EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN BELGRADE, REPUBLIC OF SERBIA ISSUE 1 / 2018 MojBelgrade

02 03 Engagement with Serbia’s 13 Malaysia Open Day Celebrity Chef Malaysia in the spotlight

Open Day for the Political Science students Promotion of the Malaysian Culture through Malaysia featured in Serbian national media from the University of Belgrade its unique culinary heritage

08 10th CONGRESS OF TOXICOLOGY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (CTDC10)

05 LEARNING ON MALAYSIA

11 FOOD PLANET 2018 10 SPRING SPORTS DAY Remarks by the MALAYSIA OPEN Chargé d’Affaires DAY 2018

he Embassy of Malaysia in Bel- he modern world seems to Tgrade opened its doors to the Tbecome smaller than ever, students of the Belgrade University’s thanks (or no thanks?) to the Faculty of Political Science through rapid-growing and wide-reach- the Embassy’s “Malaysia Open Day ing technologies that provide us 2018” programme held on 14 March with many means to get connect- 2018. ed. To communicate and to trav- The students were provided with el nowadays is becoming more convenient as well as affordable. an overview of Malaysia’s history, Therefore, it is easy to be under political system and foreign policy. the impression that we are truly They were also given a tour of the connecting. Embassy that provided them with a first-hand insight of the daily opera- Nowadays, we can see that social norms are being broken, tions of a diplomatic mission. words tend to lose its mean- The Embassy of Malaysia hoped ing through social media and that the programme will spark an members of the society are interest for the students to pursue a becoming less empathy towards career in diplomacy. each other. Therefore, it is important now more than ever for us to forge the Meeting with Serbian lost bond that we used to have. Amateur Radio Team The first step is just to appreci- ate each other regardless of our n 19 January 2018, the Chargé differences. Be comfortable with d’Affaires of the Malaysian Embas- each other. O sy met with Mr Hranislav Milosevic The same would apply in the of the Serbian Amateur Radio Team context of the relations between and its members who will undertake Malaysia and Serbia and its peo- an international ham radio expedition ple. to Pulau Layang-Layang, Malaysia in Lets start now, lets start young March 2018. and lets start to plant the seeds The Serbian Radio Amateur team for a better future together. will be visiting Malaysia for the first time. NIK ADY ARMAN Chargé d’Affaires The meeting also discussed the preparation for the said expedition as Ready to go: Mr. Hranislav Milosevic, the group leader of the Serbian Ameteur Radio Team well as future cooperation in promot- presented the expedition plan ing Malaysia in Serbia.

2 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 Meeting with Fly Fly Travel

18 January 2018 – The Embassy of Malaysia in Belgrade had a meeting with Fly Fly Travel, one of the largest and fastest growing travel agen- cies in Serbia to discuss cooperation between the Embassy and the agency, particularly in promoting Malaysian tourism offers in Serbia as well as exploring potential plans to increase the number of Serbian travellers to Malaysia.

Meeting with Serbian Celebrity Chef

Cooperation with Chef Sasa Misic, who is meeting, the parties discussed future well-known through the “Paklena kuhinja” cooperation between the Malaysian Em- bassy and Mr. Sasa Misic’s popular show. Visit to Sremski Karlovci (Hell’s Kitchen) reality cooking show and Grammar School is also a widely acclaimed consultant in the With Mr. Sasa Misici’s vast interna- hospitality industry. tional experience and expertise in pre- 14 February 2018 – The Malaysian Embassy in paring traditional cuisines, he will be an Belgrade visited Karlovacka Grammar School r Sasa Misic, a Serbian popular Celebrity excellent partner for the Embassy’s fu- in Sremski Karlovci, a town in the autonomous MChef, met with the Chargé d’Affaires of ture events in promoting Malaysia’s as province of Vojvodina. the Embassy on 29 March 2018. During the well as Serbia’s unique culinary heritage. The Karlovacka Grammar school is one of the most prominent and the oldest secondary education institution in Serbia that recently marked the 225th anniversary of its founda- tion.

During the meeting, the Chargé d’Af- faires and the school’s Principal Mr. Radovan Kovacevic explored the possibilities of future cooperation in the promotion of the Malaysian culture and language in Serbia.

3 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 Engagement with Serbian Artists In its efforts to promote the Malaysian culture and art, which are lesser known in this part of the region, the Embassy of Malaysia engaged with local artists who specialize in the art of batik painting

he Chargé d’Affaires met with two local The Malaysian batik is unique in terms of its Tartists in January and March 2018 with design and motives, as well as the techniques Mrs Marija Vasiljev and Ms Srna Subanovic, used in its making. The Malaysian batik is who both are local artists that specializes in known for its international appeal due to its batik painting, the Malaysian traditional art of versatility . textile designing, usually with floral motives.

Chenderawasih Opening Performance 2018

The Embassy’s Cultural Troupe, Chenderawasih began the year with their performance at the “Awakening” International Charity Spring Fes-

henderawasih, the cultural troupe the Foundation Intergenerational Vol- Cunder the auspices of the Embassy unteer Centre, Children Cultural Center of Malaysia in Belgrade, kick-started Majdan and the Savski venac Belgrade the 2018 season by participating in City Municipality at the House of the the “Awakening” International Charity King Peter I. It is also worth to note that Spring Festival. Chenderawasih performed its 100th The festival was jointly organised by performance in October last year!

4 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 LEARNING ON MALAYSIA

The Embassy conducted an interactive learning session on Malaysian language and literature with the students and teachers of the “Karlovacka” Grammar School

s part of its outreach programme, the The students were given a briefing on AEmbassy conducted an interactive Malaysia, with a focus on its rich cultural learning session with the students and teach- heritage, linguistic diversity and the basic ers of the “Karlovacka” Grammar School introduction on the evolution of its national in Sremski Karlovci (Serbian province of language, Bahasa Malaysia. Vojvodina), known for its extensive language The students were inspired to learn more curriculum in Serbia, on 29 March 2018. about the Malaysian language and liter- The session, which was facilitated by the ature that are seldom heard of or studied Chargé d’Afaires saw the participation of in Serbia, as well as on the works of famous more than 100 students, ranging from the age Malaysian writers and poets, throughout the of 14-18 years old. month of April this year.

On 8 May 2018, the Embassy organised a “THE PROGRAMME INVOKED GENUINE INTEREST closing ceremony for the “Learning on Malay- AMONG THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN LEARN- sia” programme that include prize giving for the MALAY LITERATURE ING ONE OF THE MAJOR LANGUAGES OF THE AUS- winners of the Malaysian literature contest. TRONESIAN LANGUAGE FAMILY ” CONTEST WINNERS To ensure a complete experience of the Malaysian culture, the students and staff of More than 20 students of the “Kar- Mr Radovan Kovacevic, Principal the Karlovacka Grammar School were also en- lovacka” Grammar School who par- tertained with the performance of Malaysian ticipated in the literary competition traditional dances by the Embassy’s Cultural successfully completed their essays Troupe Chenderawasih, sampling of the Malay- in four categories - Evoloution of the sian popular food and dissemination of bro- Malay Language, Bunga Popi poem chures on Malaysia. by Usman Awang (Malaysian Nation- al Laureate), Multiculturalism and The Embassy of Malaysia wishes to thank Languages in Malaysia and Gagak Parit the students of the Karlovacka Grammar poem by Samad Said (Malaysian Na- School for their interest and initiative, as well tional Laureate). as the teachers and the school’s Principal for their outstanding commitment and excellent The competition winners were as cooperation throughout the event. follows:

1 Ms Sandra Sloboda for essay on Gagak Parit, a poem by A. Samad Said

2 Ms Natasa Medjesi for essay on Bunga Popi, a poem by Usman Awang

3 Ms Gorana Knezevic for essay on the evolution of the Malay language

4 Ms Nevena Cvijanovic for essay on the evolution of the Malay language

5 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 LEARNING ON MALAYSIA HIGHLIGHTS

The Chargé d’Affairs conducted the presentation on Malaysia and its history, cultural heritage and basic structure and evolu- tion of the Bahasa Malaysia, with a particular emphasis on the works of the Malaysia’s famous writers and poets.

Even though the participation in the programme was on vol- untary basis under the school’s extracurricular activity, the turnout of students was remarkably high and extra seats were required for the presentation in the school’s hall!

The Chargé d’Af- fairs presented a coffee table book on Malaysia to Mr Radovan Kova- The presentation on Ma- To make the experience cevic, Karlovacka laysia sparked the inter- of Malaysia as vivid as Grammar School’s est of the students who Principal. possible, there was also stayed after their class- the performance of pres- The book will be es to learn more about entation on the Malaysian displayed in the Malaysia from the ma- traditional dance by the special section terials distributed at the “Chenderawasih” cultural in the school’s Embassy’s info booth extensive and troupe. uniques library as a memorablia of the excellent pro- gramme that it had with the Em- bassy of Malaysia.

The “Learning on Malaysia” programme concluded with some refreshments where the students had the opportunity to directly interact with the Embassy’s staff in a more informal atmosphere as well as to taste the excuisite Malaysian cuisine.

6 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 “...the elected rep- resentatives have huge responsibility being put on their shoulders with many expected challenges ahead, as the people of Malaysia are look- ing forward to a new and better Malaysia in future.”

MALAYSIAN GENERAL ELECTION 2018 The 14th Malaysian general election (GE14 or PRU14) was held on 9 May 2018 to elect the members of the 14th Parliament of Malaysia

n the fiercely contested polls, Malaysia’s transition of power since independence portfolio as the minister of women, family I92-year-old Tun Mahathir Mohamad, or more than half a century ago. and community development. fondly known as Dr. M, led the Pakatan Hara- pan, along with the Sabah Heritage Party, to Subsequently, 13 Cabinet ministers were With new faces and new aspirations, the win 121 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, allowing sworn in on May 21, with 13 more ministers elected representatives have huge responsi- them to form a majority government. Tun and 23 deputy ministers took their oath of bility being put on their shoulders with many Mahathir was sworn in as the 7th Prime Min- office on July 2, including the new Foreign expected challenges ahead, as the people of ister of Malaysia on May 10, a day after the Minister, Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah. Malaysia are looking forward to a new and election. Interestingly, he also set a world re- better Malaysia in future. PM Tun Mahathir’s Cabinet was also cord as the oldest head of government. made up of 5 full ministers, the highest num- The 14th General Elections has surely Pakatan Harapan’s win ends the Barisan ber of female ministers to date. Malaysia also made Malaysia turn over a new leaf. National coalition’s six-decade-long of rul- has its first female Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. ing, paving the way for the country’s first Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who holds a second

Minister of Foreign Affairs

7 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 10th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (CTDC10)

“We are looking forward to have a meaningful four-member delegation ing from 57 member countries discoarse and new experience the next time we are in Aof the Malaysian Society of the International Union of Malaysia, the host country of CTDC11 in 2021.” of Toxicology (MySOT) led by Toxicology (IUTOX), 126 speak- its Mr. Salmaan Inayat Hussain, ers, 21 short communication PhD, participated in the 10th presenters and the discussion Congress of Toxicology in De- on 348 abstracts. veloping Countries (CTDC10) The programme of the con- that was held from 18-21 April gress comprised workshops, 2018 in Metropol Palace Hotel plenary lectures and rountables in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia. session. They were well attend- This was the first time Serbia ed, with engaging discussion hosted this international toxi- on current issues in the world cology meeting that gathered of toxicolgy, throughout all four experts on toxicology from all days of the event. over the world. The Congress concluded The Congress, which aimed with a symbolic ceremony of at continuing the learning of Serbia handing over the organ- scientists and professionals in isation of the next Congress to the field of toxicology, featured Malaysia, as the host country of a total of 357 participants com- CTDC11 in 2021.

The Embassy’s cultural troupe, Chenderawasih, made an appearance during the handing over ceremony

Invidunte Glory Sociale Loptisumer

During the hand-over ceremony for Malaysia to take over as the host for CTDC11 in 2021 Chargé d’Affaires with the Malaysian delegation

8 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 Welcoming the Malaysian Delegation

n 19 April 2018, the Charge d’Affaires, Mr Nik Ady Arman hosted a Odinner for the Malaysian Delegation to the 10th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (CTDC10) in Belgrade.

Selamat Datang!

Welcome to Tourism Malaysia’s monthly E-Newsletter featuring high- lights of Malaysia’s many unique and interesting attractions and events to be enjoyed in Malaysia this month.

Plan your trip well, or engage the services of a licensed tour operator/ travel agent and prepare yourself for adventure of a lifetime!

The Embassy of Malaysia wishes you happy travelling and have a memora- ble stay in Malaysia!

9 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 SPRING SPORTS DAY

The Embassy of Malaysia in Belgrade had its annual Spring Sports Day at the Ada Ciganlija on 28 April 2018

reaking away from its usual venue and activities, this year’s Spring Sports BDay included rock climbing, paddle boating, games of basketball and street soccer, as well as other fun filled activities for the kids ended with a sumptuous barbecue.

The Spring Sports Day is an avenue for the staff and family members of the Embassy to spend quality time together and enjoying the good weather of spring!

10 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 FOOD PLANET 2018 Welcoming Remarks by the Chargé d’Affaires The Embassy of Malaysia’s participation in the Food Planet Interna- tional Festival 2018 in Novi Sad, Serbia with the theme “Malaysia Day”

he Malaysian Embassy took part in the International Cuisine Tand Culture Festival “Food Planet 2018”, a major public event held annually at the main city square of Novi Sad, the capital of the Serbian province of Vojvodina and one of Serbia’s largest cultural centres. The Festival saw the participation of 23 countries through the month of May 2018. Malaysia’s rich cuisine flavours were presented through a cooking demonstration by the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy. The pres- entation of Mee Goreng Mamak (Mamak Fried Noodles) and Apam Curious visitors gathered for a cooking demonstration conducted by the Chargé d’Affaires Balik (Malaysian-style pancakes) drew a large crowd, as it versatile and very easy to prepare. Another special attraction during the cooking demonstration was the cokking demonstration of Apam Balik, Malaysian-styled pancake and Nescafe Tarik (“Foamed” Nes- cafe), a popular drink in Malaysia. The visitors also had the opportunity to sample these Malaysian specialities prepared by the ladies of PERWAKILAN Belgrade. Chenderawasih, the Embassy’s cultural troupe also performed a number of Malaysian dances including the popular dance Joget Kelantan. The Embassy of Malaysia wishes to thank its partners and friends from the Color Press Group for the excellent organisation of the event, as well as to the local authorities and the people of Novi Sad. Cooking demonstration of the Mee Goreng Mamak

Chenderawasih’s opening performance during the Food Planet 2018

11 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 Malaysian crafts and other promotional materials and diplays at the info booth Ladies of PERWAKILAN Belgrade contributed immensely to the Malaysia Day in Novi Sad

Performance of the tradtional Malaysian dance Zapin Embassy staff joining the closing performance of Joget Kelantan

A demonstration of Apam Balik by the Chargé d’Affaires got the crowd intrigued Visitors showing off their newly-learnt steps of Joget Kelantan

12 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 Serbian Travel Blogger’s Journey through Malaysia: MALAYSIA, A COUNTRY THAT MOVES ALL YOUR SENSES

After her return from Malaysia, the popular Serbian travel blogger Ms Ivana Kovacevic shared her experience in Malaysia through an extensive write-up that was also published by two major Serbian national coverage media, B92 and PRVA.

y tradition (known only to us), my ligion is Islam and the language is Ma- you had already arrived. boyfriend and I usually will trav- lay. Since Malaysia was a British colony, B Twenty-two hours after departure el in February. In most cases we plan English is widely spoken. (with one connecting flight), we ar- months in advance, but however this As early as during the initial search, rived in Kuala Lumpur. The time differ- year we waited until the last minute I already liked the eastern part of the ence is +7 hours and, eventhough we and decided to go to Malaysia. peninsular more. It seemed somewhat know it will wear us down, but we im- One of the two key reasons we wild and unexplored, much more ap- mediately started to explore as much chose to go to Malaysia is because we pealing to our senses. as we can before the jetlag overwhelm love Asia. The other is that this desti- us. Due to the limited time of our stay Ivana Kovacevic nation is still not swarmed by our tour- and for better connectivity, however, Temperature in February is around Journalist, Travel Blogger ists. the choice was narrowed down to Kua- 32 degrees centigrade, humidity is “I travelled all over the world Since we will be staying for nine la Lumpur (the capital of Malaysia) in high and the sun is very strong be- both on business and pleas- days (not much, but enough to ex- the western part of the peninsular, fol- cause we are in the equatorial area ure. I had many opportunities plore the surface), so I was searching lowed by the Penang Island and then (story about the “red people” will fol- to travel and wish that every- the Internet for everything I could find to the Langkawi Island in the north. low shortly). one had them. Travels are my passion, my air, my way about the country to prepare for the Before travelling, you need to From the airport, which is one of out. I don’t travel light, but I itinerary. apply for visa at the Malaysian Em- the largest and better maintained in am packing fast. When I am Malaysia is located in Southeast bassy in Belgrade. Visa fee amounts preparing to travel I do my Asia (about 50 kilometres away from Asia. It comprises 13 states and three to around EUR 6.00 and the visas are research thoroughly. the city), it is easy to reach the Central federal territories. It is divided into two typically issued on the same day. All Station by KLIA Express train or by bus, I started my blog to bring you main parts: the western (peninsular) the information on applying for visa and continue from there by train or distant countries and parts of and the eastern (Borneo). As for the is available at their website and once subway. the world closer. My intention population, Malay is the largest eth- you arrive there, the Embassy’s polite was to share with you all that nic group, making around 60 percent, staff will inform you about everything Kuala Lumpur is enchanting and I can and know, but I will also followed by the Chinese at around you need to know and give you a lot of swept us of our feet right from the try to discover for you what I don’t know. “ 25 percent, the Indians at around 10 promotional material that would make start. The city has a cosmopolitan spir- percent and other races. The official re- you even more interested and wishing it. We were impressed by the kindness

“Gastronomad” Cooking Show Featuring Malaysian Celebrity Chef

n 12 March 2018, the Serbian National OTV (RTS1) broadcasted the episode of its popular “Gastronomad” TV cooking show that featured Malaysian Celebrity Chef Dato’ Ismail Ahmad and his team, presenting Malaysian street foods that can be simply prepared by the locals in this region.

The episode was filmed during the Malaysian Delights 2017 organised by the Malaysian Em- bassy in October 2017.

13 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 and smiles of everyone you communicate with, either officially or spontaneously in the streets, during our commuting or in the shops.

Wide and clean streets, perfect urbanistic composition of buildings, modern architecture, plenty of green areas, lawns, flowers and parks – everything perfectly aligned. The cleanliness of the city streets and parks can be compared to those in developed European countries. It is really amazing how much attention was paid to the ar- ranging of these public spaces.

We toured the Malaysian capital up and down.

Evening hours is the best time to visit the Pe- tronas Towers. These twin towers are 450m tall and connected by the sky bridge on the 41st floor, from where you can enjoy the view of the city.

Also, you could go to the top of the KL Tower located in the city centre and see the magnificent panoramic view of the entire city. It is also important to note that the Central At first, it didn’t came to my mind why every- Little India is a part of the city that used to Market is divided into different zones with the pur- one kept telling me about the shopping opportu- be located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, but pose to present the insight into cultural diversity nities in this city (shopping was never that impor- now it is officially part of its centre. This is where of different races in Malaysia to the visitors. tant to me), but… you would not believe it! This you will be welcomed by wide streets with Indian shopping experience is not to be missed because shops and restaurants owned by the people from Our next stop was the Chinatown. It could the prices are ridiculously low to say the least. For the Indian ethnic community. Here you will also be described as a big chaos, in a positive way, of a small amount of money, you can literally dress be able to buy virtually anything, from traditional course. The Chinatown is situated in the heart yourself from head to toe in world-class brands Indian products – spices, Bollywood movies and of Kuala Lumpur. Once you dive into this part of and designer clothes. music, local food… town, you can have enjoyment in every possible way, surrounded by the oriental culture, heritage Apart from spectacular yet affordable shop- Of course, the opportunity to visit the Bird Park and history. You can visit the temples, go shopping ping, we particularly enjoyed visiting the Central should not be missed, as well as the Lake Gardens or sightseeing and eat excellent food, which we Market, which is half indoors and half outdoors, and the National Mosque that feature some of the did a lot in this part of the town. What I am trying so it offers pleasant experience of walking in most interesting architecture designs. They are all to describe here is a true symphony of tastes and air-conditioned spaces. Stalls with souvenirs and situated closely to each other in the part of the city flavours that takes food experience to the next lev- handicrafts, salesmen behind the stalls selling lo- that is green and looks like it is far away from the el. No, I am not talking about eating out of hunger; cal products, an eyeful of colours, sweet scents in city centre, in some beautiful natural surround- I am talking about pure hedonism. Here, the food the air… ings. opens up your senses and palates to the infinite Since our visit took place just before the cele- variety of scents, flavours and textures… Tables The National Museum is one of the most in- bration of the Chinese New Year, the Central Mar- with food surrounded by stalls with electronics, teresting I have ever visited, designed to show ket was adorned with traditional Chinese New Year leather products and textile… everything in the you the country through different era. Another decorations. middle of the street, which is full of people. must-visit place is the Batu Caves, one of the most visited tourist attractions. It is a hill with three large caves and a large number of smaller ones, situat- ed 15 kilometres north of the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

The Batu Caves are one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India. The giant gold coloured statue of Lord Murugan stands at the foot of the hill. This area is full of Macaque monkeys that jump around and try to steal from the visitors everything they can get their paws on. Every year, in late

14 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 January or early February, almost children who stared at us because one million pilgrims visit the temple of our (for them unusual) skin col- during Thaipusam celebration. our and height were probably won- dering why these strange people As we climb the stairs further, are sitting wrapped up in scarfs we reached the entrance to the trying not to freeze. Immediately I main cave at the summit. The total remembered about my former col- number of stairs is 272. Climbing league, who was always cold, think- was very difficult for me, as the ing I am becoming like him. Life is stairs were steep, uneven and the like a boomerang! stair treads were shallow, made for much smaller feet than ours, but We were heading for the Island also because we were climbing un- of Penang and its state capital of der the strongest sun. Georgetown. The train takes you to Butterworth, the closest place Just before the top of the stairs, on land to the island. After you get we reached the entrance to the off the train, you will board the bus Dark Cave, which comprises seven that will take you, free of charge, to chambers and is 2 kilometres deep. the port and ferry that would trans- We proceed to the top and reached port you to the island. the entrance to the main cave. The last thing you would expect to see – We reached the island in no and you do – is the temple! time.

A real and magnificent temple, Penang has a lot of attraction filled with colourful sculptures of to be included in the itinerary, so different Hindu gods. we could have proper experience of the island. To make the top list I have already mentioned that of the places to visit, we focused our stay in Malaysia was rather on the locations considered to have short. I know that anyone sensible cult status. would take the flight to the next destination, but not us. In general, At first glance, the city is not flights between the cities in Malay- that beautiful. The old colonial at- sia are very cheap, but we took the mosphere is present everywhere. train because we wanted to see the The best part is that the city takes sceneries between the cities that you back to the past colonial times. nese majority population. This is the trouble their minds. we were going to visit. Two most important and attractive reason why we find it interesting to sites are the Chinatown and the Down the same street is the The train is very comfortable visit Penang just before the celebra- Colonial District, which is under the Dharmikarama Burmese temple, and cosy, though I have to mention tion of the Chinese New Year. UNSECO’s protection since 2008. built in 1803, which is still the only that the temperature inside the The city is dotted with numerous Burmese Buddhist temple outside of train was exceptionally low (even I have to point out that Penang Chinese shops and restaurants, nar- Myanmar. for me as I am never cold), so the is the only Malaysian state with Chi- row streets, colonial style buildings, multitude of schools and faculties, as The city is famous for having well as flamboyantly decorated tem- many festivals throughout the year, ples. Three most interesting temples but we, unfortunately, did not have on our visit list were: the opportunity to see one because no festivals were held during our The Chinese Kek Lok Si, which is stay. On the internet, however, I read by far the biggest Buddhist temple that travelling during the festival sea- complex in Southeast Asia. It was son is really worthwhile. Penang is a built more than a hundred years ago lively island whose cultural heritage and full of splendidly arranged gar- and cosmopolitan structure go hand dens, with a seven- stories tall pago- in hand. Discovering its numerous da. Millions of vivid colours will leave attractions, in just 24 hours, which is you breathless. the time we actually had, was a great challenge to us. The second was Wat Buppharam, a Thai Buddhist temple. It was built We skipped beautiful beaches, in 1942 and its name translates into or better to say sacrificed them to “the temple of flowers”. At the begin- traipse the city. We ventured the nar- ning, the temple was rather small, row streets of the old part of town but reached its present grandeur that is famous for their attractive thanks to its numerous donors. It graffiti. It is a part of the town that features the Buddha Museum, Bud- is predominantly grey, but artists dha garden, a large number of stat- painted the graffiti to make it more ues of dragons, as well as the statue interesting for the visitors. of 100-year old Buddha, which is said to help the believers and visitors find When you talk to the locals and answers to various questions that ask them what else should not be

15 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 I don’t like sunblock products (yes I know, it is not smart and I am aware what it could do to you), but I simply don’t like them. missed, everybody will point out to the island’s Magnificent beaches, rich in flora and fauna, My boyfriend always uses them, so he is in well-known excellent food. I have to agree. The cheap stores (all duty-free)… Although the island’s charge of sun protection factors. So far, sun- food is so diverse, for us maybe even too spicy, but inclination is towards tourism, most of the locals screen factor 30 served us well, so we use it in the harmony of flavours you could experience here are actually farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Malaysia as well. As if. The sun is so strong that stays carved in your memory for the rest of your life. We disembarked the boat in Kuah, the island’s you should not even consider anything other Should you describe Penang in only three main town. The statue of eagle, standing at 12 me- than the sunscreen with protection factor rang- words, those words would be - true gastronomic tres tall, is the first thing that welcomes the visitors ing from 50 to 110, which you can buy there. paradise. coming by sea. The brown eagle is the symbol of We thought we were the worst and the only the island as the name Langkawi literally means ones whose skin is most red that evening, but We left the island in the morning by the ultra- brown-red eagle. fast boat across the sea, reached Langkawi in less we went to the town and saw all other poor red than three hours. We decided to end our vacation Thanks to Uber, we quickly arrived at Pantai Ce- Europeans who were literally “fried well-done”. with sunbathing at the best beaches and rest for nang, our haven for the next few days.Soft white The sun was merciless. And no, I will not pub- the last three days (as much as possible because I sand, quite warm sea, abundance of beaches – it is lish any photo of the red people; you will have can never stand still in one place). a paradise on earth. to imagine them yourself.In the next few days, Kedah, the state which Langkawi is part of, is On the beach, besides swimming and sunbath- we wandered the island, visited various beaches a 99-island archipelago surrounded by turquoise ing, you can also enjoy a variety of water sports. and enjoyed ourselves. sea and soft white sand. The inner part of the is- And don’t forget the excellent food and tropical Apart from exploring the beaches, visiting land is comprised of colourful rice fields. fruits… the attraction called the Sky Bridge was the only thing on our list. I have to stress the importance of buying your tickets online. The Sky Bridge is one of the most visited places and it is unbear- ably crowded. The bridge is built on the top of Mat Cincang Mountain. You get to the bridge by cable car, which could also take you to the view- point from where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the island and the sea that surrounds it.

The view of inaccessible areas and the jun- gle beneath you is stunning, one of those you would probably enjoy only once in your life, so enjoy it for as long as possible…

We ended the day with a foot massage, boarded the airplane (the airport is only a 15-minute drive away from Pantai Cenang) and, as the sun goes down, we headed off to Kuala Lumpur.

“Once a year, go someplace you have never been before” said Dalai Lama. I am telling you, do not wait until next year. Go now and visit this paradisiacal residence of gods.

16 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 Malaysia’s Nature Travelogue on Serbia’s N1 TV

he travelogue series on tures and natural beauties, with a TMalaysia hosted by Serbia’s focus on the states of Sabah and TV celebrity Andrej Maricic (of the Sarawak. “Survivor” fame), were broadcasted The Embassy of Malaysia wish- by the Serbian national television es to thank its partners and friends, channel N1 starting from 5 January Mr. Andrej Maricic, Manga Trip 2018. Travel Agency, Turkish Airlines Bel- The three episodes of the grade and N1 TV for making this travelogue presented to the first such travelogue on Malaysia Serbian audience with the attrac- being broadcasted on a Serbian tions of Malaysia’s nature adven- television, a success.

Exclusive Interview with Malaysian Celebrity Chef Dato’ Ismail Ahmad

erbia’s popular “Turisticki svet” S(“World of Tourism) Magazine published an exclusive interview with the Malaysian Celebrity Chef Dato’ Ismail Ahmad in its New Year’s issue. The Embassy of Malaysia wishes to thank the “Turisticki svet” Magazine for its support on the pro- motion of Malaysian culinary and cultural heritage in the Republic of Serbia.

Embassy’s Cultural Troupe Performance on Serbian National Television (RTS1)

he Embassy’s Cultural Troupe, Chenderawasih made a live ap- Tpearance on the “Zikina Sarenica”, one of the most popular TV shows in Serbia, broadcasted by the Radio Television of Ser- bia (RTS), Channel 1 on 23 May 2018.

Featured in the segment of the “Zikina Sarenica” with the theme “Musical Journey through East Asia”, Chenderawasih per- formed the traditional Malaysian dance Zapin.

17 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 HARI RAYA CELEBRATION

Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2018 Celebration at the Embassy of Malaysia

n 16 June, the Embassy of Malaysia Embassy’s staff had the opportunity to Ohad its Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration learn to prepare some of the popular Hari for all of the Embassy’s staff and families as Raya dishes for the event. Facilitated by well as Friends of Malaysia. the ladies of PERWAKILAN Belgrade, these dishes included among others satay, kuah In his Welcoming Remarks, the Chargé kacang (peanut sauce) and rendang daging d’Affairés of the Embassy stated that the (beef rendang). Guests enjoying the Hari Raya celebration held at the Embassy’s compound purpose of the event is to recreate the at- mosphere of the Hari Raya celebration, par- The event was made even more special ticularly the practice of the ‘open house’, as with the handing out of duit raya (small well as to showcase a part of the Malaysian tokens of money) to the children, playing tradition and culture to the guests. fireworks and being entertained through- out with Hari Raya songs and impromptu Through the concept of “gotong-roy- dances and performances. ong” and in the spirit of togetherness on the auspicious occasion of Hari Raya, the

Chargé d’Affaires opened the Hari Raya celebration with a welcoming remarks

Chargé d’Affaires and Second Secretary handed out duit raya to the children

Ladies of PERWAKILAN preparing for the Hari Raya celebration

One for the album: Guests came donning their baju raya for the occasion

18 IssueNeswletter 1 / 2018 EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN BELGRADE

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