Exclusive interview with Malaysian Ambassador to South Korea by Top Golf Magazine

Unofficial Translation:

Q1       When were you appointed as the Ambassador to Korea and how long will you work in Korea?

A1       I presented my credentials to the President of the Republic of Korea in March this year and as a career diplomat my tenure here is at the pleasure of both the Korean government as well as the Malaysian government. Under normal diplomatic assignment, it is expected that an ambassador or any diplomatic agent will serve at his post for a period of about 3 years. It could be more or less and this depends on the deployment of diplomatic agents either to the headquarters or to another diplomatic mission.

Q2       What do you think about Korea? Do you have any preconception about Korea before coming to Korea? Are there any changes in your preconception since you have lived in Korea?

A2       Korea is a wonderful place to work. I have heard about Korean work culture and values, their dedication and loyalty, resourcefulness in terms of ideas and innovation, their creativity and their sense of pride as a nation. I have followed the Malaysian government?s Look East Policy and our continued belief that Korea serves as a model for transformation and change and hence we have been bench-marking ourselves with Korea?s best practices. Now that I am in Korea and seeing Koreans at work, it has reinforced the perception that I had about Korea. Another element which I am delighted about is Korean abundant generosity in receiving their guests and its splendid hospitality. It has taken so much pride in the culture of giving. I am pleasantly surprised to receive so many Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) gifts and what I noticed is that it was wrapped beautifully. This demonstrates how much value Koreans attach to the presentation of such gifts.

Q3       Could you tell us about the images Malaysians have about Korea?

A3       Malaysians regard Koreans highly. Most of us Malaysians are captivated by how far you have excelled in sports ? football, badminton and golf. We see Koreans taking centre stage in the world of sports and have turned the spotlight on East Asia. Malaysians also see the softer side of Koreans through your drama and songs. We see Koreans through your culture and food. We see Koreans successfully blending its quest for modernization and yet retaining its Confucian values. Malaysians see Korea as a modern society upholding its Asian values with no contradiction in it and a vibrant economy that continues to transform itself for the future.

Q4       As the Malaysian Ambassador to Korea, could you compare between Malaysia and Korea?

A4       I think one of the striking similarities between us is the manner in which we reinvent ourselves. We are always on the move, searching for innovative ideas and finding creative solutions to generate wealth. Korea being a resource poor but technologically savvy country, has shown the way towards the creation of national wealth by having a global mindset. Malaysia too is taking similar route through greater investment in its human capital. That is the reason why we continue to send our students here to pursue engineering courses. We intend to become innovative in value adding our own resources and creating new wealth.

Q5       What is the number of Korean visitors to Malaysia and what are the purposes of their visit?

A5       Last year, 267,461 Koreans visited Malaysia and even though the statistics are not yet available, we expect a little downturn because of the current economic depression and H1N1 issue. However, for the past 4 years, Korean tourists to Malaysia have increased remarkably. Koreans have become increasingly interested in Malaysia through a number of promotional activities that we have launched. As more Koreans discovered Malaysia and sharing it with their friends and families, we expect a greater number of Koreans would be heading towards Malaysia as their holiday destination. Therefore, we would expect positive growth of our Korean market in the coming years. About 57% of Koreans who visited Malaysia are tourists while others are for business and study.

Q6       Could you introduce the most attractive places in Malaysia

A6       I would strongly recommend Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur for Korean travelers. Langkawi is a cluster of 99 islands and offers beautiful and clean beaches, world-class resorts, excellent golf courses, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.  Korean travelers would also love our capital city, Kuala Lumpur, which has a delightful mix of cross-cultural influences and traditions. Kuala Lumpur offers a lively nightlife scene, delightfully varied cuisine and a shopping heaven, offering everything from street side trinkets to haute couture.

Q7       Among the places you travelled in Korea, which place was the most attractive?

A7       I love Jeju most. Jeju is a good place to get away from the busy and crowded city life. It is really a place to relax. It has nice golf courses, beautiful scenery and excellent food. I like the Spirited Garden and the traditional village. Incidentally, a Malaysian investor is also helping to develop a high-end resort in Jeju.

Q8       What is your favourite food in Korea?

A8       Haemooltang, Kimchi and bulgogi. I like spicy Korean dishes and Haemooltang is the best.

Q9.      How many golf clubs does Malaysia have?

A9       We have more than 200 golf courses in Malaysia. Malaysia is certainly a golfing heaven with wide range of choices and world class golf courses to suit all tastes.

Q10     Do you have any golf club in Malaysia you want to recommend?

A10     I would like to recommend Sutera Harbour in Kota Kinabalu, which is one of the largest facilities in the country. Designed by leading golf course designer Graham Mars, Sutera Harbour Golf Club has garnered various awards. The Bermuda grass course and challenging bunkers would test the skills of both discerning and weekend golfers.

For golfers who want to experience golfing in cooler weather, we recommend Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club. Berjaya Hills is set above the sea level with cool breeze all around; it?s an excellent course for a challenging game. Non-golfing family members can visit the rabbit farm or French village Colmar Tropical nearby.

Q11     Would you like to give any information or publicity about Malaysia to Koreans?

A11     Tourists will have a lot of activities in Malaysia. Huge mall outlets and branded goods at reasonable prices for those who love shopping; million-year-old rainforests and exotic wildlife for those who love nature; great golf courses for those who have been chasing the elusive whole-in-one glory; scenic and tranquil villages and islands for those who want to get away from the crowded city life.

Q12     Which part will you place emphasis on, in your term of office?

A12     I like to see closer collaborations between Korea and Malaysia particularly in new growth areas such as green technology and the intensification of existing areas of collaboration.

Q13     Would you give any special advice to Korean golfers or tourists who visit Malaysia?

A13     Most of Korean golfers travel overseas in winter. However, Malaysia has a variety of golf courses which could satisfy Korean golfers all year around. Whether you?re thinking of a Malaysia golfing holiday or just a quick round of golf during your vacation, Malaysia is a golfer?s paradise at an affordable cost. These courses are also designed by world-renowned course designers and their design concepts have created beautiful layouts that harmoniously blend with nature - the mountains, the rain forests and the seashore which make each of these courses unique and a feast to the eyes.