CzechVol II, No. 2/2004 Newsletter of the Embassy of This!the In Singapore MITA 258/05/2003 what’s GOLF IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC – AN UNSTOPPABLE BOOM inside he Czech Republic, renowned as the Central European jewel of historical monuments and stunning natural scenery, is fast reclaiming its standing within Czech Republic – t professional golfing nations. With a string of golf courses mushrooming Top Golf Destination throughout the Czech Republic, the development of golf as a sport has noticeably shifted in Central Europe into high gear over the last 10 years, rising to a height that neighbouring Central and The Czech lands boast over Eastern Europe countries can only envy. 80 golf clubs as of 20041 Under The Czech Golf Federation Embassy in umbrella, there are more than 80 golf Singapore Celebrates clubs and over 17,000 avid golfers EU Accession playing across 50 courses. The rate at Czech Republic ranks among which new courses are being built annually is comparable to that of 10 new EU members 2 countries such as France.

First Deputy Minister This golf boom is thanks not only to for Regional our return to the ranks of developed Development in European nations with the accession Singapore of the Czech Republic to the European Ivo Hartmann Meets Minister Union, effective 1 May 2004, but also of State Balakrishnan and to the long Czech golf tradition. At Singapore government agencies present, Czech golfers are eagerly The golf course at Hradek near Nechanice in eastern Bohemia awaiting the year’s key event – the Czechs Excel at 100th anniversary celebration of golf EURO 2004 in Bohemia, which will be held in the spa city of Karlovy Vary in Western Bohemia. It is where the first golf course in the Czech Republic was established in 1904. National team delivers memorable performance in Portugal Only 40 kilometres away, in the second most important spa city of Mariánské Lázne , lies the 3 Czech Republic’s second oldest golf club. In operation since 1930, the golf club has finally Dynamic Czech been awarded a long-deserved honour – the title of Royal Golf Club – by Her Majesty Queen Life Sciences Elizabeth II of Great Britain. CR offers wide educational base Apart from Western Bohemia, there are quality 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses in all

India regions of the Czech Republic, particularly in areas where tourists and travel agencies China Malaysia Czech Republic 4 abound. In the neighbouring city of Prague, one can play at the excellent Karls tejn Golf Singapore Czech Republic – Philippines Brazil Canada Resort, which, just like Mariánské Lázne , has hosted a premier golf event – the European Chile Leader in Offshore Poland Hungary PGA Volvo Tour. Prime golf facilities are also being created in Northern and Southern New Zealand Services A.T. Kearney´s 2004 study Bohemia. In fact, in the Eastern part of the Czech Republic (Moravia), there is a completed, top-quality 36-hole golf course not far from Ostrava in ranks CR No. 1 in Europe and 5 the C eladná locale. What this means is that a golfer No. 4 worldwide visiting Bohemia today is assured of easy access to a golf course – and a good game – in a short proximity to Czech Illustrators for where his or her hotel is. What’s more, apart from the Children in Singapore breathtaking natural setting of the golf courses, within Representative exhibition stone’s throw as well are medieval castles, châteaus, and presented by the Embassy and other exquisite monuments that speak of the rich history NAFA from July 16-31,8 2004 and heritage of the Czech Republic. So the next time you’re visiting the real heart of Europe Czech Musical – the Czech Republic or capital Prague – we recommend Heritage you pack your golf clubs! Richness and diversity of musical forms are hallmarks Karlstejn Golf Resort, with the Karlstejn For more information, visit The Czech Golf Federation at of the Czech10 Republic Castle in the background www.cgf.cz. See also page 12.

CZECH THIS! 01 CZECH REPUBLIC CELEBRATES ITS EUROPEAN UNION ACCESSION IN SINGAPORE

he Embassy of the Czech Republic in Singapore hosted Singapore. The speakers underlined the historic significance of the an official reception on April 29th, 2004 in The Meritus EU expansion, both for the acceding countries and Europe as a t Mandarin Hotel to celebrate the country’s accession to whole. Guests were treated to a special menu of authentic Czech the European Union. The Czech Republic joined the EU officially specialties prepared by six Czech chefs from restaurants and on May 1st 2004 along with nine other European countries. The hotels in Prague, who were in Singapore as participants in the event in Singapore was attended by 250 VIPs, partners and friends Czech Gastronomy Festival held in the Meritus Mandarin. The of the Czech Republic. event was co-organised by the hotel and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in April/May 2004. Entertainment for the night The guests were addressed by Chargé d’Affaires of the Czech was a performance by a Czech harpist, Jana Friesova, who Republic, Rudolf Hykl and Ambassadors Hugh Swift of Ireland, presented among others, works by Bedrich Smetana, G. F. Handel, whose country held the EU presidency, and Mr Vassilis J. S. Bach and Michail Glinka. Bontosoglou, the Head of the European Commission Delegation in

Czech Chefs from the leading Prague restaurants and hotels treated guests to Czech culinary delicacies. They were participants in the Czech Gastronomy Festival in the Meritus Mandarin from April 26th to May 4th, 2004.

Czech harpist, Ms Jana Friesova, Mr Rudolf Hykl, Chargé d´Affaires of the Czech Republic, addressing the guests. entertained the audience Ambassador Hugh Swift of Ireland (left) and Ambassador Vassilis Bontosoglou, with a selection of classical Head of Delegation of the European Commission in Singapore (right). and modern musical compositions.

CZECH FIRST DEPUTY MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT VISITS SINGAPORE

he First Deputy Minister for Regional Development of the Czech Republic, Ivo Hartmann, paid a visit to Singapore t in the third week of May 2004. During his visit, which also included his participation in the World Congress 2004 of the International Tunneling Association, where he lobbied for the Czech Republic‘s candidacy in hosting the event in 2007, he called on his Singapore counterpart Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State, for National Development and Trade and Industry.

At their meeting, the two ministers discussed the prospects for advancement of bilateral relations in areas such as tourism and trade. Special attention was given to the implications on the economic development and bilateral cooperation between Singapore and the Czech Republic following the Czech Republic’s accession to the EU.

The First Deputy Minister also visited several Singapore statutory boards, namely the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Mr Ivo Hartmann, First Deputy Minister for Regional Development of the Czech Republic (centre) called on Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State, for National Singapore Tourism Board, whose agenda coincides with the Development and Trade and Industry (right). Mr Rudolf Hykl, Chargé d´Affaires of CR portfolio of the Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech is on the left. Republic. Ivo Hartmann also met with representatives of the Singapore tourism industry.

02 CZECH THIS! CZECH REPUBLIC EXCELS AT EURO 2004

he Czech National Soccer Team delivered an outstanding Karel Brückner, the coach of the Czech National Soccer team, and admirable performance at the European Soccer before the squad’s return to Prague from Portugal: t Championship 2004 in Portugal. Highly regarded as the They say that only results count in football, but I am convinced that top contender for the title and praised for its likeable and no bronze medal could override the memory of our attractive play… offensive style of play, it won all the consecutive matches of the This is the right way and we showed we were ready to go in this tournament until it was eliminated in the semifinals in added time direction… The Czech squad won wide admiration, the experts talked by Greece. A Czech forward Milan Baros became with five goals about a compact team and we have a firm foundation for the future. the top scorer of the tournament. Milan Baros, Pavel Nedved, the “ Czech captain (the Best European Footballer of 2003) and Petr Cech, the goalkeeper of the Czechs, were named the members of the All-Stars Squad of the Championship. ”

Czech forward Milan Baros was the top scorer of Euro 2004 Group D 15.6.2004 Czech Republic v Latvia 2-1 19.6.2004 Czech Republic v Netherlands 3-2 23.6.2004 Czech Republic v 2-1

Play-Offs Quarterfinals, 27.6.2004 Czech Republic v Denmark 3-0 Semi-finals, 1.7.2004 Czech Republic v Greece 0-1(aet*) Czech National Soccer Team at Euro 2004 * match decided via “Silver Goal”

Karel BRÜCKNER 1 Petr CECH 2 Zdenek GRYGERA 3 Pavel MARES 4 Tomas GALASEK 5 Rene BOLF Date of birth: 13.11.1939 Date of birth: 20.05.1982 Date of birth: 14.05.1980 Date of birth: 18.01.1976 Date of birth: 15.01.1973 Date of birth: 25.02.1974 Position: Coach Current Club: Stade Current Club: AFC Ajax Current Club: FC Zenit St. Current Club: AFC Ajax Current Club: FC Banik Rennais FC (France) (Netherlands) Petersburg (Russia) (Netherlands) Ostrava (Czech Republic) Position: Goalkeeper Position: Right-back, Position: Left-back Position: Central defender, Position: Central defender Central defender Central midfielder

6 Marek 7 Vladimir SMICER 8 Karel POBORSKY 9 10 Tomas ROSICKY 11 Pavel NEDVED JANKULOVSKI Date of birth: 24.05.1973 Date of birth: 30.03.1972 Date of birth: 30.03.1973 Date of birth: 04.10.1980 Date of birth: 30.08.1972 Date of birth: 09.05.1977 Current Club: Liverpool FC Current Club: AC Sparta Current Club: BV Borussia Current Club: BV Borussia Current Club: Juventus Current Club: Udinese (England) Praha (Czech Republic) Dortmund (Germany) Dortmund (Germany) (Italy) Calcio (Italy) Position: Right midfielder, Position: Right midfielder, Position: Forward Position: Attacking Position: Left midfielder, Position: Left-back, Left Left midfielder Attacking midfielder midfielder Attacking midfielder midfielder

12 13 Martin JIRANEK 14 Stepan 15 Milan BAROS 16 Jaromir BLAZEK 17 Tomas Date of birth: 27.09.1973 Date of birth: 25.05.1979 VACHOUSEK Date of birth: 28.10.1981 Date of birth: 29.12.1972 HÜBSCHMAN Current Club: 1. FC Current Club: Reggina Date of birth: 26.07.1979 Current Club: Liverpool FC Current Club: AC Sparta Date of birth: 04.09.1981 Kaiserslautern (Germany) Calcio (Italy) Current Club: Olympique (England) Praha (Czech Republic) Current Club: AC Sparta Position: Forward Position: Right-back, de Marseille (France) Position: Attacking Position: Goalkeeper Praha (Czech Republic) Central defender Position: Right midfielder midfielder, Forward Position: Central defender

18 Marek HEINZ 19 Roman TYCE 20 Jaroslav PLASIL 21 Tomas UJFALUSI 22 23 Antonin KINSKY Date of birth: 04.08.1977 Date of birth: 07.05.1977 Date of birth: 05.01.1982 Date of birth: 24.03.1978 Date of birth: 05.07.1980 Date of birth: 31.05.1975 Current Club: FC Baník Current Club: TSV 1860 Current Club: AS Monaco Current Club: Hamburger Current Club: Club Brugge Current Club: FC Saturn Ostrava (Czech Republic) München (Germany) FC (Monaco) SV (Germany) KV (Belgium) Moskovskaya Oblast Position: Forward Position: Left-back, Position: Left midfielder, Position: Central defender Position: Central defender (Russia) Central midfielder Attacking midfielder Position: Goalkeeper

CZECH THIS! 03 LIFE SCIENCES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC rogress in modern biotechnologies is now based One key benefit the Czech Republic offers is that start-up and primarily on knowledge acquired from goal-directed growth will not be hindered by technical skill shortages, given that p research in molecular biology and genetics – two areas around 34,000 life sciences related students are currently enrolled within which the Czech Republic is strong. In addition, the within the Czech academic system. Moreover, student output has country is achieving international recognition in several specific been increasing in recent years. sectors, namely bioinformatics, functional and structural genomics and proteomics, molecular interactions and complexes, Masaryk University in Brno is currently developing a 200-million nanotechnologies, biosensors, and virology. Euro 20-hectare campus which, among other activities, will specialise in biomedical technologies, eco-toxicology, structural The chemicals and pharmaceuticals biology and chemistry, genomics and proteomics and biodiversity. sector, including the life sciences component, employs around In addition to the recent opening of the “European Centre of 120,000 professionals and is poised Excellence in Ecotoxicology”, up to 10,000 square metres of floor to catch up with the automotive space will be dedicated to Integrated Laboratories for Biomedical sector, which is currently driving the Technologies. It will be the first campus block which is designed to economic growth in the Czech dedicate up to 50,000 square metres of space to research and Republic. development by 2006. Moreover, the largest hospital in the region, FN Brno, is creating a 16-hectare campus to commercialise However, the life sciences have a developments and exploit synergies with Masaryk University. long tradition in the Czech Republic. Given that Dr Gregor Mendel An important point for foreign partners is the fact that after joining formulated the laws of heredity in the EU, the Czech Republic has harmonised the Czech regulatory the Czech Republic’s second largest and patent environment in accordance with European norms. city, Brno, the country can also Johann Gregor Mendel (1822, claim to be the home of modern Vienna – 1884, Brno), working as a teacher in the city of Brno, genetics. Moreover, the Czech CZECH LIFE SCIENCES INSTITUTIONS found proof of the existence of Republic has a strong track record genes. He is considered to be in immunology on account of the The College of Chemical Technology in Prague the father of genetics, though his work was relatively Czech School of Immunology, which The Molecular Genetics Institute of the Czech Academy unappreciated until the early was founded by Dr. Milan Hasek, the of Sciences 1900’s. co-discoverer of the immunological The Centre of Molecular Biotechnologies tolerance phenomenon. Institute of Molecular Genetics of plants Today, the Czech Republic is in the vanguard of chronic B- Biophysical Institute Hepatitis and AIDS treatment, courtesy of the chemical Institute of Parasitology compounds discovered by Dr. Antonin Holy, the Director of the Institute of Experimental Botany Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB), from Entomological Institute 1994-2002. Working on potential anti-viral formulas for more Institute of Experimental Medicine than 40 years, his research led to several international breakthroughs. Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry The First Medical Faculty of Charles University in Prague Czech scientists are participating in genome projects and The Medical Faculty of Palacky University in developing bioinformatics along with proteomics. They are also The Natural Science Faculty of Charles University in Prague playing to their strengths within the biochemistry of virostatics The Masaryk University in Brno and cytostatics, founded by Professor Frantisek Sorm, who, in 1952, became the first director of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry.

SIGNIFICANT LIFE SCIENCES COMPANIES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

MEGA

VOGEL & HALKE INTERPHARMA LECIVA GENERI-BIOTECH WISSNER ICN BOSSERHOFF KIMBERLY-CLARK BECKMAN COULTER IVAX FERRING BIOPHARM ARROW BAXTER LONZA WALMARK MÖLNLYCKE RODENSTOCK HARTMAN-RICO PLIVA BIOVENDOR CLONESTAR Antonin Holy, PhD., Head of Department of Nucleic Acid Chemistry at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Academy of Science of the Czech MEDIPHARM AB Republic, Prague, Czech Republic, received in 2002 the Elion Award from the International Society for Antiviral Research

04 CZECH THIS! CZECH REPUBLIC LEADS EUROPE IN OFFSHORE SERVICES

ccording to A.T. Kearney’s 2004 study on offshoring, the higher demands on a qualified and skilled labour force, something Czech Republic is the fourth best location for offshore which the Czech Republic fulfills perfectly. a services in the world. In the Offshore Location Attractiveness Index, countries are rated according to three factors: The Czech Republic, fourth in the index, had near identical scores financial structure, business environment, people skills and as third-ranked Malaysia. Once again, India captured the top spot availability. by a comfortable margin, due to its strong mix of low costs and rich human resources. China’s vast labour pool and low costs With its Number 4 ranking, the Czech Republic overtook its rivals secured it second place in the index, despite lagging behind India in the region, with Poland and Hungary ranked 10th and 11th in terms of experience and other key factors such as IT and respectively. Both countries offer cost advantages and education management education, language skills, concerns about levels similar to the Czech Republic but are perceived to have intellectual property, and overall risk as a country. inferior business environments, infrastructure and security of intellectual property. However, the high scores of these new EU India member countries reflect the increasing interest in Eastern Europe China as a near shore location for European companies. Malaysia Since 1995 the Czech Republic has been a “model investment Czech Republic location” in the Central European region due to its strategic location Singapore within European markets, well developed infrastructure, high level of Philippines education and supportive government attitude. The Czech Republic Brazil can also offer a stable political and business environment, as well as boasts the best transport network in Central and Eastern Europe. The Canada significance of the Czech Republic as a transit country will grow in Chile future to be in tandem with European integration. A.T. Kearney’s Poland study highlights the previous successful investment projects within services that were located in the Czech Republic, such as DHL, Hungary Accenture, IBM and ExxonMobil. The experiences of these investors New Zealand prove that easy transport accessibility is the biggest advantage of Financial structure Business environment People skills and availability the Czech Republic because not all operations can be conducted from a long distance. Also the general trend in FDI leans towards Source: A.T. Kearney, “Making Offshore Decisions” 2004

INVESTMENT MONITOR PANASONIC PLANS NEW INVESTMENTS IN PILSEN nvestment of USD 46 million and over 550 new jobs are expected to accompany the expansion of Panasonic AVC Networks Czech, s.r.o., slated to be launched in Pilsen lateri this year. As part of a massive expansion of its current activities in the Czech Republic, the Japanese company is set to establish a completely new factory to produce TV sets with plasma screens (PDP) and TV sets with liquid crystal screens (LCD) in West Bohemia.

The investment comes as a further significant boost to the Czech Panasonic factory – which is part of multinational corporation Panasonic manufacturing facility in Pardubice produces mobile telephones Matsushita Electric – and testifies to the investor’s firm anchoring in the Czech Republic. To date, the company has invested over USD 136 million into its production and R & D facilities in the KOITO EXPANDS PRODUCTION IN Czech Republic and employs more then 1,700 people. NORTH BOHEMIA The leading Japanese manufacturer of automotive lighting “We are planning to expand our current production facilities to products, Koito, is expanding production at its factory in the Z atec satisfy the European demand both for classic Cathode Ray Tubes industrial zone, where it has been operating from since 2002. (CRT) television sets and new-technology TV sets, such as LCD and Koito has, to date, invested more than one billion crowns in the PDP,“ said Tadanori Asahi, CEO of Panasonic AVC Networks Czech, construction of the production plant and technological s.r.o. “The implementation of this investment project will spread installation. The total investment in Z atec exceeds more than CZK over five years and is based on the high technical skills of Czech 2.6 billion (USD 100 mil). workers who have earned our confidence.“ “The continuously rising volume of orders from local European and Since 2000, the Czech Republic has succeeded in gaining a Japanese automotive companies has compelled us to expand our majority of the Japanese investment projects directed at Central current production capacity in Europe. We mapped the investment and Eastern Europe. climate in Great Britain and the rest of the European countries,

CZECH THIS! 05 but in the end the offer from the Czech Republic was found to be The German company Behr GmbH now operates two plants in the the best,” said Takashi Ohtake, President, Koito Manufacturing Czech Republic: Behr Czech s.r.o. produces air-conditioning and Co., Ltd. heating units for the Skoda Fabia and BMW, coolers for MAN, Iveco, RVI, and cooling modules for John Deere and VW. GERMAN BEHR INVESTS IN AIR CONDITIONING Furthermore the company has a 50% stake in Hella – Behr s.r.o., AND HEATING PRODUCTION which produces modules for Skoda Auto a.s. Behr Czech s.r.o. is investing nearly 36 million Euro into their new plant in Central Bohemia. The facility will produce components for As the investment project of this German-based company is still air-conditioning and heating units, cooling modules and heat expanding, so too, will the number of newly created jobs. This year exchangers for air-conditioning and heating units. This, in turn, alone, the number of staff at the Mnichovo Hradiste , plant is will create up to 350 new jobs in the district of Mladá Boleslav. expected to rise to 600.

FIND YOUR CZECH BUSINESS PARTNER Are you looking for a foreign supplier of quality products, components and software solutions for your business?

Why not try an original Internet service, called “Your Czech Supplier”, provided by Czechtrade, a government agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.

All you need to do is to fill in the form avaliable at www.supplier.cz

Czechtrade will then source the relevant Czech companies for you and ensure that their details are sent directly to you.

Local distributor for Skoda vehicles, Czech Auto Pte. Ltd., introduces the flagship Superb to its Skoda range. The Superb offers buyers a well-priced and well-made alternative in the competitive and large executive sedan market.

The Superb exudes a distinctive, yet understated road presence, which certainly belies its generous 2,803mm wheelbase. Design Skoda cues, like the styling of the front grille, headlights, Superb boot-profile and tail-lights ensure that the Superb bears enough of Skoda’s Enters hallmark details, and winning image. Singapore The Skoda Superb is the largest limousine that Skoda Auto offers at present The car’s elegant and Market sophisticated exterior design is echoed inside as well, boasting high standards of fit and finish that is nicely complemented by the use of premium-grade materials.

The Superb is powered by a turbocharged 1,781cc engine that produces 150bhp at 5,700rpm and 210Nm between 1,750rpm and 4,600rpm. The Superb dispatches the century sprint in under 10 secs before hitting a top speed in excess of 200km/h.

The car rides comfortably on the independent struts up front and rear torsion stabilisers, delivering a controlled, smooth ride, whether on the highway or in the city.

Czech Auto Pte. Ltd., tel: +65 6472 1188 The New Skoda Superb www.skodasuperb.com.sg www.skoda.com.sg

06 CZECH THIS! CZECH COMPANIES LOOKING FOR A BUSINESS PARTNER IN SINGAPORE

TOS KURIM STEP TRUTNOV, A.S. – OS, A.S. The Step Trutnov, a.s. company, The company TOS KURIM established in 1990, manufactures – OS, a.s. represents the and delivers power-producing best-known constructions and thermal facilities. manufacturer of high It is certified for boiler room precision machine tools construction (up to 1st class) and has in the Czech Republic authorisation for the assembly and and offers complete manufacturing of pressure equipment, machine design, Bed type milling machine (Machining Centre) erection of gas facilities and delivery Heating plant with an output production and delivery FS(Q) G of industrial constructions. of 2.7 MW for straw and wood waste burning of machine tools. Machine tools manufactured by company TOS KURIM-OS, a.s. can PRODUCTION PROGRAMME be used for items of complicated shapes and large dimensions • Manufacturing of pressure vessels, storage reservoirs, such as moulds, press tools, dies; also in the automotive industry containers for liquefied gases, water heaters, heat exchangers, (for engines, cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, piston rods, piston air tanks, filters, separators, etc. rings, pistons, undercarriages, brake casings, brake yokes, ball • Delivery of boiler rooms for burning straw, wooden waste and studs, transmissions, gear casings, differential housings); the biomass aircraft industry (for light and hard materials); the railway • Delivery and erection of boiler rooms, exchange stations, industry (for railway wagon undercarriages, railway axels); and in pipeline systems the shipbuilding industry (for crankshafts for giant ship engines). • Complete overhaul and reconstruction of technological equipment for boiler rooms up to 1st class and water conservation Address: TOS KURIM – OS, a.s., Blanenska 257, • Heating – investment as well as servicing 664 34 Kurim, Czech Republic, Europe Tel: +420 541 102 748, Fax: +420 541 103 266 Address: Step TRUTNOV a.s., Horská 289, Contact Person: Mr. Lukas Repa 541 02 Trutnov 4, Czech Republic E-mail: [email protected] Tel.: + 420 499 811 892 – 4, Fax: + 420 813 387 Email: [email protected] For more information visit: www.tos-kurim.cz For more information visit: www.steptrutnov.cz

TRASTA S.R.O. SFINX, A.S. Company SFINX (Czech Republic), a.s. is one of the largest traditional manufacturers of enamelled cookware in Europe. SFINX – located in the city of Ceske Budejovice – manufactures and sells a wide range of enamelled cookware for households, as well as for professional catering, including pots, Enamel Cookware “Stabil Extra”. Desta Forklift truck Zetor Forterra tractor series pans, roasters, mugs and many other Extra heavy cookware made from items in steel and with varying top quality steel, and fitted with thickness, colours and designs. cobalt enamel on the inside, Trasta Ltd. is a Czech company specialising in exports of: metal and removable wooden • Zetor tractors and spare parts SFINX´s products are exported to handles • Desta forklift trucks and spare parts many European countries, and other • PTO shafts and spare parts destinations worldwide. SFINX has also made a name for itself in • Small tractors and spare parts the manufacture of advertising boards, street signs and numbers. • Farming machinery, components, accessories and spare parts The key to SFINX’s success lies in its innovative technologies, such • Irrigation systems the use of Quantanium, a triple-layer, non-stick coating applied to its products. Address: Holzova 9, 62800 Brno, Czech Republic Tel./fax: 00420/5/44211332 Address: SFINX a.s., U Smaltovny 115/2, Email: [email protected] 371 27 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Europe Fax: +420 389 101 832 For more information visit: www.trasta.cz Contact Person: Ms Kveta BILANSKA E-mail: [email protected],

For more information visit: www.sfinx.cz

CZECH THIS! 07 THE MAGICAL WORLD OF CZECH ILLUSTRATORS FOR CHILDREN “The illustrations in books for children play a very special and important role in nurturing the imagination and exploratory process of young readers.”

he Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts are proud to present in Singapore t an exhibition of the best 20th Century Czech illustrators for children. The exhibition, named “The Magical World of Czech Illustrators for Children”, will be held from July 16th – 31st 2004 in NAFA’s new headquarters at 80 Bencoolen Street.

A total of 89 illustrations by 18 artists covering all genres of literature for children will be featured, ranging from Czech literature to numerous fairy tales and stories from Europe, China, India and the Arab world, which are a part of the world literature heritage for children. Together with the illustrations, there are also cuddly soft toys created from the characters in the illustrations. The original books will also be displayed and animated films on DVD will be available for viewing.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Singapore July 16 – 31, 2004 9am to 6pm Galleries 1 & 2, Street Level Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Headquarters 80 Bencoolen Street For inquires please call NAFA tel.: 6512 4000 or visit www.mfa.cz/singapore or www.nafa.edu.sg

THE MONKEY KING by Zdenka Krejcova (Albatros, 1997) RUMCAJS, MANKA AND CIPISEK by Vaclav Ctvrtek (Albatros, 2002)

DEAR ART LOVERS, It is with great joy and pleasure that I welcome you to the The illustrations in books for children play a very special and Magical World of Czech Illustrators for Children. This important role in nurturing the imagination and exploratory exhibition – which brings to Singapore for the first time the process of young readers. They contribute to who we are as works of the finest Czech artists in the field – is intended not individuals, and to our moral values and creative capability. All only to share with you the artistic value of their illustrations, this is possible thanks to a group of visionary adults, who have but to also evoke the magical memories and feelings we all the ability to understand the minds of children, and the desire felt as kids from the fairy tales and stories we read or were and artistic talents to enrich the lives of kids everywhere. told to us. It is meant to bring joy to all adults, children, professionals and art lovers alike. I am proud that we can present in Singapore the beautiful works from the best artists, all outstanding Czech illustrators I am also delighted that the Embassy of the Czech Republic is whose impact exceeds the borders of our country by a wide in partnership with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts on this margin. Enjoy the exhibition! project. The educational mission of NAFA brings added value to our joint endeavour. We are also proud to present the RUDOLF HYKL exhibition as the first international project in NAFA’s newly Chargé d´Affaires of the Czech Republic opened headquarters.

08 CZECH THIS! MESSAGE BY MINISTER THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM The art of story illustration has endured and endeared, from exhibition “Magical World of Czech Illustrators for Children” stone carvings to the vivid imprints on paper that bring has chosen Singapore as its stage, as part of its tour of modern day stories alive. Just as the gestures, facial selected Asian cities. The Czech Republic has had more than a expressions and vocal tones of the storyteller create the hundred illustrious years of tradition and development of the experience for the listener, an artist’s impressions fill the specialised art of illustrating children’s books. The exhibition experience for the reader. Illustrations more than complement showcases some of its amazing achievements. a story – they bring different interpretations of the story as the illustrator adds his dramatic impressions and artistic flair For visual arts enthusiasts, young and old, the exhibition will to a tale. open their eyes to the different visual styles, imagination and remarkable technical skills of Czech illustrators. Cultural Illustrations play a special role in children’s literature. They exchanges such as this Czech exhibition of illustrations will stretch the imagination of young readers and lend excitement extend and refine the knowledge of art enthusiasts. I am sure to a tale. Illustrations also help to explain the vocabulary. They that visitors will be enraptured by the exhibition’s beautiful convey meanings and feelings where words fail. illustrations.

I am glad that, in partnership with the Embassy of the Czech THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM Republic and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, the travelling Acting Minister for Education of Singapore

OVERVIEW OF CZECH CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATIONS

true artist appeared – Mikolas Ales – whose influence on future children’s books illustrations was to prove decisive. His pen-and- ink drawings, which accompanied folk songs, children’s rhymes and fairy tales, were rooted in the art of folklore but at the same time show all the dynamics and creative brilliance of this excellent painter. His typically “Bohemian” approach to art, together with an emphasis on the work’s ethical and aesthetic qualities, is characterised in the works of future generations of illustrators throughout the 20th century. PUNCH IN HELL by Karel Franta (Albatros, 1995)

The Czech Republic is a small country located “in the heart of Europe”, but for many years the popularity of Czech children’s books has reached far beyond its borders. When exploring the roots of fine literature for children and young people in the territory of the Czech Republic, we have to begin in the second half of the 17th Century. As early as 1658, the Czech scholar, renowned European humanitarian, and one of the founders of pedagogy, Jan Amos Komensky (or Comenius), published a book called Orbis Pictus (The World in Pictures). He successfully outlined, among other things, the importance of pictures in children’s books. However, it was not until several centuries later that his original ideas were realised to their full potential.

PUSS IN BOOTS by Adolf Born (Albatros, 1999) The 19th Century was a period marked by the development of Czech national literature and children’s books were no exception. Many illustrations, however, lacked the works´ literary qualities. Visitors to “The Magic of Czech Illustrators for Children” exhibition Most were merely products of craftsmanship and often copied are thus offered an opportunity to witness the complete range of foreign models. It was not until the end of the 19th century that a different approaches to the colourful world of children’s literature illustrated in the European style, the diversity of which is based both on varying artistic forms and different generational perspectives. It marks a major contribution of Czech artists from all generations to the lives of millions of children all around the world. In other words, a contribution to a happy childhood – arguably the most magical stage of human life.

JIRI FIXL BOB AND BOBEK, RABBITS Academic Painter FROM THE HAT, by Vladimir MISTER PIP´S WALK by Stanislav Holy (Albatros, 1978) Jiranek (Albatros, 1993)

CZECH THIS! 09 CZECH MUSIC ut of all aspects of the Arts, it was music in particular that brought fame to Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. o The Czech lands have long been referred to as the Conservatory of Europe; so much so that in the 18th century, the saying, “Every Czech – a musician” emerged. Europe’s musical development was influenced by superb Czech performers, teachers, conductors and composers. Virtually every town throughout the country boasts a remarkable musical history.

Alongside folk music, the earliest musical vestiges still evident in the Czech Republic today came about in the Middle Ages to serve the needs of churches and monasteries. Throughout the centuries, the religious orders played an important role in musical life and education, and by the Baroque period their impact had become especially significant. As throughout all of Europe, the medieval single-line chant of the Gregorian plainsong expanded in the Prague – Clementinum – the Hall of Mirrors Czech lands into polyphonic music in the 16th Century. Towns founded church and school choirs, while erudite brotherhoods instruments and pianos (notably those bearing the Petrof were established as societies of scholarly music-lovers who trademark) are world-famous. ensured that church repetories remained of the highest quality. During the Baroque era, fine pipe organs were installed in Over the centuries, the most popular areas visited by foreign churches. Apart from singing, every village teacher, known as a musicians were the Bohemian spa cities and towns Karlovy Vary kantor (from the word cantare - to sing) was able to play various (Karlsbad), Marianske Lazne (Marienbad), Frantiskovy Lazne and instruments, compose music, conduct singers and choruses, teach Teplice. Illustrious guests of the spas included, among others, music theory and give music lessons. Music was considered a part Frederic Chopin and Ludwig van Beethoven. In fact Beethoven of general education and had to be taught in schools at least one wrote his letter to his “Immortal Beloved” in 1812 in Teplice. His hour a day. Missa Solemnis had its full liturgical premiere in 1830 in Northern Bohemian Varnsdorf. However, it was Prague that held a particular Fine musical instruments, home-crafted as well as made in the allure for artists. Past performances staged in that city included outstanding master workshops, have been an integral part of the the world premieres of some of Mozart’s operas, as well as those Czech lands’ rich musical life. Czech string, woodwind and brass of Antonio Vivaldi and Christoph Willibald Gluck. Ludwig van Beethoven, Hector Berlioz, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky gave guest performances in Prague, as did Nicolo Paganini, Clara Schumann and many other musicians.

During the 19th and 20th Centuries, Prague’s prominence as a centre of musical life gradually increased. As the city was being transformed into a modern capital, the country’s national awareness was awakening and art societies and theatres were formed, among them the National Theatre in 1883 and the New German Theatre in 1888. Music schools were opening, including the Prague Conservatory in 1811, which soon became so renowned that many foreign artists formed its graduate base; later in 1945 the Academy of Performing Arts was established. Orchestras were also founded, including the Czech Philharmonic in 1894, the Symphony Orchestra of Czechoslovak Radio in 1925 and the Prague Symphony Orchestra in 1934. Today, seven major symphony orchestras and two theatre orchestras are based in Prague. Each of the country’s regions boasts of at least one Prague – a Concert in the Wallenstein Garden professional theatrical company and one symphony orchestra.

CLASSICAL MUSIC EVENTS IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Prague Spring / Prazske jaro Moravian Autumn / Moravsky Prague Autumn / Prazsky Czech Music 2004 / International Music Festival, podzim Podzim Ceska hudba 2004 founded in 1946 Brno International Music Festival, International Music Festival, Information and Coordination Centre Address: Hellichova 18, founded in 1965 founded in 1990 Address: Divadelni ustav, 118 00 Praha 1 Address: Ars/Koncert, Uvoz 39, Address: Pribenicka 20, Celetna 17, 110 00 Praha 1 www.festival.cz 602 00 Brno 130 00 Praha 3 www.czechmusic.org, www.mhfb.cz www.pragueautumn.cz [email protected] Smetana’s Litomysl / Smetanova Litomysl Janacek’s May / Janackuv maj Cesky Krumlov International Music International Centre / International Opera festival, International Music Festival, Music Festival Hudebni informacni stredisko founded in 1949 founded in 1975 Founded in 1991 Address: Besedni 3-5, Address: Jiraskova 133, Address: 28. rijna 124, Address: Perlitova 52, 118 00 Praha 1 570 01 Litomysl 702 00 Ostrava 1 140 00 Praha 4 www.musica.cz, www.smetanovalitomysl.cz www.janackuvmaj.cz www.czechmusicfestival.com [email protected]

10 CZECH THIS! BEDRICH SMETANA Composer, master of lyric opera, conductor, choirmaster, piano virtuoso, teacher, music critic and a major organiser of the Czech musical scene. Smetana played an important role in the formation of the national culture; devoted to work for his nation during the period of struggle for national recognition. He is considered to be a founder of the Czech national Neo-romantic music. Due to the fact that he concentrated on Czech national needs, his work, with the exception of the opera The Bartered Bride and the symphonic poem Vltava, are not very well known abroad. However, his piano and chamber compositions, orchestral works and operas belong to the best created in his time. Bedrich Smetana (Litomysl, 1824 - Recommendation of Selected Works: Prague, 1884) Operas: The Bartered Bride, Libuse, Dalibor Cycle of Symphonic Poems: My Country Cycles of Piano Compositions, e.g. Polkas String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor “From My Life”

Prague – the Bedrich Smetana Museum

– the Smetana´s Piano Prague - the Smetana Hall of the Municipal House ^ ANTONIN DVORÁK Famous Czech composer whose works are performed internationally; conductor, pianist, organist, violinist and teacher. His artistic path was marked by successes not only at home, but abroad as well, especially in England where he introduced and conducted his new compositions. He also headed to the USA to teach music. His works were remarkably diverse, ranging from symphonic compositions and operas to Antonin Dvo r ák instrumental concertos and chamber works, liturgical (Nelahozeves, 1841 – Prague, 1904) compositions, choirs and vocal compositions. The son of a butcher from a small village near Prague, he received an honorary doctorate from universities in Prague and Cambridge, and taught at the conservatoires in Prague and New York. Dvorák is recognised as one of the greatest artists of his time.

Recommendation of Selected Works: Orchestral compositions: Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Symphony No. 9 in E Minor “From the New World” Piano composition: Slavonic Dances Opera: Rusalka Nelahozeves – the Native House of Antonin Dvo r ák

LEOS JANACEK Composer, choirmaster, conductor, pianist, organist, music theorist and critic, folklorist. This native of Moravia is an intriguing personality in modern world music. His unusual innovative language precluded recognition of his musical genius. Even today he continues to win new admirers among music lovers the world over. His unique expression and dramatic musical style was shaped by his study of the Silesian dialect, Leos Janacek folk music and songs, and in particular the melodic passages of folk (Hukvaldy, 1854 - speech. Moravska Ostrava, 1928) Recommendation of Selected Works: Operas: Jenufa, Kata Kabanova, The Makropulos Case, From the House of the Dead, The Cunning Little Vixen, The Excursions of Mr. Broucek Orchestral compositions: Sinfonietta, The Lachian Dances, The Glagolitic Mass Song cycle: The Diary of One Who Disappeared Hukvaldy – Liska Bystrouska – the Tablet to Leos Janacek

CZECH THIS! 11 CZECH REPUBLIC – NUMBER ONE GOLF DESTINATION IN CENTRAL EUROPE

GOLF COURSES AND FACILITIES GOLF COURSES IN CENTRAL EUROPE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Country No. of Golf Courses Players 28 18 or more holed course Czech Republic 47 16,000 29 9-hole course Poland 15 1,258 Hungary 8 1,330 30 Course under construction Slovenia 8 4,812 57 Indoor Slovak Republic 3 1,445 20 Driving Range Source: KPMG, 2004

Useful contacts: Embassy of the Czech Republic in Singapore CzechInvest (Government Investment and Business 7 Temasek Boulevard, #18–02, Suntec City Tower 1, Singapore 038987 Development Agency) Tel: (65) 633 22 376 • Fax: (65) 633 22 372 Stepanska 15, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic Email: [email protected] Tel: (420) 2 96342500 • Fax: (420) 2 96342502 Website: www.mfa.cz/singapore Email: [email protected] Website: www.czechinvest.org Czech Tourism Vinohradská 46, P.O. Box 32, 120 41 Prague 2, Czech Republic Czech Trade (Government Trade Promotion Agency) Tel: (420) 221 580 111 • Fax: (420) 224 247 516 Dittrichova 21, P.O. Box 76, 128 01 Prague 2, Czech Republic Email: [email protected] Tel: (420) 2 24907 500 • Fax: (420) 2 24907 503 Website: www.visitczechia.cz Email: [email protected] Website: www.czechtrade.cz www.czechtradeoffices.com

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