E-Newsletter Vol 1/2019

JAN – JUNE 2019 ------HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA SUVA, REPUBLIC OF FIJI

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E-NEWSLETTER

VOL 1/2019

FOREWORD by the High Commissioner

Bula vinaka! This is the first edition of MW Suva’s newsletter for this year. It has been almost a year that I have been in Fiji. I saw a lot activities and programmes that have been undertaken to promote and uplift the ties between the two countries.

The relation between Malaysia and Fiji dated back to the 1950’s when they sent their sons to join the Malayan Campaign. We need to revive and rejuvenate this relations with our brothers in the Pacific.

I am glad to learn that the Fijian as well as the other Pacific states have always been forthcoming for Malaysia’s presence in their country in any aspects. Our partnership with Fiji and the pacific states has been further strengthened with the Trade Mission of 22-strong Malaysian companies on 26-27 June 2019. The match-making session saw more than 40 Fijian companies and several deals reached.

There are a lot of other areas that we can further explore with Fiji and the pacific island states with regard to trade and investment. Being a country vulnerable to the effect of climate change, Fiji pays serious attention to the fight against the issue. At this juncture, they look forward for collaboration on renewable energy and land development. Malaysia has the capabilities and potential needed for this kind of projects.

After receiving the mandate to rule the country in last year’s election, the Fiji Government is poised to deliver its promises. Fiji being the big brother among the small island states is strategic in its role as a hub for trade as well as leadership in the region. Malaysia is ever ready to assist in the way Fijian assist us in the Malayan campaign.

BILATERAL RELATIONS The High Commissioner met with the Hon. Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Foreign Affairs on 12 March 2019. The HC and the FM discussed several initiatives that can strengthen the existing ties.

Both agreed that there are various fields that Malaysia and Fiji can venture into such as land development, renewable energy, defense as well as ways to increase trades. Minister Inia also holds the portfolio of Defence and National Security.

The High Commissioner met with the Hon. Premila Kumar, Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development on 17 April 2019. Among the issues discussed were possible cooperation and collaboration to increase trade between the two countries as well as ventures by Malaysian companies in low-cost housing development in Fiji.

On 10 May 2019, the High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Mahendra Reddy, Minister for Agriculture. During the discussion, we shared Malaysia’s success story in developing the country from an agriculture- based to industrialized nation. Fiji is a country blessed with fertile lands, hence they have lots of opportunity to increase their economy based on agriculture and create jobs for the people. There are several fields that Fiji is looking at for Malaysia’s assistance especially in terms of land development as well as agricultural research. 3

The High Commissioner met with the Hon. Jone Usamate, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport on 28 March 2019. The Minister stands ready to assist Malaysian companies interested to undertake infrastructure works in Fiji. Malaysia is also known for their road project of the Kingsway Road (western part of Fiji) which was completed in 2010. The road is still in good condition, compare to other roads in Fiji. A testimony of Malaysian engineering.

The High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Selai Adimatonga, Minister for iTaukei Affairs on 16 July 2019. The Ministry of iTaukei takes care of the welfare and development of the native Fijian. Several collaborations have been identified especially in the development of the native land in Fiji.

PRESIDENT OF NAURU’S PRIVATE VISIT TO MALAYSIA The Hon. Baron Waqa, President of Nauru undertook a private visit to Malaysia on 27-29 June 2019. He was invited to receive the Life Time Achievement Award from Asia Pacific Brand Laureate Foundation. President Waqa also delivered a lecture on Climate Change and Small Island States at the Sunway University. His lecture centered on the existential threat from climate change that poses to the Pacific island nations and how these small states struggle to overcome the challenges.

VISIT OF FOREIGN MINISTER OF TUVALU TO THE CHANCERY

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu, Hon. Taukelina Finikaso visited the Chancery on 18 July 2019. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of MOFA and a Tuvaluan Parliamentarian. Tuvalu is one of the country the High Commission is accredited to. The HC and the FM discussed several issues especially on ways to increase trade between the two countries. Malaysian products are also sold in Tuvalu, brought in by a Malaysian company operating in Fiji, the Carpenters Group.

TRADE MISSION TO FIJI

22 Malaysian companies led by Matrade visited Fiji on 26-27 June 2019. The companies ranged from food products, latex and rubber products, ICT and software developer, personal care, cosmetics, spices, energy drinks and a coffee manufacturer, housing consultant, bedding and furniture products, precast concrete, soy sauce products, snack and confectionery products, health food, manufacturing related machinery and construction. Around 40 Fijian companies turned up for the match-making session. It was a successful mission and several deals were inked during the session. Most of the companies will be coming back to Fiji to pursue their ventures. 6

The Trade Mission received wide coverage from the Fijian media i.e. the Fiji Sun and Fiji Times.

ENGAGEMENTS INTERVIEW WITH MEDIA During the trade mission, the High Commissioner was interviewed by Fiji’s mainstream newspapers Fiji Sun and Fiji Times. The Trade Mission received wide coverage in the local media which had attracted many Fijian companies to join the session at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

NETWORKING SESSION WITH MALAYSIAN COMPANIES A Networking Session was held on 26 June 2019 at the Chancery between the Malaysian companies and the Malaysians residing and working in Fiji. The session was held to enable the companies’ representatives to get an idea of how working and business is done in Fiji. It was indeed beneficial as both sides were able to exchange their knowledge and experiences. VISIT BY TACKLE ASIA A Malaysian sports company, Tackle Asia visited the Chancery on 26 June 19. Tackle Asia, led by Mr. Jan Jaafar and his team were on a 2 weeks visit to attend rugby tournaments in several places in Fiji. Tackle Asia also had the initiative to sponsor several of the rugby tournaments in villages in Fiji, while scouting for talents. So far, we have close to 40 Fijian players playing for the states and clubs in Malaysia.

EIDUL-FITRI CELEBRATION AT THE RESIDENCE OF INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR On the first day of Eid-Fitri, we were invited to celebrate Hari Raya at the Residence of the Indonesian Ambassador. The Eid prayer was followed by small gathering with the Indonesian citizens who are working in Fiji. Malaysia and Indonesia are the only diplomatic representatives from ASEAN in Fiji.

FAMILY DAY WITH MALAYSIANS

The High Commission and several Malaysians in Suva gathered for a picnic on 7 July 2019 at the Pacific Harbour beach. The Malaysian community in Fiji are relatively small. There are at least 30 Malaysians currently working and staying in Fiji, scattered around Suva and Nadi.

EID CELEBRATION

Eid Fitri celebration was held on 7 June 2019 at the Residence of the High Commissioner. Close to 150 people attended the gathering from various government and private agencies as well the diplomatic corps, served with authentic Malaysian ‘Hari Raya’ cuisine.

FIJI AND THE PACIFIC TRIVIA

Simple phrases

English Fijian Kiribati Nauru Tonga Tuvalu

Hello Bula (mbu-la) Mauri Ekamowir Malo Talofa omo e lelei Goodbye Moce (mo-de) Ti a boo Tarawong Faka’au a e Tofa Good morning Yadra (yan-dra) Omo yoran Malo Thank you Vinaka Ko rab’a Tubwa kor Malo Faka fetai How are you? Vacava tiko? Ko uara? Wo areit Fefe hake? E a koe? ed? Yes Io (i-yo) E eng Eh Io Ao No Sega (se-nga) Tiaki Deo Ikai Ikai

Fijian Cuisine

Fijian cuisine has traditionally been very healthy. Fijians prefer a more tuber and coconut based diet. Lunch in the villages is usually rourou (dalo leaves) with boiled Tavioca (cassava) or some fresh fish soup with dalo (taro). Dinner is usually stew, curry or soup made from meat/fish or chicken. Stews are made from meat, potatoes and vegetables, often very healthy.

Kokoda (pic) pronounced as ko-kon-da is a traditional Fijian dish made from raw fish that’s ‘cooked’ by marinating the fish in lemon and lime juice. It is then mix with coconut milk with chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, chili, coriander and spring onion. It usually comes with boiled/fried cassava or taro.

VINAKA VAKALEVU!