Newsletter of the Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia

November 2015

Foreword from Ambassador Michael Winzap

Ladies & Gentlemen, dear compatriots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kind regards Michael Winzap

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Current Events

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

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

30 Oct (Fri) @ 7.00pm at GSC Pavillion Kuala Lumpur 01 Nov (Sun) @ 4.10pm at GSC Mid Valley 07 Nov (Sat) @ 8.40pm at GSC 1 Utama 13 Nov (Fri) @ 7.10pm at GSC Gurney Plaza Penang 29 Nov (Sun) @ 5.20pm at GSC City One Megamall Kuching 12 Dec (Sat) @ 4.30pm at GSC Suria Kota Kinabalu

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

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

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

‘The Swiss Touch in Landscape Architecture’ Exhibition in Penang

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

This exhibition comprises of 36 panels highlighting Switzerland’s role in the evolution of landscape architecture which not only placing emphasis on designs alone but also integrating different aspects of ecological sustainability.

Details of the exhibition: Date: 16 th – 30 th November 2015 Venue: 1st Avenue Mall 182, Jalan Magazine 10300 Georgetown, Penang

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

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Past Events

Swiss National Day 2015

well as international dishes. This delicious treats were meticulously prepared by the Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Guests were also treated with various congratulatory cakes by business associates.

Food stations, cocktail tables and the surroundings were adorned with flowers and drapes in the traditional red and white colours as well as Swiss and Canton flags displayed in all corners have created a celebratory ambience. Buntings and DVD screening of the beautiful sceneries of Switzerland provided by Switzerland Tourism were displayed to showcase Switzerland as a tourist destination. The crowd’s high spirit has indeed added to the festive atmosphere of this memorable The celebration of the National Day of the Swiss th evening. Confederation was held on 29 July 2015 in the Grand Ballroom of Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur. More than 600 guests consisting of compatriots, members of the Malaysian and Swiss business circles, foreign diplomats and friends of Switzerland joined the Ambassador, H.E. Dr Rolf Lenz and his wife to celebrate this occasion.

In conjunction with the Swiss National Day, the embassy also organised an exhibition to showcase some artworks from The INTI Centre of Art & Design

(ICAD) and Sri KDU Primary School to present the This event was graced by The Honourable Datuk three Olympic values identified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC held its 128th Azizah Mohd Dun, Deputy Minister Women, Family and th rd Community Development of Malaysia; H.E. Ueli Maurer Session from 30 July till 3 August 2015 in Kuala - Swiss Federal Councillor and Minister of Defence, Lumpur and the Swiss city of Lausanne, where the Civil Protection and Sport and his delegation; and the Headquarter of the IOC is based has been selected to Lausanne 2020 candidature delegation headed by its host the Youth Olympic Games 2020. president comprising of the Mayor of Lausanne and two Canton de Vaud State Ministers among others. The Apart from the exhibition, Pro Patria’s badges were also celebration started off with the exchange of official on sale to collect donations to the benefit of social and toasts, made by the Ambassador and the Guest of cultural works of national public interest. Honour to the King of Malaysia and the President of the Swiss Confederation followed by the National Anthems In the end of the evening, the guests were presented respectively. Dr Rolf Lenz and H.E Ueli Maurer each with a set of Vallotton postcards, Travel + Leisure gave a short address where Dr Rolf Lenz also took the magazine - Swiss Special Edition, sample of Kambly opportunity to bid farewell to his guests. Bretzeli and Kagi Swiss Wafer as well as a Presence Suisse lapel pin.

The guests got to savour the Swiss specialities such as the ever popular Raclette, Swiss wines and desserts as

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

“Swiss Game Design” Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur The HELP College of Arts and Technology has organised the “Swiss Game Design” exhibition and workshop in Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland and support from Pro Helvetia. The exhibition was held from 5th – 10 th October and the workshop was arranged on 7 October 2015 at the HELP College of Arts and Technology’s Campus at Fraser Business Park.

The Official launch on 7 th October 2015 The event kicked off with an official launch in conjunction with a workshop presented by two Swiss independent game designers, Mr Adrian Stutz and Mr Florian Faller. The visit of these two Swiss artists was made possible with the support from Pro Helvetia and assistance from House of Electronic Arts Basel.

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

Approximately 100 people attended the launch which consists of staff and students from the HELP College of Arts and Technology; students from Cochrane Secondary School, KDU University College, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and all the way from Johor, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia; Streamline studios as well as MDeC. After the official launch, Florian Faller presented a short talk about the ‘Swiss Game Design’ exhibition as well as highlighting the technological and creative potential of game design in Switzerland. After which, the attendees were given a tour of the exhibition by Mr Florian Faller and Mr Adrian Stutz. A small cocktail was hosted by the Embassy of Switzerland for the VIPs who attended this event.

The Workshop on 7 th October 2015 A five hours workshop was conducted by Mr Adrian Stutz and Mr Florian Faller covering the topics – “Game Mechanics and Rules’ and ‘Game Development Method’ at the flip classroom at level 7 of the HELP College of Arts and Technology. A total of 48 students and guests from the HELP College of Arts and Technology, KDU University College, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia and Streamline studios attended this workshop. Both designers had guided the participants in groups in an interactive method to work on the design and technical aspects of game design. In general, the participants were appreciative with their guidance and found the workshop very useful as well as interesting.

The Exhibition from 05 th – 10 th October 2015 The exhibition was held in the common area of level 4 at the HELP College of Arts and Technology. The 6 days exhibition was also open to the general public. The exhibition has drawn an estimated crowd of 700 which comprised of students, teachers as well as the general public. Apart from the “Swiss Game Design” posters were being exhibited, 3 computers were set up with featured games and films as well as the student games and the essays at the visitors disposal.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

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

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

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

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

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

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

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

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

This exhibition was being held in conjunction with ‘Creative October’ which is the school’s annual initiative to promote the field of design and architecture from 19 th – 23 rd October 2015 and it was accessible to the general public.

Mr Rolf Ott, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia; Dr Eric Leong, Head of The One Academy’s School of Interior Design and Mr Tatsun Hoi, Managing Director and Principal of the One Academy officiated the exhibition on 19 th October 2015 with approximately 70 guests & medias attended.

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

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

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

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

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

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Visit of Akademie St. Gallen to Johor Bahru

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ambassador of Switzerland in Malaysia, Mr Michael Winzap welcomed and shared his insights with the students at a business dinner organized at the Chalet Suisse Restaurant. The St. Gallen Institute of Management in Asia will be organizing another business study mission from 6 th – 11 th December 2016.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Aiglon College Choir in Malaysia

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

The Embassy of Switzerland with the assistance from the Young Choral Academy had organised the followings exchange programme for the choir group:

17 th October 2015 (Saturday) Exchange Vocal Workshop Session with Seafield Secondary School The Aiglon College Choir had a 2 hours exchange session with around 40 members of Seafield choir. Both choirs started the exchange with an ice-breaking session and vocal warm-up session together. Other activities were the Aiglon Choir teaching the Seafield choir a folk song from Switzerland and in return they were taught a Malay folk song as well as taking turns to perform a few songs.

18 th October 2015 (Sunday) Participation in Tunku Abdul Rahman University College Choral Exchange 3 The Aiglon College Choir had the opportunity to perform 2 songs to approximately 1000 audiences, which by far the biggest platform for the choir. This event was held at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College Sports Complex with choral performances by 19 choir groups of various age groups and backgrounds which range from institutions, associations to independent ensembles.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

News from Switzerland Tourism

Collaboration Workshop – Switzerland Tourism & Gullivers Travel Associates (GTA)

Switzerland Tourism collaborated with GTA, a world leader in the provision of ground travel products and services to the fully independent travel (FIT) industry in a 6 months campaign to increase room nights focusing on Switzerland Tourism’s annual theme "Touring Country Switzerland", highlighting its two value propositions, the Grand Tour of Switzerland (Self Drive), as well as the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland (Public Transportation).

A joint workshop was organised on 16 th June 2015 at the Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur to conduct training for 45 travel agent’s sales staffs in Klang Valley to enhance their product knowledge as well as to elaborate on the sales campaign.

Switzerland Tourism & Convention Bureau’s South East Asia Roadshow

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

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

Chef Wan in Switzerland

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

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

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Upcoming Happenings and Events

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

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

Penang Jazz Festival 2015 Swiss violinist, Mr Tobias Preisig and his Quartet will be performing in the Penang Jazz Festival which will be held from 3 rd – 6th December 2015. They will be performing on Saturday, 5th December 2015 from 9.00pm – 9.40pm at the The Bayview Beach Resort Gardens, Batu Ferringhi, Penang. Tickets are available at TicketPro website.

Mr Tobias Preisig will also be conducting a workshop on 5 th December 2015 at 10.15 am @ the ballroom of the Bayview Beach Resort. (free entrance)

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

Switzerland Travel Experience (STE) in Kuala Lumpur 2016 The 5th STE Workshop will be held in Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 28 th January 2016 from 09:00 a.m. till 04:00 p.m. The STE Workshop is a workshop focusing specifically on the needs and requests of the important travel agents and operators in South East Asia. This event was an excellent platform for travel agents to meet with a selection of Swiss suppliers to explore new ideas and business opportunities; and to learn more about Switzerland and its offerings.

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

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

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

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

For any further information, you may contact Lyn Loh at +603 2148 0622 or [email protected]

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

News for the Swiss Abroad worden. In Einzelheiten wurde das Recht vereinfacht. Das Auslandschweizergesetz tritt in Kraft Neu können Sie nur ihre politischen Rechte noch in der letzten Wohngemeinde in der Schweiz ausüben. Der Bundesrat hat am 7. Oktober das Inkrafttreten Bei Auslandschweizerinnen und -schweizern, die des Auslandschweizergesetzes auf den 1. November noch nie Wohnsitz in der Schweiz hatten, gilt die festgelegt und die Auslandschweizerverordnung Heimatgemeinde als Stimmgemeinde; bei mehreren sowie die Gebührenverordnung EDA verabschiedet. Heimatgemeinden kann eine ausgewählt werden. Die Das Gesetz fasst die wichtigsten Aspekte für die Stimmgemeinde bleibt aber dieselbe für Personen, Auslandschweizerinnen und -schweizer in einem die bereits in eine Stimmgemeinde eingetragen sind. Erlass zusammen. Die beiden Verordnungen Weiterhin bietet der Bund auf seinen Seiten in der enthalten die Umsetzungsbestimmungen dazu. Die Schweizer Revue offizielle Information über neuen Bestimmungen tragen der steigenden Rechtliches und über bevorstehende Wahlen und internationalen Mobilität der Schweizerinnen und Abstimmungen an. Ebenso wird die ASO in den Schweizer Rechnung. Hauptseiten der Revue Informationen zu Abstimmungen und Wahlen publizieren. Weitere Für die Auslandschweizerinnen und Auslandschweizer Informationsquellen sind u.a. Swissinfo und die ist Folgendes wichtig: Service Public-Fernseh- und Radioanstalten.

° GUICHET UNIQUE Das Verfahren wurde zudem vereinfacht: Der Guichet unique des EDA ist neu im Gesetz Stimmberechtigte müssen die Anmeldung nicht mehr verankert. Er ist die einheitliche Anlaufstelle, an die jeweils vor Ablauf von vier Jahren erneuern. Im Schweizer Bürgerinnen und Bürger sich mit Fragen Gegenzug kann die Stimmgemeinde Personen aus zu Reise- und Auslandschweizerthemen wenden dem Stimmregister streichen, wenn das können. Sie erhalten Informationen und Rat und Stimmmaterial drei Mal in Folge an den Absender werden wenn nötig an die richtige Dienststelle retourniert wird, weil der Empfänger unter der weitergeleitet. Der Guichet unique ist ein virtueller angegebenen Adresse nicht erreichbar war. Sie Schalter, der sich aus der jeweils zuständigen können Ihre Rechte also weiterhin wahrnehmen Vertretung und den zuständigen Diensten in Bern wie und sich auf den gewohnten Medien informieren! etwa der Helpline EDA (Tel. +41 800 24-7-365) zusammensetzt. Sie können sich also weiterhin • EIGENVERANTWORTUNG: Das Gesetz erklärt die jederzeit an uns oder an die Helpline EDA wenden! Eigenverantwortung zum Grundsatz in der Beziehung des Bundes zu den Personen, denen er Rechte ° ANMELDEPFLICHT garantiert oder Hilfe gewähren kann. Der Bund Für Schweizer Bürgerinnen und Bürger, die im erwartet, dass jede und jeder bei der Vorbereitung Ausland leben, ist die Anmeldung bei der und Durchführung eines Auslandaufenthalts oder der zuständigen Vertretung weiterhin eine Pflicht. Das gilt Ausübung einer Tätigkeit im Ausland persönliche namentlich auch bei Änderungen im Zivilstand . Sie Verantwortung wahrnimmt. Laut müssen sich also weiterhin bei Ihrer Vertretung Gebührenverordnung EDA handelt fahrlässig, wer a) anmelden und Änderungen mitteilen! Bitte die Empfehlungen des Bundes, namentlich die melden Sie uns auch Ihre E-Mail, damit wir Reisehinweise und die individuellen Empfehlungen einfacher in Kontakt bleiben! des EDA missachtet, b) gegen die Gesetzgebung des Empfangsstaates verstösst oder c) keinen ° MELDUNG VON ADRESS-ÄNDERUNGEN ausreichenden Versicherungsschutz besitzt oder die Bei der Meldung eines Adresswechsels vereinfacht Versicherungsdeckung infolge eines das Gesetz das Verfahren für die eingetragenen Ausschlussgrundes verliert. Personen: Wer im Ausland umzieht und einen neuen Es gilt deshalb weiterhin: Plane gut, Reise gut, Wohnsitz bezieht, hat der Vertretung bloss die achten Sie besonders auf ausreichende Adressänderung mitzuteilen. Die Vertretung nimmt Versicherungsdeckung! die Änderung im Auslandschweizerregister vor. Sie müssen sich bei Umzug ins Ausland nicht mehr ab- und anmelden, sondern nur ummelden.

° POLITISCHE RECHTE Die bisherigen Bestimmungen zur Ausübung der politischen Rechte durch Auslandschweizerinnen und -schweizer sind weitgehend ins Gesetz überführt

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

La loi sur les Suisses de l’étranger entre en ° DROITS POLITIQUES vigueur Les anciennes dispositions relatives à l’exercice des droits politiques par les Suisses de l’étranger ont été

largement reprises dans la loi. Sur certains points de Le 7 octobre, le Conseil fédéral a fixé au er détail, le droit a été simplifié. Désormais, vous ne 1 novembre la date d’entrée en vigueur de la loi sur pouvez plus exercer vos droits politiques que dans la les Suisses de l’étranger, et adopté l’ordonnance sur dernière commune de domicile en Suisse. Dans le les Suisses de l’étranger ainsi que l’ordonnance sur cas de Suisses de l’étranger n’ayant jamais été les émoluments du DFAE. La nouvelle loi réunit domiciliés en Suisse, c’est la commune d’origine qui dans un seul texte les aspects les plus importants est considérée comme commune de vote; s’ils ont concernant les Suisses de l’étranger. Les deux plusieurs communes d’origine, ils peuvent choisir ordonnances contiennent les dispositions l’une d’elles. Mais les personnes qui sont déjà d’exécution de ladite loi. Les nouvelles dispositions inscrites dans une commune de vote ne peuvent pas prennent en compte la mobilité internationale en changer. croissante des Suisses. La Revue Suisse continue à fournir des informations Les points importants pour les Suisses de l’étranger sont officielles de la Confédération sur des questions les suivants: juridiques et sur les élections et les votations à venir. ° GUICHET UNIQUE L’OSE publiera elle aussi, dans les pages principales Le principe de guichet unique est désormais inscrit de la revue, des informations sur les élections et les dans la loi. Le guichet unique du DFAE remplit la votations. Swissinfo et les chaînes de radio et de fonction de point de contact unique auquel les télévision du service public, entre autres, constituent ressortissants suisses peuvent s’adresser pour toute également des sources d’information précieuses. question ayant trait à des voyages ou aux Suisses de l’étranger. Il leur prodigue informations et conseils et Par ailleurs, la procédure à suivre a été simplifiée: les les renvoie si nécessaire au service compétent. Il électeurs ne doivent plus renouveler leur inscription s’agit d’un guichet virtuel, qui se compose de la tous les quatre ans. En contrepartie, la commune de représentation compétente et des services vote peut radier des personnes du registre des compétents à Berne, comme la Helpline DFAE (tél. électeurs, si le matériel de vote a été renvoyé trois +41 800 24-7-365). Le guichet unique et l’Helpline fois de suite à l’expéditeur parce que le destinataire DFAE se tiennent à disposition pour répondre à était introuvable à l’adresse indiquée. Vous pouvez vos questions! exercer vos droits comme par le passé et vous informer par les médias habituels! ° ANNONCE OBLIGATOIRE L’obligation de s’annoncer auprès de la • RESPONSABILITE INDIVIDUELLE : la loi érige la représentation compétente est maintenue pour les responsabilité individuelle en principe devant sous- ressortissants suisses qui vivent à l’étranger, tout tendre les relations de la Confédération avec les comme l’obligation de communiquer les personnes auxquelles elle garantit des droits ou changements d’ état civil . Vous êtes donc toujours accorde une aide. La Confédération attend de tout un tenus de vous annoncer auprès de votre chacun qu’il assume ses responsabilités dans la représentation et de lui communiquer les préparation et la réalisation d’un séjour à l’étranger éventuels changements vous concernant! ou dans ses activités à l’étranger. Conformément à Veuillez nous indiquer votre adresse électronique, l’ordonnance sur les émoluments du DFAE, a fait afin de faciliter les contacts entre nous! preuve de négligence quiconque a) n’a pas suivi les recommandations de la Confédération, notamment ° COMMUNICATION DE CHANGEMENT D’ADRESSE les conseils aux voyageurs et les recommandations S’agissant de la communication d’un changement individuelles du DFAE, b) a enfreint la législation de d’adresse, la loi simplifie les démarches que doivent l’Etat de résidence ou c) ne dispose pas d’une accomplir les personnes inscrites au registre des protection d’assurance suffisante ou a perdu sa Suisses de l’étranger: une personne qui change de couverture d’assurance en raison d’un motif domicile à l’étranger doit simplement communiquer le d’exclusion. changement d’adresse à la représentation, qui Le principe «Départ réfléchi. Voyage réussi» reste procède au changement dans le registre des Suisses donc de rigueur. Veillez en particulier à disposer de l’étranger. Lorsque vous déménagez, vous d’une couverture d’assurance suffisante. n’êtes plus obligé(e) d’annoncer votre départ à l’ancienne représentation et votre arrivée à la nouvelle, il vous suffit de communiquer le changement d’adresse à l’une ou à l’autre.

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

La legge sugli Svizzeri all’estero entra in legge. Il diritto è stato semplificato in alcuni dettagli. vigore D’ora in avanti potrete votare soltanto nel vostro ultimo Comune di domicilio in Svizzera. Le cittadine Il 7 ottobre scorso il Consiglio federale ha fissato al e i cittadini svizzeri all’estero che non sono mai stati 1° novembre 2015 l’entrata in vigore della legge domiciliati in Svizzera votano nel loro Comune sugli Svizzeri all’estero e ha approvato l’ordinanza d’origine; se hanno più di un Comune d’origine, ne sugli Svizzeri all’estero e l’ordinanza sugli scelgono uno. Per le persone già iscritte in un emolumenti del DFAE. La legge riassume in un Comune di voto, questo rimane invariato. unico atto gli aspetti più rilevanti per le Svizzere e gli Attraverso la Schweizer Revue/Gazzetta Svizzera Svizzeri all’estero e le due ordinanze contengono le verranno diramate anche in futuro le informazioni relative disposizioni attuative. Le nuove prescrizioni ufficiali della Confederazione su questioni giuridiche tengono conto della crescente mobilità e su votazioni ed elezioni imminenti. Nelle pagine internazionale delle cittadine e dei cittadini svizzeri. principali della rivista figureranno inoltre gli avvisi dell’OSE riguardanti elezioni e votazioni. Tra le altre Aspetti rilevanti per le Svizzere e gli Svizzeri all’estero: fonti informative si ricordano Swissinfo e le emittenti radiotelevisive del servizio pubblico. ° SPORTELLO UNICO Lo sportello unico del DFAE trova ora fondamento La procedura è stata inoltre semplificata: gli aventi giuridico nella legge. Punto di contatto unico per tutte diritto di voto non devono più rinnovare l’iscrizione nel le questioni riguardanti l’espatrio e la vita all’estero, catalogo elettorale allo scadere dei quattro anni. Il fornisce informazioni e consigli alle cittadine e ai Comune di voto può dal canto suo radiare una cittadini svizzeri, indirizzandoli all’occorrenza al persona dal catalogo elettorale se il materiale di voto servizio di spettanza. Lo sportello unico è uno spazio è rinviato al mittente per tre volte consecutive perché virtuale formato dalla rappresentanza competente e non ha potuto essere consegnato al destinatario. dai servizi preposti a Berna, tra cui l’Helpline DFAE Potete dunque continuare a esercitare i vostri (tel. +41 800 24 7 365). Lo sportello unico e diritti informandovi attraverso i consueti media. l’Helpline sono sempre a vostra disposizione per rispondere alle vostre domande. • RESPONSABILITÀ INDIVIDUALE La legge sugli Svizzeri all’estero pone la ° OBBLIGO DI ANNUNCIARSI responsabilità individuale alla base delle relazioni tra Rimane in vigore l’obbligo per le Svizzere e gli la Confederazione e le persone alle quali garantisce Svizzeri che vivono all’estero di annunciarsi presso la dei diritti o può concedere un aiuto. La rappresentanza competente, anche in caso di Confederazione si attende che chiunque prepari o cambiamenti dello stato civile. Come in passato, effettui un soggiorno all’estero o eserciti un’attività dovete annunciarvi alla vostra rappresentanza e all’estero ne risponda in prima persona. Ai sensi comunicare qualsiasi cambiamento. dell’ordinanza sugli emolumenti del DFAE, un Trasmetteteci anche il vostro indirizzo e-mail, comportamento è considerato negligente se la sarà più facile contattarvi. persona interessata: a) non osserva le raccomandazioni della Confederazione, ° COMUNICAZIONE DEI CAMBIAMENTI DI segnatamente i consigli di viaggio e le INDIRIZZO raccomandazioni individuali del DFAE; b) viola la La legge prevede una procedura più semplice per la legislazione dello Stato ospite; o c) non dispone di notifica dei cambiamenti di indirizzo da parte delle una copertura assicurativa sufficiente o perde la persone iscritte nel registro degli Svizzeri all’estero: copertura assicurativa per un motivo di esclusione. gli Svizzeri all’estero che si trasferiscono e cambiano Vale dunque sempre la regola «Preparati bene. domicilio devono semplicemente comunicare alla Viaggerai bene». Vogliate prestare particolare rappresentanza il nuovo indirizzo. La rappresentanza attenzione a disporre di una copertura apporta le modifiche nel registro degli Svizzeri assicurativa adeguata. all’estero. Se effettuate un cambiamento di domicilio all’estero non dovrete più annunciare la vostra partenza e riannunciarvi alla rappresentanza competente: basterà comunicare il cambiamento.

° DIRITTI POLITICI Le vigenti disposizioni in materia di esercizio dei diritti politici da parte delle Svizzere e degli Svizzeri all’estero sono state in ampia misura riprese nella

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

The Swiss Abroad Act enters into force Switzerland can vote in their commune of origin, or if the person has more than one commune of origin On 7 October the Federal Council set the entry into one of them can be chosen. However, nothing force of the Swiss Abroad Act for 1 November 2015 changes for persons who are already registered in an and adopted the Swiss Abroad Ordinance and the electoral commune. Ordinance on Fees of the FDFA. The Act brings Furthermore, in its section in the Swiss Review the together in a single piece of legislation the most federal government provides official information important provisions on Swiss nationals living concerning legal matters and about upcoming abroad. The two ordinances contain provisions for elections and referendums. The Organisation for the its implementation. The new rules take into account Swiss Abroad will also publish information in the the increasing international mobility of Swiss Review's main section about referendums and citizens. elections. Other sources of information include Swissinfo and the public service television and radio The following are of particular importance for Swiss stations. nationals living abroad: In addition, the procedure has been simplified: voters ° GUICHET UNIQUE no longer have to renew their registration every four The concept of the Guichet unique (single counter) is years. However, the electoral commune can remove now codified in the Act, providing a one-stop shop for persons from the electoral register if the voting Swiss citizens with questions about travel abroad and material is returned three times in a row because the other matters of interest to Swiss nationals living recipient could not be reached at the given address. abroad. The Guichet unique can provide information You can continue to exercise your rights as and advice and if necessary direct the client to the before and keep informed via the usual channels. competent office. It is a virtual counter service provided by the relevant Swiss representations and • PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY the units responsible at head office in Bern, such as The Act specifies that personal responsibility is the the FDFA Helpline (tel. +41 800 24 7 365). You can basis of the federal government's relationship with therefore continue to contact us or the FDFA Swiss citizens whose rights it guarantees and to Helpline at any time. whom it provides assistance. The federal government expects each and every citizen to exercise personal ° OBLIGATION TO REGISTER responsibility in preparing their stay or conducting For Swiss citizens living abroad, registration with the business abroad. Under the FDFA’s Ordinance on competent representation remains mandatory. This is Fees, persons who a) disregard the also the case for changes in civil status. recommendations of the federal government, Registration with your representation is therefore especially the travel advice and the individual still required and changes to civil status must be recommendations of the FDFA, b) violate the laws of notified. Please provide us with your email the receiving state or c) lack adequate insurance address so that we can contact you more easily. cover or lose insurance cover because of a reason for exclusion, are deemed to have acted negligently. ° REGISTERING A CHANGE OF ADDRESS The Act simplifies the procedure for registered As before, plan well, travel well. Make sure that persons to notify a change of address. If you move you are properly insured and consult the travel house abroad and acquire a new domicile, simply advices of the FDFA! inform the representation of your new address. The representation will then make the necessary change in the Register of Swiss citizens Abroad. When moving house abroad, you no longer need to de- register and re-register; simply notify the change of address.

° POLITICAL RIGHTS The previous rules for the exercising of political rights by Swiss citizens living abroad have been largely incorporated into the Act. The law has been simplified in some details. You are now only entitled to exercise your political rights in the commune where you were last domiciled in Switzerland. Swiss citizens living abroad who have never been domiciled in

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Links to internet pages of interest for Swiss nationals abroad

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

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

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

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

News from the Swiss Malaysian Business Association

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

German Speaking Society Kuala Lumpur (GSSKL)

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

“The bazaar is again under the patronage of the Austrian, German and Swiss Embassies. We are very grateful for their support”, states Kerstin Mueller-Roelke, the event’s coordinator. All three ambassadors will be present at the event.

The German Embassy kindly donated 14 hand-painted “Buddy Bears” which will be auctioned off at the event. “Buddy Bears” are symbols of tolerance, peace, freedom and friendship between countries. They can be found in company head offices, consulates and private residences. All proceeds generated by the auctions and the event will be donated to local charities.

Kerstin Mueller-Roelke: “The event would not have been possible without the generous donations of our numerous sponsors. For the first time in the history of the bazaar, the event is being supported by a title sponsor - BMW Malaysia. Visitors can expect to take a closer look at some of the new BMW models which will be on show”.

30th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar – German Speaking Society Kuala Lumpur Saturday, 21st November 2015 2pm – 6pm Carcosa Seri Negara Adults: RM 20 / Children: RM 5

Entertainment for children – raffle draws – traditional foods – door prizes – silent auction and general Christmas merriment.

Press contact: Alexandra Morrow / 017-330 1461 / [email protected]

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

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

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Kontakt / Impressum

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND Tel. +603 2148 0622 16 Persiaran Madge Fax. +603 2148 0935 55000 Kuala Lumpur Email: [email protected]

Feedback zum Newsletter bitte an [email protected]

Weblinks www.eda.admin.ch/kualalumpur www.swissinfo.ch www.swissworld.org www.swissabroad.ch www.MySwitzerland.com

EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND

16 Persiaran Madge 55000 Kuala Lumpur