Serbia’s Turisticki Svet (World of Tourism) Magazine, in its printed Winter 2020 Issue, featured the farewell interview with Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia in Belgrade Mr Nik Ady Arman.
The Embassy wishes to thank the Turisticki Svet Magazine for this media coverage and its cooperation in promoting Malaysia in Serbia.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW: Nik Ady Arman, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia in Belgrade
A DIPLOMAT ON A FRIENDSHIP MISSION
For Mr Nik Ady Arman, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia in Belgrade, this year has been transitional in the true sense of the word. His mission in Serbia, after almost full five years, longer than usual in diplomatic practice, has recently ended, all due to coronavirus pandemic that does not seem to know how to stop. As a witness of numerous activities through which Mr Arman strived to materialise his, before all, human mission by dedicating his work not only to the promotion of Malaysia in Serbia, but also to spreading good vibrations between our two peoples and forging of friendly ties that are always a precursor to the serious business relations – the Turisticki Svet Magazine had the privilege of having the last interview with Mr Arman before his return to Kuala Lumpur. Grateful for many lessons we have learned from him, we are sending off Mr Nik Ady Arman – a young, educated and humble man with a big heart, who has never forgotten that he came to Serbia as a diplomat on a friendship mission – which was also the way he left.
● Your tenure at the Embassy of Malaysia to Serbia ends, unfortunately, amid the coronavirus pandemic. What have you learned from this situation, both as a person and as a diplomat?
- COVID-19 pandemic came as a wake-up call for most of us. It made us realise how fast things can take a sudden turn and how vulnerable we are, both as an individual and also as a society. Many countries are now facing surging second or third wave, what more with yet no vaccine in sight.
However, history has shown that humankind has always prevail and I believe that adaptability is a key trait for our survivability as a species. You can see how quick people are attuning to remote working and learning via online, online commerce, contactless payment system, delivery services and so on. Not to say that those technology and systems are new. It just that this pandemic expedites us adapting to new ways of doing things. While it may sound cliché, there is a gospel truth in the adage “change is the only constant in life” and those who are quick to adapt will have the advantage.
HUGE BLOW TO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
● After China and South Korea, Malaysia was the third country most severely affected by the virus with the number of infected three times higher than any other country in the Asia-Pacific region. Only six months later and judging by the indicators across the board, Malaysia is one of the safest countries in the world. What actually happened?
- Malaysia is actually one of the earliest leading countries in dealing with the Covid-19. Since the early stage of the pandemic, we understood that speed was crucial, having learnt from its previous successful experience of eradicating the Nipah virus outbreak in 1999. The Government of Malaysia was quick to enforce a Movement Control Order (MCO) to break the chain of Covid-19, including closing its borders to foreigners. Additionally, the government has put into place a lot of regulations that other countries might have balked at initially, including curbing the movement of its people and imposing sophisticated mechanism for contact tracing to curb new cluster outbreaks. These measures have impacted not just the daily life and economic well-being of Malaysians but was also a huge blow to our tourism industry, what more when 2020 was planned to be a Visit Malaysia Year.
Nonetheless, this situation perhaps reflects the true mettle and psyche of Malaysians. One, when facing with challenges, the Malaysians’ spirit of solidarity and cooperation will always prevail, regardless of our differences and believes. Two, Malaysia in general can be very pragmatic and in the current context we understand that we have to forgo some of our privileges for the collective good. Of course, let us not forget the sacrifices of our tireless frontliners, to whom we express our gratitude for their efforts in tackling Covid-19.
TRUE GOURMET HAVEN
● Your country is so big, diverse and wealthy, blessed with natural beauties, flora and fauna, richness of colours, flavours and tastes… What are you particularly proud of? If you were a tourist guide, where would you take the visitors? What they should not miss?
- Where shall I start? Visiting Malaysia is like the story of blind men trying to figure out how an elephant looks like. Visiting different parts of Malaysia would leave you with different impressions. Many write-ups, advertisements and promotions have highlighted Malaysia’s perfect balance of modern amenities and natural habitats – from its city skyscrapers, unique architectures and being a shopping haven to its tropical islands resorts, white sandy beaches and exotic animals – in short, Malaysia offers myriad of experiences for all ages.
Unless you are personally touched by the experience, however, you can’t accurately divulge the warmness and generosity of Malaysians. You might have tasted our Satay but to enjoy it al-fresco at the hawker stalls in Kuala Lumpur? Those things you need to experience it yourself.
Ideally, visitors should spend several weeks, if not months, in Malaysia to really experience and get to know the country and its people. But those who are short of time, you can visit Penang on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia which is our food haven where you can also find nice beaches and heritage architectural gem. Or you might want to visit Kelantan on the east coast of the Peninsular to experience some rustic charm. And perhaps make a trip to the Borneo for a great eco-adventure and learn about the unique cultures of its indigenous peoples. It goes without saying that you need to take a photo with the world's tallest twin towers - Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur just to check the box “I was here”.
I am proud to say that Malaysia is blessed with array of cuisines from its melting pots of cultures and Malaysians are passionate about food. If you are a “foodie”, Malaysia is the place for you. The use of chilli peppers, herbs, spices, soy sauce and coconut milk are indispensable to Malaysian kitchens. Famous food like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Satay, Curry Laksa and Char Kuay Teow would make you wanting for more. The amalgamation of flavours definitely lives up to our famous motto “Malaysia Truly Asia”.
WARM, HOSPITABLE PEOPLE
● With the end of your diplomatic tenure in Serbia approaching, it is the right time for you to share with us your impressions on your stay in our country. How do you see Serbia and its people, what did you like the most? Even though our two countries are located in two different parts of the world, what actually connects them?
- When I first arrived here more than 4 years ago, I have to say I have a vague idea of what to expect. Nonetheless, Serbia has been accommodating to us very well from day one. The people are warm, the cities are safe and have the nice balance of modernity and laidback charms. We feel at ease to be here. I don’t think it is too much to say that Serbia is our home away from home for the past several years.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIDEBAR 1
MALAYSIA – GATEWAY TO THE ASEAN MARKET?
Malaysia is also, according to Mr Arman, one of the founders of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), which is, just behind China and India, the 3rd fastest growing main economy and home to over 600 million people with an increasing growing economy and rising per capita income. This market could offer huge possibilities for overall growth and development to Serbia and the Western Balkans as a whole. By virtue of its favourable business environment, good infrastructure, talent pool and a stable political climate, Malaysia could be a prime gateway to the ASEAN market.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We travelled around the country a lot and visited may cities: Novi Sad, Uzice, Nis, to Kikinda, Novi Pazar and many others. It has been really an experience for us as Malaysians, because, due to the still existing visa regime, not many Malaysians have the opportunity to visit Serbia.
Throughout the years, we have also forged meaningful friendships with many locals either through the programmes organised by the Embassy or those who happen to be part of our daily life. Perhaps, this compatibility can be attributed to one factor that I have noticed since I first arrived here; both Malaysians and Serbians are warm people. We can be very welcoming and readily accept outsiders to be part of our society, never mind our own peculiar traits that make us unique but sometimes make it difficult for people to understand us. For Serbian, one of the very outstanding traits is what you called “inat”, which can be a cause of mishap or even a source of national pride and resilience.
FOSTERING OF BILATERAL COOPERATION
● What was the particular focus of your work during your stay in Belgrade? We have witnessed some of your strong initiatives such as establishing Serbia-Malaysia Friendship Club; well-thought-out "Malaysia: Land of Memories” photo competition; presentation at the Tourism Fair…
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIDEBAR 2
GUARDIANS OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
- I am truly grateful that we have the opportunity to experience the life in Serbia - a land of rich history and cultural heritage with its warm and friendly people – says Mrs Azlina Adinan, Mr Arman’s spouse.
- From my observation, I noticed that Serbians are ardent in preserving their cultural heritage through their handicrafts and arts, like quilling, kilim, needle works and ceramics painting, to name a few – all of which I had the pleasure to experience through the workshops and exhibitions I have visited.
Apart from the locals, being part of the Spouses’ of Heads of Missions group was also a great avenue for us to promote Malaysia’s unique culture and cuisine here in Serbia. From many of the engagements organized by the Embassy, one of my fondest memories would be during the Batik Workshop where the participants (ranging from locals and diplomatic community) had a first-hand experience in learning the technique of Batik painting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- After the Embassy of Malaysia was re-opened in Belgrade in 2004, there was a vacuum in our presence due to several years of hiatus not just physically but also in the mind of the locals. This was understandably so since Malaysia and Serbia are two geographically distant countries.
So, while we have a multi-pronged approach in fostering bilateral ties, we realised that it was paramount for the people-to-people friendship to be rekindled. There is a Malay saying “Tak kenal maka tak cinta” (You can’t love someone if you don’t know them) and there is also this catchphrase “To Know Malaysia is To Love Malaysia”. As such, we are working to build this foundation upon which to shape future cooperation by providing avenues to promote understanding between Malaysians and Serbians as well as creating awareness on the potential of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. There are simply many untapped potential for cooperation not only between Malaysia and Serbia but also for the Western Balkans as a whole. Over the years, those understanding has led to interests on both sides to further explore what is in store that of mutual benefits.
SERBIA – FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
● How would you assess your diplomatic mission in Serbia and what do you consider as your greatest success?
My stint here has been very fulfilling. While the Malaysian Mission in Belgrade is relatively a small one, I have a very good team at the Embassy that helps me to realise the vision and objectives that have been set upon. I believe we have formed some excellent relations with willing and able local partners who not just understand the direction that we are heading to but are also willing to partake in the journey. We too have seen how increasingly receptive the locals are in all our outreach programmes and engagements. There is genuine interest to explore the potential of good bilateral ties.
Citing my favorite quote from Naval Ravinkant “Impatience with actions, patience with results”, I believe that is what we have been doing and will keep giving our best. Sooner or later we shall get to reap the benefits.
● By what you will remember your stay in our country?
I believe even if we are miles apart, Serbia will always hold a special place in our hearts – a true hidden gem! I have had what I believe a meaningful stint here and at the same time I’m grateful to have the opportunity to see my daughter growing up in Belgrade and our family loving Serbia as well. Places might undergo changes, but we hope the warmness of the Serbian people will always remain the same. And of course, not to forget the ajvar and kajmak!
It is mine and my spouse’s sincere wish to see Serbia to stay peaceful and continue to prosper. Stay positive, work hard, focus on the future and don’t forget to come and visit Malaysia!
Ljiljana Rebronja
Photos of Malaysia: Embassy of Malaysia’s Archive
