ScandAsia South East Asia - December 2012

DEC 2012

Malaysia Indonesia Philippines

Swedish Prime Minister visits Indonesia ScandAsia.dk

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Christmas – Charity

Opinion

“But when you give to the poor or the needy, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3).

This instruction can be read both the Bible and in the Koran (about Zakat -tithe).

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Please sign up for your own FREE copy: www.scandasia.com Publisher : 211 Soi Prasert Manukit 29 Prasert Manukit Road Chorakae Bua, Lad Prao Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel. +66 2 943 7166-8, Fax: +66 2 943 7169 E-mail: news@scandasia.com Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Assistant Editor: Wachiraporn Janrut wachiraporn@scandmedia.com Advertising : Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com Piyanan Kalikanon piyanan@scandmedia.com

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once carried out research in Al Samra, a big well-off village of mostly market traders, situated in the desert 40 kilometers from Khartoum, Sudan. One day I was invited or requested for lunch by the leadership, a group of three distinguished old men. We talked about how this community dealt with social- and family problems. Then I asked them: “But what do you do in this land of pride and honor if a family simply have no money, no means to buy cloth and the most basic foodstuff for the children”. The chairman answered: “We will discuss the situation openly, only us three, no other people, men or women or even children present. If the reason is for example serious illness or very bad luck we will help. From time to time we collect tithe from the well-off families. Now we will take some of this money, put them in a small pocket of cotton, and in the middle of the night one of us will place the money under the door to the house in trouble and give a little push so that the cotton pocket will land well inside. Then, when the family find the money next morning, the pocket is received as a blessing from Allah our Lord”.

I could only accept the explanation but promised myself to check on the reality of this custom around where my work took me. I then realized that it was in fact a general practice and that it worked in all closely knitted communities but not much in Khartoum.

Allah donated, period?

Then you can leave the case face value if you wish: Allah donated, period, but: Shortly before my departure from Sudan the three stoic old men invited me for lunch again. There I confessed my controlling their secret ‘money under the door’ method. They laughed with their faces all wrinkles.

Then they ‘confessed’ too. The earthly rationale behind the method is of course to avoid trouble and fighting in the community; if you have an overdog (the donator) and an underdog (the receiver) and the handover of money is taking place in public, “you sow the seeds of hatred in the receiver’s hart, the hatred of the debt of gratitude. Furthermore the risk is that you make a haughty character out of the donator. A person believing so much in his own goodness, that he cannot see his own faults”.

In his book: ‘Down and Out in Paris and London’ George Orwell put it this way: “A man receiving charity practically always hates his benefactor – it is a fixed characteristic of human nature…”

Handbooks for decent living Both in the Bible and in the Koran there are so many wise commandments regarding how to live a fruitful life in decency - if you have a wish so to do of course - and both books are using both carrot and stick in order to get us to act accordingly. Matthew 6.1.2. is saying that if you publish your good deeds in the Synagogue and in the street you have got your reward already and can expect nothing more from the Almighty.

This said and quoted it is up to every one of us to decide how we want to handle our crosscultural Giving here in Asia, not much doubt about the need. Cash transfer is quite easy, but for example transfer of technology and equipment cannot be done in anonymity, I suppose. I have seen this problem handled in Africa by engaging the excellent principle of joint venture aid.

May your God be with you.

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Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com

Flemming Winther Nielsen is Senior Lecturer (retired) DSH. DK. M.Sc.soc. (Aalborg University).

The author has working and research experience from the Sudan, Zambia, Portugal and Thailand.

See also: Winther, Flemming (1986): ‘ALLAH’S VEJ - og vores’. Odense Universitetsbibliotek.

Past Events

Successful Norwegian Gala Dinner in Malaysia

H

osted by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the annual Norwegian Seafood Gala Dinner in Malaysia was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on 12 October 2012. Showcasing some of the best of Norwegian seafood, the event was a huge success with approximately 650 participants turning up.

Head chef Frank NĂŚsheim from Snorrefood and his team made a spectacular buffet with a mix of Asian and Norwegian hot and cold dishes. To make the experience as genuine as possible, all the seafood was air flown from Norway to Kuala Lumpur for the event.

The evening had a Malaysian twist this year with entertainment from singer Adibah Noor for the 650 guests to enjoy. Among the attendees were guest of honor Petronas, the Nordic Ambassadors and several Norwegian companies with their guests.

The 6th Innovation Award, given by The Malaysian Norwegian Business Council (MNBC), was awarded to Det Norske Veritas for their distinctiveness within sustainability, innovation and responsibility. Another highlight of the event was the charity draw, sponsored by Star Cruise, where one lucky winner got a cruise ticket to Phuket in Thailand.

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Past Events

Swedish Crayfish Party Jakarta Style

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n 3 November 2012, the Nordic Club of Jakarta hosted their annual charity Crayfish Party in the Grand Ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Offering plenty of imported crayfish and schnapps, the event gathered over 270 guests from the Jakarta expat and business community.

The evening kicked off with a welcome from the Nordic Club Jakarta President, Melissa Holck and was followed by traditional songs and toasts amongst the lively guests. The excitement soon lead to the dance floor where guests were entertained by live music performed by GanJil and latest club remixes spun by the DJ Jiponk. Guests much enjoyed themselves that the party went on until the early morning hours of the next day.

Platinum sponsors included Asian Tigers Mobility, Equil, Griya Villas & Spa Bali, Indosat, KLM Airlines, Mannekepis Restaurant, Now!Jakarta, Santai Bali Hotel, Shipco Transport and Waterbom. VIP Sponsors included Ericsson, Maersk, Q-Free, Tetra Pak and Watsila.

All sponsors’ contributions and profits from the event went to the charity work carried out by Nordic Club Jakarta and its devoted volunteers, who dedicate themselves to making a positive difference in lives of less fortunate people in Jakarta.

PNBC focuses on CSR at its networking luncheon

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n 27 September 2012, the Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC) held its regular networking luncheon at “I’m Angus Steakhouse” in Yakal Street, Makati City in the presence of Norwegian Ambassador Knut Solem and Counselor Knut-Are Okstad.

38 members and guests of PNBC gathered at the event, which focused on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) this time.

CSR Working group Head and VP for External Affairs Rodolfo “Ozone” Azanza, Jr. of SN Power Philippines introduced the three speakers, highlighting that all three will be talking about education as key in stopping the vicious cycle of poverty in the Philippines, a concept subscribed to in full by PNBC itself.

The first speaker was Erlend Johanessen, the young Norwegian founder of Streetlight, an NGO that provides care and educational support to children in Tacloban City. PNBC President Ivar Thomasli of TSM handed a cheque from the Council to support Streetlight’s programs.

The next 2 speakers discussed the Department of Education’s TEN Moves (The Entire Nation Moves) Program. DepEd Assistant Secretary Jess Mateo gave an overview of the nationwide campaign to address the massive shortage of classrooms.

Mr. Mario Deriquito of the Ayala Foundation then explained how individuals can participate by setting aside 10 Pesos for 10 months to support a vision of building 10,000 classrooms nationwide. Corporations can also make a pledge through www.tenmoves.org/ make-your-pledge/ To know more about how you can support streetlight, visit www.streetlight.org/ 6 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2012

Finland to close embassy in the Philippines

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he Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to close an embassy in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and a consulate in Australia’s largest city Sydney. The cuts will save around 450,000 euros.

According to Yle News, the ministry based the decision on the reduced need for Finnish representation in the Philippines. As resources are not increasing, diplomats are to focus more on locations with a greater economic or political significance for Finland.

The embassy in Manila will become a consulate staffed by a locally-recruited Finn, offering services to Finns travelling in the country. Filipinos will be able to apply for visas from the Norwegian embassy, while bilateral links will be handled from Finland’s embassy in Malaysia.

Ambassador promotes business relationship between Norway and Malaysia

News Brief

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n 7 November 2012, Norwegian ambassador to Malaysia Hans Ola Urstad met with Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang, the president of Malay Dewan Negara, at the president’s office in the Parliament building. The ambassador said they discussed many issues, including trade and ways to further enhance the good relations between Oslo and Kuala Lumpur.

The ambassador told reporters, after the meeting, that Malaysians should seek business opportunities in various sectors in Scandinavia. He said Malaysian lawmakers should also visit Norway to enhance relationship between the two countries.

“I am honoured to meet the President of Dewan Negara and invited him and other Malaysian parliamentarians to visit Norway, with a view to enhance our bilateral ties,” he said.

December 2012 • ScandAsia.South East Asia

7

News Brief

Danish Ambassador presents credentials to the King of Malaysia

N

icolai Ruge presented on 20 September 2012 his letters of credence to his Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia), making him officially the Ambassador of Denmark to Malaysia.

The Presentation of the Credentials took place at the Istana Negara (the National Palace) in Kuala Lumpur, which is the official residence of the King of Malaysia. The current Istana Negara was completed in 2011, replacing the former palace, which dates back to 1928 and has been converted into a museum.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is formally elected to a five-year term by (and among) the nine Rulers of the Malay states that have hereditary royal rulers. The 14th and current Yang di-Pertuan Agong is Sultan Abdul Halim from the state of Kedah. His reign began on 13 December 2011 after his election by Conference of Rulers. He previously served as the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1970 to 1975 and he is the first ruler to hold the position twice.

Swedish firm backs Lazada to expand operations in Southest Asia

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wedish investment house Kinnevik is betting big on Southeast Asia’s economic rise through an investment of USD 40 million in online shopping site Lazada, which is emerging as a leading player in the region’s e-commerce sector, reports Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The fresh funds would help the company further expand its already-growing reach and product line-up for its customers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Lazada is largely believed to be patterned after the popular United States online shopping site Amazon.com, which failed to establish a significant foothold in fast-growing emerging markets like the Philippines.

In a statement, Kinnevik investments head Henrik Persson said Lazada’s rise to become a recognized name in e-commerce in a relatively short period led to the investment.

IKEA’s Indonesian partner Hero Supermarket soars on profit jump

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T Hero Supermarket, which in March this year won the rights to franchise Swedish furniture giant IKEA stores in Indonesia, surged as much as 21.89 percent on 18 October 2012 after it reported nine-month earnings, representing an increase in revenue to Rp 7.8 trillion (USD 808 million) in the third quarter and a rise in Gross profits of 16.6 percent to Rp 1.8 trillion.

“Not inclusive of the pre-opening costs of IKEA, net profits went up by 21.6 percent compared to the same period in the previous year due to the increase in sales and improvements in productivity taking place within the organization,” a press release issued by the retailer announced.

Hero is currently constructing the IKEA flagship store in Alam Sutra, Tangerang in Indonesia. Hero Supermarket president director Philippe Broianigo said that the retailer was upbeat about introducing the first IKEA store in 2014.

“So far, store expansions are going as scheduled and we expect to open more new supermarkets in the fourth quarter of this year,” he said through a release.

8 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2012

Malaysian group to merge with Norwegian Seadrill

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S

apuraKencana Petroleum Bhd., a Malaysian oil and gas service provider, plans to acquire rigs owned by Norway’s SeaDrill Ltd. for an enterprise value of USD 2.9 billion, as part of plans to merge the companies’ rig businesses, reports the Wall Street Journal.

According to the Financial Times, the deal will make SapuraKencana the world’s largest operator of tender rigs, which are semi-submersible barges that support the main drilling rig in exploration fields. They are typically rented from a handful of providers by big energy exploration companies.

A report from WJ also states that the combined business under SapuraKencana will own 16 rigs mostly deployed in Southeast Asian waters with another five currently under construction.

SapuraKencana and Seadrill said in a joint statement filed to the Malaysian stock exchange on 5 November 2012. The rigs businesses had an order backlog worth USD 1.55 billion at the end of October, the companies said.

“One of the main objectives of the transaction is to develop a strong leading player in the Far East market,” the statement said, adding that Seadrill will receive a minimum of USD 350 million worth of new shares in SapuraKencana.

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B a g s væ r d k o s t s k o l e gymnasium tid til talent

Danish Business Association Scandinavian Christmas Lunch

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he Danish Business Association (DBA) in Indonesia is holding its annual Scandinavian Christmas lunch on 20 January 2013 from 2.00pm to 6.00pm at Hotel Borobudur, TIMUR room on the lobby level. The address is Jl. Lapangan, Banteng, Jakarta Selatan.

Participants can enjoy the afternoon filled with good Scandinavian food and drinks together at the event. Registration starts at 1.30pm. Ticket is Rp. 650,000 per person. Interested people should RSVP to Camilla before 13 January 2012 at luxhojdk@gmail.com or contact 0858 8536 2616. Note that Rp. 150,000 will be charged if a confirmed attendee doesn’t show-up without cancellation given at least 48 hours prior to the event.

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December 2012 • ScandAsia.South East Asia

9

Swedish Prime Mini

10 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2012

ister visits Indonesia N Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has recently visited Indonesia to strengthen global relations and bilateral Trade.

By Melissa Holck

ovember 13 marked a historic event between Sweden and Indonesia when the country welcomed the arrival of Swedish Prime Minister, Fredrik Reinfeldt. However, Indonesia is no stranger to high profile visits from Swedish dignitaries. They have previously welcomed Swedish Foreign Minister, Carl Bildt in 2008 and H.E. King Carl XVI Gustaf in January of 2012, with this visit marking another milestone for the progress of the two countries with it being the first visit to be made to Indonesia by a Swedish Prime Minister.

The arrival of PM Reinfeldt kicked off a two-day working visit with great expectations towards future growth and collaborations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Reinfeldt was accompanied by Swedish Minister of Trade, H.E. Dr. Ewa Bjorling, as well as more than 50 high-level delegates representing the Swedish government, business sector, banking industry and governmental agencies for innovation, entrepreneurship and export financing.

The primary objective of the visit to Indonesia was to continue to focus on potential growth opportunities between Indonesia and Sweden. Indonesia’s progression over the last ten years and increased

trade with Sweden has not gone unnoticed. It is of strategic importance within the new growing markets now that the European trade has declined. The friendly relationship between Sweden, the third largest country in Europe and Indonesia the fourth most populated country and second to China as the fastest growing country in the G20 putting the global ties between the two nations on the fast track. For an export dependent country such as Sweden, it is crucial that Sweden maintains a presence in Indonesia to strengthen the bond.

With the increased demand for high-tech products, improved infrastructure and increased purchasing power; Sweden has seen a rapid export growth to Indonesia. The substantial progress has shown a record increase of more than 58 percent during the months of January to August of this year. However, with its continued advancement, Indonesia is still in need of investment to its infrastructure, education and healthcare. The primary focus of the bilateral efforts between Indonesia and Sweden remain trade, investment, democracy, human rights, climate change, education and healthcare.

These efforts towards continued development open the door for a vast potential of continued and future trade opportunities between the two countries.

Based on stats provided by Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency, bilateral trade has significantly increased even with the global decline. First quarter statistics of two-way trade for this year reached US$383.44 million, an overall increase of 63.84% from $234.02 million during the same period in 2011.

Total trade value between 2010 and 2011 has shown an increase of more than 19%.

Currently there are more than 44 Swedish companies with a market presence in Indonesia. With well know companies such as ABB, Ericsson, Electrolux, H&M, SKF, Tetra Pak and Volvo already operating in Indonesia, the foundation for future Swedish business investment and development has been paved making way for Swedish furniture company IKEA to open its first Indonesian location in 2014.

PM Reinfeldt’s visit promises to be a positive step towards future col-

laborations between the two countries in the areas of sustainable development, infrastructure, education and bilateral trade. Sweden is enthusiastic on investing in Indonesia and sharing its expertise in areas such as health, education, science and technology as well as many others.

Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Reinfeldt was welcomed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Presidential Palace for a welcoming ceremony. Following the welcoming ceremony PM Reinfeldt had the opportunity to participate in a bilateral meeting with Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The bilateral meeting allowed for detail discussions on various topics of importance and allowed the two heads of government to exchange ideas on global and regional issues of concern with focus on trade, investment, innovation, further democratization as well as climate change.

After meeting with President Yudhoyono, PM Reinfeldt toured the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta with newly elected Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo.

During this visit PM Reinfeldt had the opportunity to enter the peak of the monument for a panoramic view of the city and its traffic. PM Reinfeldt offered to assist in a plan to solve Jakarta’s ever growing traffic problems commenting that the traffic jams in Jakarta would inevitably increase along with Indonesia’s rapid economic growth.

On the second day of PM Reinfeldt visit, he delivered the keynote speech at the roundtable symposium which was a joint collaboration between the Swedish Trade Council and the Swedish Embassy in Jakarta.

The symposium theme “Indonesia – Sweden: Unlocking the Trade and Innovation Potential” provided a forum for both government officials and prominent Indonesian and Swedish business representatives to jointly discuss increased trade development opportunities for the future.

On the conclusion of the productive two-day visit President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono reported that Sweden has been invited to take part in the development of Indonesia, thus laying the foundation for President Yudhoyono’s visit to Sweden in 2013.

December 2012 • ScandAsia.South East Asia

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Friendship, freedom and trade While most Scandinavian media had their eyes on the American presidential election, European and Asian leaders gathered in Vientiane in Laos for the 9th Asem Summit on 5 - 6 November 2012.

By Kim Birkkjaer Lund

F

or two days Vientiane, the otherwise relaxed capital of Laos, was hosting 11 head of states and 21 heads of government plus ministers, ambassadors and representatives of the press from all parts of the world.

The occasion was the 9th Asem summit. Daily life was put on hold, schools and businesses were closed, while conveys of limousines with police escorts drove through streets closed for other traffic.

A new 24,900sqm Convention Centre (ICC), funded by the Chinese government with a price tag of 450 million Yang (USD 80 million), has been built for the summit. The Wattay International Airport has been enlarged and 50 luxury villas have been built on the riverbanks of Mekong to accommodate the Asian and European leaders. 102 families have been moved to make space for the Lao and Chinese joint venture which has built the 50 villas as the first step in a USD 180-million plan expected to be completed by 2021.

Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt

First Chinese - Norwegian contact in two years For Norway and Stoltenberg the 9th Asem summit was a debut. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Stoltenberg praised Asia as a driving force in global economy and underlined Norway’s confidence in the Asian economies by mention, that the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund has invested about 80 billion US dollars in Asian equities and fixed income holdings.

Stoltenberg used the summit to meet with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. A meeting which made headline in many media as it was the first official contact between China and Norway in two years. Norway has been put ice by China since the pro-democracy dissident Liu Xiaobo was awarded with the Nobel Peace Price in 2010.

Stoltenberg also met with the Philippine’s President Benigno S. Aquino. Aquino informed Stoltenberg of the recent signing of the 2012 Framework Agreement on

A new Convention Centre (ICC), funded by the Chinese government 12 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2012

the Bangsamoro. They furthermore tackled the strengthening of bilateral maritime and labour cooperation.

Stoltenberg also met with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and with Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

At the meeting with Najib, Stoltenberg offered to deliver Norwegian missiles for Royal Malaysian Navy and to provide Malaysia with the latest technology in oil and gas drilling.

The Thai Prime Minister and Stoltenberg talked about resuming the negotiation on a free trade agreement between EFTA (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein) and Thailand.

wish to promote mutual ties after a six years hiatus (since the military coup in 2006) of high-level discussions.

When meeting with Thein Sein, President of Myanmar, Katainen expressed Finland’s interest in discussing ways of enhancing cooperation, developing the activities of civil society and increasing democratic dialogue in Myanmar.

“Based on our own experience, I underlined that inclusive and open education is a key element of a well-functioning, modern society respecting human rights,” said Prime Minister Katainen in Laos.

Education key to modern society

Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt is a veteran in Asian – European cooperation. The 9th summit in Laos was Carl Bildt’s 5th Summit.

Rather unconventional Bildt had chosen to make freedom of the internet to his main agenda at the summit.

“Sweden raised the issue of internet freedom and security. Internet freedom has received increasing attention and becoming a topic of discussion in a number of Asian countries. That’s why we believe it is important to put these issues on the agenda,” says Mr. Bildt Carl Bildt has previously mentioned Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand as countries that have more or less elaborate restrictions to the freedom of and the freedom on the net and named China among the world leaders in the area of controlling and restricting the internet.

Before Bildt left Vientiane he visited the Scandinavian Bakery and being a diligent twitter he posted a recommendation: “Next time you pass by Vientiane, don’t miss the Scandinavian Bakery!”

The Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen had two busy days in Vientiane. On the sideline he met with Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Thein Sein, President of Myanmar.

South Korea and Finland signed a preliminary deal in May in Finland to expand cooperation in the nuclear energy field and the two PMs used the occasion to discourse further cooperation.

Dung and Katainen talked about strengthen the ties of friendship, trade and economic cooperation.

Furthermore, they agreed to organize activities to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Finland next year.

The Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra assured Katainen of Thailand’s political and economic stability. Both PMs expressed their

Internet freedom

Interview with the Danish Prime Minister In an exclusive interview with ScandAsia the Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt tells about her visit to Myanmar and her agenda at the Asem summit.

By Kim Birkkjaer Lund

What have been the main issue of your speeches at the summit?

I have talked about education. I have been appointed as education Champion by the UN and believe that Asia and Europe jointly can do a lot to improve education.

Then I have talked about economy, especially green economy,

where I drew the attention to the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) which we established together with Korea, proving that just two countries bilateral can create something that can have a huge impact on green economy.

And finally I have talked about piracy. It is an issue where both Europe and Asia have large interest.

Piracy impede our trading but most importantly it causes human disaster for the victims, so I have raised the issue as a theme of common interest.

You met with Lee Hsien Loong, Singaporean Prime Minister yesterday. What was the theme of your meeting?

An increasing partnership and cooperation with Singapore. Both Singapore and Denmark are trading nations and maritime nations, so we have a lot in common and a lot we can achieve together. We recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on maritime issues with Singapore.

I used the occasion to confirm that Denmark are dedicated to cooperation with Singapore and to tell that Denmark strongly supports a free trade agreement between Singapore and EU and a agreement had priority in our presidency of the EU.

Later today you are meeting with Myanmar President U Thein Sein.

What is the headline for the meeting?

I visited Myanmar before going to the Asem summit, but we didn’t have time for meeting while I was in Myanmar. Now fortunately we meet here.

My message is simple: We recognize the political changes towards democracy in Myanmar and are prepared for next steep in our cooperation with Myanmar.

Myanmar should know that they can count on Denmark and that we will be present in Myanmar.

That’s why we have opened a small diplomatic mission in Myanmar and I visited the country two days ago being the first Danish Prime Minister to visit the country.

You inaugurated the mission together with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg Sunday.

Why did Denmark choose to open a joint mission with Norway?

It’s quite natural for the Nordic countries to work together on a mission like this. We have discussed joint mission in the Nordic Council and agreed on more joint diplomatic missions. The Nordic countries have a lot in common and share views on many subject. We disagree on very few issues, so it makes sense to join with Norway on representation in Myanmar and if the Swedes want to join they will be very welcome as well.

Even Myanmar has made great progress towards democracy, there still are huge unsolved problems concerning human rights as the persecution of the Rohingyas. Do you intend to raise the Rohingya issue at the meeting with the Myanmar President?

I have raised the issue when speaking with Myanmar’s ministers and also when speaking with Aung San Suu Kyi. It is an issue that concerns those I have talked with as well as it concerns us. We have to use dialogue to constantly push the development of human rights, freedom of press and the protection of minorities.

Europe is hit by crisis and we want to develop our relations with Asia, which still has growth, but opposite China and to some degree Japan we also want to interfere with the way they govern their countries. Does our desire to interfere harm the Danish business community?

No it doesn’t. Having educational and cultural relations as well as political dialogue and trade and business relation is all part of a circle where the various relationships strengthen the overall relationship. By having a wide variety of relationships with a country, it becomes much easier to explain our views.

December 2012 • ScandAsia.South East Asia

13

Strengthening the community Mr. Per Brandt, Chairman of Swedish Business Association (SBA) in Indonesia, has been in Indonesia for over 20 years.

With an increasing number of Scandinavian establishments in the fast-growing economy, Mr. Brandt aims to strengthen the Nordic business community.

By Wachiraporn Janrut

D

oing business in another country is always a challenge as it requires not only business knowledge and a good interpreter, but also understanding of local protocols, business culture and many other differences. In many cases, however, good connections could be the main factor leading a business to success.

An organization that connects Swedish businesses in Indonesia together is Swedish Business Association (SBA).

Initiated by Mr. Per Brandt and other prominent Swedish business people in Indonesia, SBA was estab-

lished in 2000 to connect Swedish businesses in Indonesia. As one of the founders, Mr. Brandt was on the board since the beginning and within two years became chairman.

This year Mr. Brandt has been appointed to be chairman of SBA again.

With his 20 years’ experience in the country, Mr. Brandt speaks fluent Indonesian and has a good understanding of local business practices.

“We have a lot of business contacts and experiences here that we want to share with our members.

We also arrange events and activities for our members to get together to share experiences and exchange views and opinions with each other,” says Mr. Brandt.

About Per Brandt Mr. Brandt visited Indonesia for the first time in 1991 on a business trip.

Since then he travelled to the country for business regularly and later moved to Indonesia permanently in 1993 after being appointed as a president for the Swedish chemical group Perstorp.

Currently, he is Regional Director at CombiBox Systems which is the company supplying in-ground support systems for aircrafts at airports and in maintenance hangars.

According to Mr. Brandt, there were just over ten Swedish companies in Indonesia when he first arrived in Jakarta. Many of them, however, have had their establishments in the country for a long time. One example is Swedish brand Ericson which has been in the country since 1907.

Having seen the development of the country’s economy and Scandinavian business interests here over the years, Mr. Brandt believes the country has great business potential.

“I think there are many more people including Scandinavians coming to Indonesia because it happens to be the biggest country in ASEAN. Business in Indonesia is booming in all sectors now and many Swedes like us have become aware that Indonesia is the place to be,” says Mr. Brandt.

Despite the competition from 14 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2012

Nordic business an increasing number of international companies doing business in Indonesia, the Scandinavian business community keeps getting stronger.

“It’s important for us to work together with people whom we can trust. And I think we can trust our Nordic friends as we speak the same language and share the same culture,” adds Mr. Brandt.

SBA’s activities To strengthen the network, SBA arranges various activities for members to join. One regular networking event is the ‘Swedish Pea Soup’, held on the second Wednesday of every

month. Though it is organized by SBA, Mr. Brandt says that the event has become more like a Scandinavian networking since participants tend to be many Swedes and their Nordic friends.

Apart from its regular networking event, SBA also organizes events like the annual Jakarta Viking Christmas lunch, Christmas party and seminars such as CSR event. Moreover, SBA works together with the Swedish embassy to promote activities of Swedish companies throughout Indonesia.

“The Ambassador and I made a number of trips to promote Swedish

business activities in many provinces in Indonesia including remote areas like East Kalimantan and Papua,” says Mr. Brandt.

On top of the benefits from having access through all of SBA’s events, members can also benefit from various discounts offered from hotels and restaurants.

Nordic Business Forum Early this year Mr. Brandt and his Scandinavian business partners founded another platform called “Nordic Business Forum” for Scandinavian companies to get together.

More than just for business gather-

ings, Nordic Business Forum offers a platform with many events and activities for members to enjoy on a personal level. Each Nordic country arranges a big annual event of its own. For example, Danish members organize a big Christmas party in January and Norwegians arrange a seafood event in the end of the year.

For Swedes, Mr. Brandt says that the decision is not made yet but he’d like to arrange an exciting food event.

“We are trying to get our Nordic neighbours closer together. We hope that the Nordic Business Forum will make our community even stronger,” says Mr. Brandt.

December 2012 • ScandAsia.South East Asia

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How do you celebrate in Asia?

ScandAsia has asked seven prominent Scandinavians living in Asia how they plan to celebrate Christmas this year - and how they usually celebrate Christmas in Asia.

I

t is common for Nordic expats to have bad memories of their first Christmas in Asia. The special Christmas mood was not there.

The calendar said 24 December, but the temperature and everything screams anything but Christmas.

As time goes, most find ways to adjust their Christmas expectations to Asia and actually create new Christmas mood triggers.

ScandAsia has asked seven prominent Scandinavians living in Asia how they plan to celebrate Christmas this year - and how they usually celebrate Christmas in Asia.

Enjoy the reading.

“God Jul!”

Christmas

Multicultural Christmas – Divide and Conquer

Christian Overgaard is Chairman of Danish Chamber of Commerce in China (DCCC) Shanghai & SVP and Global Head of Heat Exchanger Business Danfoss.

He has been living in Asia for over 10 years. He tells ScandAsia that he initially held home country Christmas family values and went to Denmark with his Chinese wife and two children. However, over the years, they now prefer the big family tour over summer in Denmark since the weather is better for them.

Christian says that his wife’s family originates from the South of China and therefore gravitates towards Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai.

“We have been several times to the theme parks “Splendid China” and “Window of the world” in

Shenzhen among family friends. Other years in between, we spend Christmas in Bali, Singapore, and so on,” he says.

Christian’s daughter likes the Danish Christmas tradition and food, so last year she went with him while his wife, son (he prefers Chinese food) and parents-in-law went to a Zhuhai Spa place for relaxing time with grandmother.

“In China, Christmas planning always combines with Spring Festival planning - and lately also skiing planning for our family,” he says.

This year they will again ‘divide and conquer’ due to his busy work schedule, but they will start the festive season with some family skiing in November/December.

“For Christmas, my wife will go to the ancestral town of Chao Zhou with children and parents-inlaw for a week before I join them in Hong Kong.

We have many friends in Hong Kong and like the Disney Land which is not too big for children aged 6-8 years,” says Christian.

“Finally, for a family like ours Hong Kong always reminds us of the place where “East blends with West” in true yin-yang style - and that has probably become part of our multi-cultural Christmas values!” he adds.

Christmas in the air Axel Blom and his wife “Jak” will on Christmas Eve be on a plane on their way back from a meeting in Oslo.

“It is not our dream solution,” Axel Blom admits. “But this year, it just cannot be helped.”

Axel Blom, who is President of the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce and long- time resident of Thailand, usually alternates between celebrating Christmas in Bangkok or in Scandinavia, which means either Norway or Denmark.

“When in Bangkok, we always celebrate Christmas Eve with a dinner with some friends. I am myself in charge of the roast crispy pork with brown potatos,” says Axel.

“I know it is more Danish than Norwegian, but lutefisk is not my taste,” he laughs.

“Every year, we also always buy a real Christmas tree from Villa Supermarket. The smell is so good. This year, we will check to see, what kind of trees IKEA will be selling. I want to see if the quality will be the same.” he says.

16 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2012

First Christmas in Singapore His Excellency Mr. Tormod Cappelen Endresen, the new Norwegian Ambassador to Singapore, is looking forward to celebrating his first and rather unusual Christmas in Singapore.

“I have spent a different way of celebrating Christmas whilst serving the military service. And what I like about a different celebration is that they are often the ones you remember the most. This year will also be an extra nice one as we are having family and friends visiting the town.

In fact we are having about 15 guests from Norway coming down to Singapore for Christmas.”

When asked about missing the traditional Norwegian Christmas preparations, Mr. Endresen said that there are many Norwegian community’s activities in Singapore.

“There is the Julebasar at the Seamen’s Church and also Julebord (Christmas Parties) at this time of the year to attend. Pinnekjøtt is on the Christmas Eve menu for this year as we will be having it at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church. It will be nice with the Asian twist to it and I am looking forward to it,” said Mr. Endresen

Vietnamese inspired Danish Christmas home in Hanoi Emilie and Peter Hjortsoe moved to Hanoi in 2010 looking for new adventures away from home. Emilie Hjortsoe just started her own management consulting business this summer and she is looking forward to a quiet and calm Christmas with her husband Peter and 15-month old son Arthur.

“Last year we went to Phu Quoc Island, but this year we are focusing on essential quality time in the family at home here in Hanoi”. Emilie Hjortsoe loves Hanoi around Christmas time, it’s a cosy and quiet time, she says.

“Going to Denmark for Christmas can be rather rushed at times, this year we are looking for peace and time for a tranquil Christmas with the family, and that is what matters.”

It remains to be seen if their Vietnamese oven can make for a happy Christmas duck to go with a Vietnamese inspired cabbage salad.

“I am thinking some orange juice and nuts in a cold fresh cabbage salad this year,” she contemplates. The presents from family back in Denmark have already arrived and a wonderful plastic Christmas tree is ready for decorations.

“I made Calendar presents for our son to open every day, they will be some decorations in there for the tree and we also got plenty of Danish nougat and marzipan for making confetti, it will be a first for our son – so we are going for the gold medal this year in confetti making”, she says laughing.

White New Year in Asia Snow will be central this year for the Ranta family. After five years in Singapore and two years in Hong Kong, the two sons Anselm, 9 and Amos, 7 are eager to get some experience with snow. Since there is hardly any guarantee for a white Christmas in their home town in southern Finland, they prefer to spend a few days skiing in Japan instead. A couple of years ago the family went skiing in Niseko, on Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido, but this year they plan to visit the small and cozy hot spring village Nozawa Onsen in Nagano. They go right after Christmas and spend New Year in Winterland.

Christmas itself will however be celebrated at home in Singapore, together with good friends.

“I think it is definitely possible to get into the right Christmas feeling here in Singapore,” says Helinä.

She wants to make sure that the Christmas tree is up and ready by the Finnish Independence day, December 6. At 12 noon on December 24, Christmas peace is officially announced, and the Ranta’s try to have everything ready by then so they can relax and enjoy traditional food and drinks together.

Cooking up Christmas mood

Traditional Danish family Christmas in Singapore Ziegler, President Danish Business Association Singapore, celebrates a traditional Danish Christmas together with Children, ex-wife and Henrik’s mother, who comes visiting from Denmark.

The Ziegler’s family has no trouble getting into the Christmas spirit in the heat of Singapore. The whole packet of Danish Christmas traditions secures the right spirit.

“We have a totally traditional Danish Christmas dinner with Roast pork, duck, rice à l’impératrice and with a gift to the one who gets the whole almond hidden in the rice à l’impératrice. We dance around the Christmas tree and sing all the traditional Christmas carols. It is as traditional as it gets,” Henrik Ziegler tells.

Erik Dahlström, Regional Accounts Manager with Asian Tigers Transpo International Ltd. based in Bangkok gets into Christmas mood when cooking Christmas dinner with his friends from Sweden.

“Our friends come out here a few weeks around Christmas every year. They have their own place, so they don’t stay with us, but on Christmas Eve they will typically come over quite early in the afternoon and then we start cooking together,” Erik says.

The dinner is quite early, starting around 4 - 5 o’clock.

Erik and his wife Nujeen have three children and the youngest is only four so it is better to start early.

“After dinner one of us...

I mean, when its dark, we all have to wait for Santa Claus to come out here all the way to Bangkok,” he quickly corrects himself.

Christmas in the Dahlström home typically comes complete with a Christmas tree. Usually a plastic tree but maybe it will be a real tree this year.

December 2012 • ScandAsia.South East Asia

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Let’s make

Christmas Hearts together!

Christmas is a time where children and grown ups should join around the dinner table to play with paper and glue in preparation of the upcoming celebrations.

By Gregers Moller

C

hristmas Hearts as we know them today goes back to the world famous Danish author H.C. Andersen. It was he who made the very first heart which later in 1871 became a template of a Christmas heart. In Denmark a particular day has been announced “Christmas Heart Day” - the 23rd December where we should all cut and weave our hearts together.

Hearts are easy!

This woven Christmas heart is the believed to be produced by the author H.C. Andersen in 1860 or 1862 and is the World’s first Christmas heart.

First you need to buy some glossy gift wrapping paper or other similar paper with different colour. If it has the size of A4, fold it down to A5 and fold it again down to A6. Cut it along the fold to A6 and you will have paper for one heart. But it will be the same colour. Therefore you have to do the same with an A4

sheet of different colour. Now you can make two hearts.

Place a cup or glass at the notfolded edge and draw a half circle that you can cut after. Next, mark a line 4 cm from the opposite edge, the folded edge. Slice the hearts up in four strips from the folded edge and up to your line. Now you are ready to start weaving them together.

Carefully insert the folded edge of one strip between the ‘loop’ of the other. The strip that just went between now goes around. It can not be over and under(!), it has to be around and between.

Now start on the next strip. Do the opposite of last time: around, then between so you make a check pattern. Continue until all strips are woven.

Once you get the hang of it, you can make unlimited number of variations.

Medium

Rice Porridge (Risengrød)

By Gregers Moller

R

isengrød. It is simply not Christmas without it! I serve it for all our employees in ScandMedia at our year end party every year and they have come to expect it - although not really like it, I suspect. What they do like, though, is the hidden almond in the porridge and the gift that comes with finding it in your portion!

Evil

Ingredients: • 1 liter milk • ½ tsp salt • 110 gram rice (1 1/4 dl) (round grains preferrably) Cinnamon sugar mix: • Mix 4 tablespoons of sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder.

Almond: • Raw almond with brown shell on (or raw, white cashew nut).

I usually boil up the rice in plain water as the problem is that the milk may easily burn. When the water has boiled a few minutes, I pour in the milk and let it boil while stirring. Then I take it off the burner and pack it in my bed with a few blankets around it and leave it there for a few hours. At the same time I put an unpeeled almond in hot water.

Are you done?

W

hen you have completed the above puzzles, please send your solution by fax to +66 2 943 7169 or scan and email to puzzles@ scandasia.com. We will make a lucky draw among the correct answers. Five lucky winners will receive a ScandAsia polo shirt.

Name:

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Age: ________________________

Mobile:

Before serving it, I bring it back on the stove and heat it up while stirring constantly. If it is too thick, I add extra milk. This is when you put in the white almond - the shell will by now be so weak that you can rub it off with your fingers - or one year I used a white, un-roasted cashew nut.

It is served in noodle bowls. Sprinkle it on top with the cinnamon sugar.

Some like a lump of butter in the middle. Whoever finds the almond in their portion wins a gift, that you must have prepared in advance.

___________________

Address:

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Deadline for submitting your solution is 15 January 2013 December 2012 • ScandAsia.South East Asia

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