maria. Crown Princess Margareta, the eldest daughter has been appointed as Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown effectively from 11 December 2017.

Page 17 OBSERVED BY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS DATE DAY MALAYSIA (M) / (R) ROMANIA New Year‟s Day 1 January Monday M & R Unification Day 24 January Wednesday R Day 16 February Friday M

Easter 9 April Monday R 01 May Tuesday M & R *Hari Raya Aidil Fitri 15 June Friday M Whitsuntide 28 May Monday R Assumption of the Virgin 15 August Wednesday R Mary *Hari Raya Aidil Adha 22 August Wednesday M National Day of Malaysia 31 August Friday M **Birthday of SPB Yang Di- 9 September Sunday M Pertuan Agong‟s Awal 12 September Wednesday M

Malaysia Day 16 September Sunday M Birthday of Prophet Muham- 21 November Wednesday M mad S.A.W. Saint Andrew 30 November Friday R National Day of Romania 1 December Saturday R

Christmas Day 25 December Tuesday M / R

Page 18