e-Newsletter Kia Ora Malaysia 2018 High Commission of Malaysia,

Greetings from the High Commissioner Salam Sejahtera and Kia Ora,

I had officially assumed the post as High Commissioner of Malaysia to after presented my credentials to the Rt. Hon. Dame Patsy Reddy, the Governor General of New Zealand on 1 February 2018. It is indeed a privilege and honour for me to serve as Malaysian High Commissioner. I will do my utmost to carry out this very important duty. High Commission of Malaysia New Zealand During my tenure as the High Commissioner, I hope to deepen the bilateral relations between Malaysia and New Zealand by expanding opportunities of Address: cooperation in various areas that will bring tangible benefits for both sides. 10, Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, Wellington, 6012 In pursuing these objectives, we at the High Commission are looking forward to engage and work closely with the Malaysian community residing all across Phone: New Zealand. I enjoyed every community outreach programme that encourage positive interactions among people from all walks of life. The +64 4 385 2439 sharing of ideas and views are very enriching and useful to improve our +64 4 801 5659 delivery performance.

After Hours Contact The year has been eventful on many fronts. However, I am confident that Numbers: with continuous support and cooperation from members of the High Commission, the Government of New Zealand and Diplomatic Corps, the +64 21 0440188 Malaysian community as well as Friends of Malaysia, we can work together to elevate Malaysia-New Zealand relationship to a new stage. E-mail: [email protected] As we say goodbye to 2018, I would like to thank you [email protected] all for the warm hospitality and assistance for this year. [email protected] I wish everyone a Happy New Year ahead, filled with peace, happiness, prosperity and success.

H.E. Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo

Inside this issue

Diplomatic Engagement ASEAN Partnership Bilateral Cooperation Community Outreach

NEWSLETTER 2018 New High Commissioner 2

Her Excellency Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo arrived in Wellington on 26 January 2018 to assume the post of High Commissioner of Malaysia to New Zealand. The ASEAN Heads of Missions in Wellington were present at the airport to welcome the new High Commissioner (HC).

On 1 February 2018, H.E. Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo presented the Letter of Credence to the Governor -General of New Zealand, The Rt. Hon. Dame Patsy Reddy. Following that, a reception was held at the High Commission to introduce H.E. Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo to the members of PERWAKILAN and representatives of the Malaysian community residing in Wellington.

Received by ASEAN Heads of Missions in Wellington Powhiri – the Maori welcome ceremony

Inspection of Guard of Honour Handing over the Letter of Credence

Reception hosted by Governor-General Introduction to members of the High Commission and PERWAKILAN

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Diplomatic Representation 3

H.E. Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo and officers of the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington have actively participated various official events hosted by the Government of New Zealand that include, among others, the followings:

 178th celebrations on 5-6 February 2018 in Whangarei and Bledisloe Garden, Auckland.  Go By Bike Day at Queens Wharf, Wellington on 7 February 2018  The Holi (Indian Festive of Colours) celebration on 22 March 2018 in .  ANZAC Day National Commemoration Service on 25 April 2018 at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Wellington.  Antarctic Season Opening Festival on 28–30 September 2018 in Christchurch.  Armistice Centenary National Ceremony on 11 November 2018, at Pukeahu National Memorial Park, Wellington.

With PM at Waitangi Day Waitangi Day Reception at the Government House celebration in Whangarei in Auckland

The Festive of Colours at Parliament Go By Bike Day with Wellington Mayor Justin Lester

Laying of Wreath on ANZAC Day The Antarctic Season Opening Festival

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Diplomatic Engagement 4

Since assuming the post, High Commissioner Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo, has met and engaged with local dignitaries at various occasions.

Deputy Prime Minister/ Minister of Defence, Rt. Hon. Ron Mark Foreign Minister Rt. Hon.

Members of Parliament The Rt. Hon. Sir , Members of Parliament former Governor-General

Mayor of Wellington Mayor of Hastings Justin Lester Sandra Hazelhurst District K. Gurunathan Lianne Dalzier

Mayor of Porirua Mayor of Hamilton H.E. Ben King, Deputy Mr. Michael Swain Mike Tana Andrew King Secretary of Asia, MFAT Chief of Protocol, MFAT

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 ASEAN Partnership 5

In promoting ASEAN’s interest and identity, High Commissioner Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo has actively participated in various events hosted by the ASEAN Committee in Wellington (ACW), under the Chairmanship of H.E. Ambassador Tantowi Yahya of Indonesia (January – June 2018) and H.E. Ambassador Ta Van Thong of Vietnam (July – December 2018, as follows:

 Meeting with Hon David Parker, Minister of Trade and Hon. Damien O’ Connor, Minister of Agriculture of New Zealand on 18 September 2018.  51st ASEAN Day Reception on 18 September 2018  2nd ASEAN-New Zealand Youth Conference at Palmerston North's Girls High School on 8 October 2018.  ASEAN Family and Sports Day on 16 December 2018 at Kaitoke Park.

On 18 December 2018, the Chairmanship of ACW has been handed over to High Commissioner Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo for the term of January to June 2019.

Meeting with Minister of Trade ASEAN Day Reception and Minister of Agriculture

ASEAN Family & Sports Day 2018 Malaysia - Runner Up for football match

ASEAN-New Zealand Youth Conference Handing over of ACW Chairmanship to Malaysia

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Defence Connection 6

Malaysia cherishes the defence collaboration with New Zealand, based on close historical ties. The High Commission of Malaysia has actively engaged with New Zealand Defence Force and members of the New Zealand Malayan Veterans Association. In 2018, the High Commissioner and the Defence Officers had involved in the following events:

 Meeting with members of the Hutt Valley Malayan Veterans Association on 13 February 2018 in Petone, Lower Hutt.  Reunion of the First Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR) on 25 March 2018 in Hastings.  Study tour to Linton Military Camp in Palmerston North on 7 August 2018, and visited the RNZIR History Room that showcased the New Zealand defence operation in Malaysia from 1950s to 1960s.  National commemoration of Malayan Veterans Day on 15 - 16 September 2018 at the Hall of Memories, Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Wellington.  Lecture for the Advanced Command and Staff Course 2018 conducted by the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College, on 16 October 2018 at Trentham Military Camp, Upper Hutt.

Meeting with Hutt Valley Malayan Veterans Laying of Wreath on the Reunion of !RNZIR

Visit of the members of the High Commission Present a token of appreciation to Lt. Col. Aidan of Malaysia to Linton Military Camp Shattock, Commanding Officer of 1RNZIR

Malayan Veterans Day celebration HC delivered a lecture at the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 A Tribute 7

On 21 August 2018, High Commissioner Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo and Defence Adviser Col. Mohamad Rizan attended a ramp ceremony held at Auckland International Airport, in conjunction with the repatriation of 27 New Zealand servicemen and a child’s remains from Malaysia and Singapore under the project of Te Auraki (The Return).

The High Commissioner also attended the graveside interment of two repatriated personnel in Pukerua Bay on 25 August 2018 and Paraparaumu on 20 October 2018 respectively.

In conjunction with Te Auraki, the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington hosted an exhibition on 8 September 2018 to honour the service of New Zealand Defence Forces during the ‘Malayan Emergency’ (1948 – 1960) and the ‘Confrontation’ (1963 – 1966).

Te Auraki operation in Auckland airport Sharing the success of Te Auraki operation

Interment held at Whenua Tapu Cemetery Exhibition held at the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington

Honoring the service of New Zealand Defence Sharing experience of the Malayan Veterans Force in Malaysia

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Education Collaboration 8

With cooperation of Counselor (Training and Culture) and Education Attache, High Commissioner Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo had conducted Meet and Greet sessions with Malaysian students at Massey University in Palmerston North (23 March 2018), Victoria University in Wellington (8 April 2018), Canterbury University and Lincoln University in Christchurch (19 April 2018), and Otago University in Dunedin (21 April 2018).

During the education tour, High Commissioner also took the opportunity to meet Chancellor Dr. John Wood and Vice Chancellor Dr. Rod Carr of Canterbury University on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony on 18 April 2018. High Commissioner also had a discussion with Prof. Hugh Bigsby, Dean of Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce of Lincoln University, to explore post graduate programme for Malaysian civil servant.

In conjunction with International Women’s Day celebration, 40 Malaysian students from Victoria University in Wellington participated the live conference with Ministry of Higher Education held at University Putra Malaysia on 27 March 2018.

This year also witnessed the successful organisation of the 1st Malaysian Summit of Aotearoa at the University of Auckland on 13 October 2018. The summit featured Mr. Wan Saifulruddin Wan Jan, Special Adviser to YB Minister of Education, as a special guest speaker.

Interaction with students at Massey University Call on the Senior Management Team of Canterbury University

Meeting with Prof Hugh Bigsby of Meet and greet with students in Lincoln University Otago University

Students participated the Live Conference in 1st Malaysian Summit of Aotearoa at the conjunction with the International Women's Day University of Auckland

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Public Diplomacy 9

In promoting public diplomacy and cross-cultural interaction, the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington, with the support of various Malaysian government agencies, NGOs and Malaysian community in New Zealand, has successfully conducted/participated in the following events:

 Presentations by Tourism Malaysia at Travel Expo 2018 hosted by Flight Centre in Auckland and Christchurch, in February 2018.  Palmerston North Festival of Cultures on 24 March 2018.  New Zealand Media Familiarization Visit to Malaysia from 4 to 13 April 2018.  Awang Kelana Cultural Workshop on 3 May 2018.  MyHalal documentary jointly produced by TV1 and JAKIM on 23 October 2018 (Aired on 17 December 2018).  Save the Children Christmas Fair 2018 hosted by the British High Commissioner on 24 November 2018.

High Commissioner Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo was also invited to address the following events:  Infrastructure Development Summit on 13 March 2018 in Gisborne.  4th Halal Tourism Symposium on 21 November 2018 in Hamilton.

Trade Expo 2018 Charity sale for Save the Children Fund

Awang Kelana Cultural Workshop

Shooting of MyHalal Programme Sharing Malaysia’s experience on Muslim-friendly tourism

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Community Outreach 10

In maintaining contacts with Malaysians and friends of Malaysia across New Zealand, the members of the High Commission of Malaysia have participated in various events organized by the New Zealand Malaysian Society based in Wellington, Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch, as well as the Malaysia Business Council in Christchurch. The events include among others, as follows:  Malaysian Family Day at Kaitoke Park, Upper Hutt on 21 March 2018.  Meet and greet the Malaysian community in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of New Zealand Malaysian Society (NZMS) in Wellington on 6 May 2018.  Merdeka Family Day at Ferrymead Park, Christchurch on 22 September 2018.  Fun Walk at Wellington Waterfront on 14 October 2018, in conjunction with Malaysia National Sports Day.  10th Anniversary of Manawatu Malaysian Society in Palmerston North on 25 November 2018.

Meeting the Malaysian community Malaysian Family Day at Kaitoke Park at NZMS AGM

Malaysian Family Day in Christchurch Meet and greet Malaysian community in Oamaru

The 10th Anniversary of Manawatu Malaysian Fun Walk in conjunction with Society in Palmerston North National Sports Day 2018

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Festive Celebration 11

The High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington has successfully hosted an Iftar gathering on 29 May 2018 and Hari Raya Aidil Fitri reception on 18 June 2018.

The High Commission is appreciative of the initiatives made by the Malaysian societies in hosting the Chinese New Year celebrations in Auckland and Wellington, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebrations in Christchurch and Palmerston North, and Deepavali celebrations in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

Sharing the festive joy CNY celebration in Auckland

Iftar with Malaysian community Hari Raya reception at the High Commission

Deepavali Get Together by Auckland Malaysians Diwali Kuiz Night by Malaysian community in Christchurch

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Spirit of Patriotism 12

In celebration of National Day and Malaysia Day 2018, the High Commission of Malaysia has hosted a flag raising ceremony on 8 September 2018 and a Merdeka Dinner and Cultural Night on 16 September 2018.

The Malaysian community in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch also celebrated Merdeka Day in their own way.

Flag raising ceremony Keeping the spirit of patriotism high on National Day celebration

The performance team for Cake cutting ceremony with Mr. Michael Swain, Merdeka Dinner and Cultural Night representative of the host government

Merdeka celebration by Malaysians in Auckland Merdeka Day Get Together by Malaysian community in Hamilton

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Ladies’ Contribution 13

Under the membership of Persatuan Wanita Kementerian Luar Negeri (PERWAKILAN), the ladies of the High Commission of Malaysia and Malaysian community in Wellington, have contributed significantly in promoting understanding and friendships among the diplomatic corps and local community.

PERWAKILAN Wellington, with a total of 12 members, held its 2018 Annual General Meeting on 20 February 2018. The members met once every two months and conducted various activities. This year, the ladies have participated in the following events:

 Chinese New Year Bazaar on 17 February 2018 at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington  Food offering for Soup Kitchen on 28 June 2018  ASEAN Ladies Circle gathering hosted by Indonesian Embassy in Wellington on 27 March 2018 and 21 June 2018.

CNY Bazaar—Ladies behind the scene CNY Bazaar—Ladies in action

The big family of ASEAN Ladies Circle

Preparing for the food offering at Soup Kitchen Cooking Demo

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Bilateral Exchanges 14

Bilateral meeting between Prime Minister YAB Tun Director General of Malaysian Administrative Dr. Mahathir Mohamad with Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern Modernisation and Management Planning Unit on 15 November 2018, on the sidelines of the 33rd (MAMPU), YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Mazlan bin Yusuff, led a ASEAN Summit in Singapore delegation for a working visit to Wellington from 26 November to 3 December 2018.

YBhg. Dato’ Mohd Sallehhuddin Hassan, Secretary General of YB Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Malaysia led a Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and delegation to attend the 4th Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Sports Sarawak led an official visit to Agreement Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee Meeting on 4—5 Wellington and Auckland from 11 to 17 March December 2018 in Wellington. 2018.

YBhg. Datu Jumastapha Lamat, Accountant Malaysia and New Zealand held the bilateral Army to Army Staff General of the Sarawak State, led a 11- Talks on 29—31 October 2018 in Wellington. The Malaysian member delegation from the Sarawak State delegation was led by Lt. Gen. Datuk Azizan Md Delin, Malaysian Treasury Office on 14-19 August 2018 to Army Field West Commander, and the Head of New Zealand study the accrual accounting system in New delegation was Col. Helen Cooper, New Zealand Deputy Chief of Zealand. Army.

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Proud Moments 15

Canterbury University conferred Australia-based Malaysian Script Writer/Director Jaginder Singh Posthumous award to the late Mr. Calvin shared his experience in the production of multi-award winning Lim, a Malaysian PhD student in film ‘Eleven Days’ during its premiere in Wellington on 12 July Engineering, who died from a fall in the 2018 Canterbury foothills late Dec 2017.

Twp Malaysian students from Victoria University of The recipients of the Victoria International Wellington received the Wellington International Leadership Programme Awards and the Victoria Student Excellence Awards on 19 October 2018: Plus Programme Awards on 6 December 2018 (left) Ms. Nur Natasha Faziera Mohd Fadzil were : (Leadership Category)  Ms. Natasha Faziera Mohd Fadzil (right) Mr. Muhammad Zahirul Amin Mohd Azam  Ms. Siti Hajar Zabri (Sports Category).  Ms. Wan Nabilah Farhana Wan Mohd Azilah  Ms. Atiqah Mohd Suhadi.

Mr. Senthil Danapalan, Head of Business Development of Maxis Dr. Asmawi Noor Saarani from the Ministry of Interna- Berhad, the recipient of ASEAN@50 Fellowship award, visited tional Trade and Industry of Malaysia successfully New Zealand from 24 November to 8 December 2018. The High completed the one-month ASEAN Public Sector Commission hosted an information sharing session for Mr. Leadership Program (Middle Level Official) on 30 Senthil and local IT and telecommunications representatives. November 2018 at Victoria University of Wellington.

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Farewell 16

SURIA HANEM RAJA SURESH RAJA KANDAN Personal Assistant to the High Commissioner First Secretary/ Head of Chancery End of Tour on 25 February 2018 End of Tour on 6 August 2018

MUHAMMAD KHAIRU FARHAN MD SAAD SURAYA SARI ABDUL AZIZ Counsellor (Training and Culture) Education Attaché End of Tour on 3 October 2018 End of Tour on 29 October 2018

Welcome

HARYATI ABDUL KARIM MUHAMMAD AZHARI AZMI AZLINA AZIZ Personal Assistant to Second Secretary/ Counsellor (Training and Culture) the High Commissioner Head of Chancery Assumed on 5 October 2018 Assumed on 26 March 2018 Assumed on 1 August 2018

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 Consular Advisory 17

APPLICATION OF NEW PASSPORT OR EMERGENCY CERTIFICATE DUE TO LOSS OF PASSPORT IN NEW ZEALAND

Malaysians who have LOST their passports in New Zealand must submit a Lost Passport Report in person at the High Commission. Applicants who hold New Zealand Permanent Resident, valid work permit or student visa can submit New Passport Applications simultaneously.

Malaysian over-stayers or visitors will be issued Emergency Certificate to travel back to Malaysia. Compulsory documents to be provided are detailed police report, copy of detail page of lost passport, copy of MyKad, copy of New Zealand visa and passport size photos.

Copy of flight itinerary is required for Emergency Certificate application. Relevant application fees are applicable. Relevant forms and checklists can be requested from the Consular Section at [email protected].

Scheduling an appointment for submission of application is mandatory.

**Malaysians who travel to NZ for holiday purpose are advised to take additional precautions to safe- guard their passports at all times. It is helpful to keep a copy of detail page of passport for reference in the event of unforeseen circumstance.

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]

NEWSLETTER 2018 18

TRAVELLING TO NEW ZEALAND While visitors to New Zealand are covered under the local Accident Compensation Scheme (ACC) for New Zealand is generally a very safe place to travel personal injury by accident, it is not a replacement with a relatively low crime rate, few endemic for travel insurance. ACC only covers treatment and rehabilitation cost while in New Zealand. diseases and a great healthcare system. Visitors are

still advised to take the same care with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country, or at home. WHILE TRAVELLING IN NEW ZEALAND

Please contact the High Commission should you require any assistance or guidance on your journey or information of any travel advisories.

During your travels, please ensure that should you choose to participate in any hikes, tramping or camping activities, ensure that you are not doing it alone. Some areas in New Zealand can be quite unpredictable due to extreme weather and other natural disasters like earthquakes and gales.

Travellers to New Zealand are recommended to Ensure that there is an emergency contact which is have a comprehensive medical insurance coverage aware of your travel itinerary in New Zealand, whom before arrival in New Zealand. Although New could periodically check up on you to ensure that Zealand’s public and private medical / hospital you are safe. All in all, your safety should be your facilities provide a high standard of treatment and first priority. services these services are not free for visitors. Public funded health services will only treat if the condition is critical. Expected charges for consultation fees range from NZ$122.00 for under 18 years and from NZ$200.00 for 18 years & over.

Visitors can bring THREE months supply of medicines (original packaging with pharmacy labels are clearly visible) for personal use and a letter from a doctor regarding the treatment. All medicines should be declared upon arrival.

@malaysianHCNZ @MYHCwellington [email protected]