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Sweden Ambassador launches ‘Sweden – Malaysia Innovation Days’

“To achieve the bold ambitions that we have been set out, we will need to change the way we have been doing things. In other words, we will have to innovate.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak

Kuala Lumpur (22 March, 2011) – Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, His Excellency Per-Arne Hjelmborn announced today that the “Sweden Malaysia Innovation Days” will take place 6-10 May 2011 at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.

This is one of the biggest events the Sweden Embassy has been involved in, and is an important milestone for both Sweden and Malaysia, as it will strengthen the already excellent relationship between our countries.

In line with the Government Transformation Programme, the New Economic Model and the Economic Transformation Programme, the Malaysian Government is focusing on getting the country to climb up the economic value-chain by making the economy more innovative and creative.

22 March, Ambassador of Sweden's Residence. From left HE Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia Per-Arne Hjelmborn, Counsellor Joakim Ladeborn and Festival Directors of FEYST Indie Youth Fest.

Sweden has carved a name for itself in the fields of creative thinking and innovative talent. Ranked as one of the World’s most innovative nations and synonymous to the Nobel Prizes, which award cultural and scientific advances, some Swedish inventions include the pacemaker, the ball bearing, the safety match, the adjustable wrench, the zipper and Tetra Pak carton.

The Embassy of Sweden, together with the Swedish Trade Council (STC)and Malaysia-Swedish Business Association (MASBA), will be organizing a string of exciting events at the Sweden Malaysia Innovation Days scheduled for 6-10 May 2011. They include:

1. Innovation Forum, 10 May

Time: 10am – 9pm | Venue: Main concourse, Pavilion KL

The key event during the innovation days will be the innovation forum with distinguished Swedish and Malaysian speakers on innovation and creativity.The forum is co-organised between the Embassy and Malaysian partners (e.g. UNIK, Lim Kok Wing University, MDEC, MOSTI).

2. Culinary Sweden – Sweden Malaysia Nobel Gala Dinner, 6 May

Time: 7pm | Venue: Hilton Sentral, Kuala Lumpur

The Innovation Days will kick-start with an exquisite Swedish Malaysia Nobel Gala Dinner at Hilton Hotel. Renowned Swedish Chef Michael Elfwing will prepare a gala dinner in the spirit of Nobel. During the gala dinner, author and famous speaker Fredrik Härén will give a talk on innovation and will be joined by a high-level Malaysian speaker. There will also be entertainment from Swedish and Malaysian artists.

3. FEYST 2011 – Indie Youth Fest/Digital Delirium Xpo, 6-8 May

Time: 10am – 10pm | Venue: Outdoor, Pavilion KL

Go International Group Sdn Bhd has organised Indie Youth Fest – a digital lifestyle and music festival since 2008; where 35 young Malaysians have represented the nation at international festivals in USA, France, China, Australia and Sweden. For the festival in 2011, the Embassy works closely together with Go International to create a festival that has a particular Swedish touch to it. Swedish music producer Patrik Larsson and singer songwriter duo, The Harvest will head to Kuala Lumpur to perform and collaborate with Malaysian singer songwriters during the fest. A highlight will be the 48-hour FEYST Innovative Challenge.

4. Innovation Exhibition, 9-10 May

Venue: Main concourse, Pavilion KL

The Innovation Exhibition at the Pavilion KL will contain two parts: i) an exhibition of cartoons on the theme of innovation from well known Malaysian and Swedish cartoonists. ii) an exhibition of innovative products from Swedish companies. Workshops and other activities for students  (e.g. from Limkokwing University and Saito College) will also take place on 9 May.

5. Visit by Malaysian journalists to Sweden, 28 March – 1 April

In order to create attention for the Innovation Days and give a first hand experience of the Swedish example of innovations, the Embassy will bring Malaysian media (TV3, The Star, NST, Sin Chew Daily) to Sweden. The visit will take place 28 March – 1 April.

The Sweden Malaysia Innovation Days project is sponsored by: IKEA, SAAB, BAE, Ericsson, Volvo Truck, ABB, MHE-Demag, SKF, Scania, Volvo Car, Electrolux, Tetra Pak.

Ends.

Media Inquiries:

Inquiries on FEYST Indie Youth Fest:
Festival Director: Jasmine Low
Email: jasminelow@gointernationalgroup.com