2007

·         6th – 11th November 2007: VII Edition of the Italian Language Week World. The seventh Edition of the Italian Language Week in the World was organised with the cooperation of the Asia-Europe Institute with the following programme:

1.Theatrical performance “Urano e Gea” in the AEI’s Auditorium, performed by the Jumping Jelly Beans directed by a well known Italian local actress, Cinzia Ciaramicoli.
2.Workshop “I miti ed il mare”, “The sea and its legends” held at the Centre of Contemporary Art, Kuala Lumpur.
3.Italian Cinema Mini-festival: screening of “Mediterraneo” by Gabriele Salvatore and “Nuovo cinema paradiso” by Giuseppe Tornatore at the AEI’s Auditorium.
4.Exhibition of “Mare Italiano” at the AEI’s foyer: display of 17 oil paintings exclusively realized on this occasion, and donated to the Embassy of Italy, by the Cultural Association ‘Painters of the City of Rimini’.
5.Exhibition of the illustrations from the rich novel production by Emilio Salgari: a unique occasion to introduce the unknown creator of ‘Sandokan and the Tigers of Malaysia’ to the Malaysian public;
6.Screening of the documentary “Immensely Italy: coasts and isles of Italy” directed by Folco Quilici;
7.Screening of DVD “Pavarotti forever”: a token of appreciation to the  unforgettable Maestro.

The first day of the Italian Language Week- 22nd October-an “afternoon for reading”, especially dedicated to children and adolescents from the Italian Community with display of Italian books and tales from the library of the Cultural Office in the Embassy. The screening of the film “Sandokan”, inspired by the most famous Emilio Salgari’s novels, also took place during the event.

·         November 2nd­: the Ambassador of Italy, Alessandro Busacca, inaugurated the International Meeting for the Centenary “Maria Montessori” at Banker’s Club in Kuala Lumpur.

·         7th - 9th   November:  “Higher Education Fair” at KLCC Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. The event was granted by the European Commission in order to promote the European Higher Education System in 7 Asian Countries. Italy was represented by 6 Universities: University of Genova, Bocconi University of Milan, Polytechnic of Milan, University of Calabria, University for Foreigners of Perugia and University of Trento. This event gained a great success of public, with nearly 8.000 visitors.

·         4th -13th May: “COLORS 15.69” (15 years in 69 covers) Exhibition of illustrated covers organized by the Embassy in collaboration with Soka Gakkay Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Exhibition focused on social issues of strong impact such as AIDS, emigration, slavery, press freedom. Representatives from the Lim Kok Wing University College visited the exhibition.

·         Two concerts by the Malaysian Philarmonic Orchestra (MPO), exclusively dedicated to very famous Italian composers, as in following agenda:

1.An evening of Opera with music by Verdi, Bellini, Mascagni, Puccini (16-18th March);
2.Concert of Italian music with music by Rota, Paganini, Pasculli (21st March). 6th-16th December: VII Edition European Film Festival sponsored by the French UE Regional Presidency: Italy contributed to the EFF with the movie ‘Sailing Home’ by Vincenzo Marra.

2006

 
·         “Window to the World” in cooperation with the AIESEC: promotional showcase with pictures and typical Italian costumes, brochures, musical discs and promotional videos of Italy was set by the Embassy for the occasion;

·         Italian Culture Evening, with power-point presentation of some of the most known Italian cities, held at Sokka Gakkai Malaysia of Kuala Lumpur;

·         Contribution to the International Day in Malaysian schools and associations, with promotional items about Italy and Italian cultural;

·         Italian Language and Culture - basic level, first edition – for Malaysian citizens interested in learning Italian and deepen our culture. This initiative has been realized on the occasion of the VI Italian Language Week in the World 2006.

2005

·         25th-26th February: Concert by the classical guitarist Stefano Grondona, realized in collaboration with Mont’Kiara International School of Kuala Lumpur.

·         24th January: “An Italian affair: batik expressions”. Fashion show and charity gala dinner. This event, which represented the highest success of the exhibition “50 Years of Italian Fashion”, has been promoted by Penyayang Association in cooperation with the Italian Embassy, the Galgano Study of Rome and other “affermati” Italian and Malaysian stylist. An amount of 90.000 Euros have been collected to be addressed to the victims of ‘tsunami’. 
      

2004

 
·         15th -17th December: retrospective of the film by Gianni Amelio, realized at Help University College in Kuala Lumpur with the cooperation of Kelab Seni Filem Malaysia Association, and Italian Federation of Cinema Clubs. The Chairman of FICC, Doctor Paolo Minuto, opened the exhibition with a lecture titled “The cinema of Gianni Amelio”. The films presented were “Porte Aperte”, “Il ladro di bambini”, “l’America” and “Così ridevano” with a great success of public.

·         12th December: “Il presepe che danza”: event realized on the occasion of the Christmas Festivities in cooperation with the theatre company ‘Jumping Jelly Beans’, directed by Cinzia Ciaramicoli. The event, held at the Community Service Centre of St.John’s, was a representation of the Nativity.

·         27th November-31st January- 50 Years of Italian Fashion: exhibition realized in cooperation with ‘Galgano Studio’ of Rome and the National Art Gallery of Kuala Lumpur. This exhibition was launched by Prime Minister’s wife, Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmod, with the participation of Cultural Minister, Datò Rais Yatim. This event was an important and positive turning-point in the bilateral relationship between the two countries in the sector, especially in terms of future perspectives. The exhibition was visited, among the others, by the Malaysian Queen Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong.

·         25th November-16th December: V Edition of the European Film Festival. This edition has been organized with the cooperation of the Embassy jointly with Netherlands Embassy, during his first semester of Presidency in the European Union, the delegation for the European Union in Kuala Lumpur and Golden Screen Cinemas Company of Kuala Lumpur. Sixteen  European Countries participated to the review with a total of 21 films screened in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Italy contributed with 2 films: ‘Chiedimi se sono felice’ by Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo and “Casomai” by Alessandro D’Alatri.

·         10th September: Evening organized at the Ambassador’s residence on the occasion of the Malaysian Philarmonik Orchestra concerts; guest of honour the famous director Riccardo Muti.

·        Annual World Book Day 2004 (HELP Institute, 19-21 April 2004).
The participation of the Embassy consisted in the exhibition of some of the most important works of Italian literature along with illustrated introductions on the respective authors.    

·        International Day (April 2004)
Initiatives were taken to deepen the awareness of Italy and its culture in a number of high schools in Kuala  Lumpur.   

·        Conference at “Alice Smith" School (31 March 2004). Upon invitation by “Alice Smith" School on the occasion of MINIMUN 2004 (Mini Model United Nation) the Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Anacleto Felicani delivered a lecture on the Italian contribution to: 1)     international organizations 2)     peacekeeping operations 3)     the protection of the world's cultural patrimony and the promotion of children’s rights  

·        Meeting at the Multimedia University of Malacca (10 March 2004).
Many aspects of the Italian society, economy and culture were illustrated during a meeting with students of the Faculty of Economics (International Management) of the Multimedia University of Malacca. The aim of the meeting was also to create contacts for the possible future teaching of the Italian  language at the Multimedia University.   

·        Cultural Film Festival at the Limkokwing Institute (23 February-16 March 2004).  The Embassy of Italy participated in the Cultural Film Festival, which was held by the Limkokwing University-College of Creative Technology in its beautiful new centre in Cyberjaya. Italian films and documentaries about the  history, culture and civilization of Italy were shown during the festival. The joint opening of a permanent centre of Italian design as well as the organisation of seminars on design by the European Institute of Design in Milan and the Limkokwing University are on schedule for the near future.  

·        Screening of the film “Chiedimi se sono felice” at the Asia Europe Institute of Kuala Lumpur (28 January 2004).
In the framework of the cine-forum activities organised by the Asia Europe Institute  (University of Malaya) in Kuala Lumpur, the Italian film Chiedimi se sono felice by Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo was screened.  This projection, which was very much appreciated, was attended by students and visiting lecturers of the Faculty of Language and Linguistics, students from other Faculties and numerous adults, Malaysians and non-Malaysians, interested in European cinematography.   

2003

·        4th Edition of the European Film Festival (4-14 December 2003).
The 4th Edition of the European Film Festival was organized by the Embassy of Italy and the HELP Institute in Kuala Lumpur in the framework of the activities carried out during the Italian Presidence of the European Union. 16 Countries participated at this event with a total of 23 films. Besides the 12 Member States of the European Union (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Holland e Spain), this edition also included for the first time the participation of the Embassies in Malaysia of the countries that became part of the European Union on 1st May 2004: Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. A further novelty of the current edition was that the European Film Festival was held in Johor Bharu and Penang in January-February 2004, at the Southern College and in the Komtar Complex Auditorium respectively.   

·        Concert by the  Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur (22 October 2003).
On 22 October a concert by the Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia held at Istana Budaya (National Theatre) in Kuala Lumpur was organized by this Embassy and sponsored by a local group of companies, belonging to an important Malaysian businessman, Tan Sri Grande Ufficiale Commendatore Arumugam. The evening of music represented a cultural event at large echoing the ongoing semester of our Presidency of the European Union. The concert was attended by the Minister of Energy and Communications YB Datuk Leo Moggie, the Honourable guest, and the Minister of Agriculture, YB Datuk Mohd Effendi Norwawi. Also present were many representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and many authoritative exponents of the Malaysian economic and cultural society. The programme performed (Rossini and Dvorak) gave rise to the enthusiasm of the public who gave a “standing ovation” tribute to the orchestra and its Director Maestro Antonio Cipriani.  Besides this concert, 14 musicians of the orchestra held a workshop with the students of the International College of Music (ICOM) in Kuala Lumpur on the morning of 22nd October. It was an experience very much appreciated  by both parties, which ended with a performance of the students’ musical compositions by the musicians of the Orchestra  Internazionale d’Italia.   

·        III Edition of the World Italian Language Week (13-18 October 2003).
The third Edition of the World Italian Language Week in the World was held at the  HELP Institute in Kuala Lumpur with the following programme: a)     Introductory Italian language courses offered free of charge to students of Faculties not in the field of languages, staff of Italian companies in Kuala Lumpur, adults and students attending courses of  foreign languages at HELP Institute. b)    Screening of the movies  Pane e Tulipani by Soldini and La leggenda del pianista sull’oceano by Tornatore at the HELP Institute. c)     Exhibition about the origins of the Italian language edited by Veronica Rovoletto, visiting lecturer at University of Malaya (the texts were both in Italian and in English to be able to be read by general public). d)    Display of the works by Italian painter Anna Stiffi Fardella who lives in Kuala Lumpur and who has recently come forth with a variety of exhibitions. e)     Conference by Dr. Stefania Aceto (of SCIENTER, Bologna) on: E-learning trends in Europe and Italy; f)      Cooking demonstration at CIAO Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. During the evening, in a simple ceremony, some books were offered to the first batch of students who graduated in Italian at the University of Malaya.  A delegation from Lazio, who visited Malaysia on the occasion of the OIC Summit (11 – 18 October) was also present at this manifestation.    

·        Screening of the movie  “Casomai”  by Asia Europe Institute, Kuala Lumpur (20 august 2003).
In the framework of activities on cine-forum by Asia Europe Institute (University of Malaya) in Kuala Lumpur, the Italian film Casomai  by Alessandro D’Alatri (2002) was screened. This projection, very much appreciated, was attended by students and visiting lecturers of the Faculty of Language and Linguistics, students from other Faculties and numerous adults, Malaysians and non Malaysians, particularly interested in European cinematography.   

·       First graduates in Italian at the  University of Malaya (August 2003).
For the first time, 8 students of the Faculty of Language and Linguistics of the University of  Malaya in Kuala Lumpur graduated in Italian. It is a significant result which is the finest achievement of the efforts of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs   to establish and maintain the presence of Italian lecturers at University Malaya and a reward to the different lecturers who have been subsequently posted here. The first graduates in Italian confirm that the teaching of Italian is an important way to strengthen our presence in this country.

 ·          Opening of the Centre of Italian language and culture at the HELP Institute (18th July 2003)
Launching of the Aula “Leonardo da Vinci” at the HELP Institute in Kuala Lumpur, the first Centre of Italian language and culture in Malaysia. The opening of the “Aula Leonardo da Vinci” is a tangible sign of the increasing request for Italian language and culture in this country.  At the Centre there are ongoing courses of Italian language and the “III Edition of the World Italian Language Week” was held in October 2003. The Aula “Leonardo da Vinci” will represent a permanent display of the education offered by Italian universities, committed to activate international projects of collaboration.  The presence at the inauguration of Dr. Dario Consoli, responsable for International Relations for the Management School of  Politecnico of Milan,  was a first move in this direction.   

·          Exhibition “From Futurism to a possible future in the Italian contemporary architecture” (7-30 April 2003).
This exhibition was launched on 7th April by the Minister of Information, Khalil Yaakob, at the prestigious National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of  numerous Italians residing here, Malaysian personalities and eminent representatives of the Diplomatic Corp.  The  exhibition, the setting of which was arranged by the Italian architects Franco Purini e Livio Sacchi, illustrated Italian contemporary architecture development through 65 works in photos and blue-prints of the most important Italian architects of XX century.  In his speech, reported by the main local newspaper, Minister Khalil Yaakob underlined how much Malaysians, particularly the younger generation, can learn from the study of the Italian architecture, acknowledging its historical pre-eminence and  innovative trend.    

·       The Kuala Lumpur World Film Festival (20-25 February 2003).
The film "Il mestiere delle armi" by the renowned Italian director Ermanno Olmi was shown in the framework of the 1st Kuala Lumpur World Film Festival.   

2002

·        Concert by guitarist Alessio Monti (13 December 2002).
A concert by the guitarist Alessio Monti was held in the Auditorium of the prestigious National Art Gallery in the presence of about 300 people among whom were Italians, Malaysian authorities and personalities and the Diplomatic Corp representatives. Maestro Monti performed music by  Sor, Villa Lobos, Albeniz e Brouwer and in the second part of the concert he gave an example of his technical abilities, performing  his own compositions which were inspired by the classical and popular music of the numerous countries he visited. 

·       Meeting with students of the Italian language and scholarship holders at the Ambassador's Residence (20 November 2002).
This reception was an occasion for a meeting with the academic authorities of the University of Malaya, students of Italian language of the same University and scholarship holders of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting a contribution of  9,000 Euro, from our country, was handed over in a ceremony to the Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Professor Professoressa Dr. Choi Kim Yok, to create and implement the teaching of Italian. This was further proof of the commitment in spreading the Italian language here. The event had significant attention by the local press.   

·        Libraries and videos at the Embassy of Italy in  Kuala Lumpur.
In August-September 2002, two libraries were established. The first one, for both the Italian community and Malaysian public with a listing of the works which belonged to the former Italian Institute of Culture. It includes different sectors such as history, diplomatic issues, literature, art and science. Particularly rich is the section on children novels and essays. Works in English are also present, many of which refer to Malaysian history, economy and civilization. The second library, more specific, includes books on learning the Italian language  as well as culture, grammar, Italian language didactic texts, audio and video material, publications on history, traditions and different aspects of the Italian society. This library is open to the students of the courses of Italian language at the University of Malaya, who may consult and in some cases borrow the different didactic material. This initiative was particularly appreciated by the Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics and by the Head of Department of the Asian and European Languages of the University of Malaya. At the same time 300 video cassettes were listed and made available to the public. They include some of the most important movies of our cinematographic tradition and  documentaries regarding Italian history, art, literature and society.   

Cultural Activities from 2001 to 1997

In the year 2001 the commitment in the field of culture by the Embassy was carried out with the participation in the European Festival of the Children Book (17th May). Many European Embassies and Malaysian Education bodies and institutes participated in this event, which was honoured by the presence of the Queen. In October, a concert by Maestro Andrea Griminelli and Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia was held.  “Italian Week” was held for the  first time in Kuala Lumpur from 12 to 16 November 2001, requiring a significant organisational effort from the Embassy this leading to an outstanding success. Launched by the Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad with a gala-dinner, the “Italian Week” included the following events: the exhibition “The Design in Italy -  100 objects of the Permanent Collection of the Italian Design of the Triennale di Milano” at the Galeri Petronas of the SURIA KLCC, launched by the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister, YBhg Datin Seri Endon Mahmud; the screening of the movies “Prime luci dell’alba” e “Commesso viaggiatore”;  two  concerts, by Musica Nova String Trio and by the pianist  Maurizio Baglini. The “Italian Week” ended with a Fashion Show, which displayed pieces by Versace, Zegna and Luciano Soprani. The fashion show was launched by the wife of the Minister of Transport, YBhg Datin Seri Ena Ling. In conjunction with the “Italian Week” an Italian  Gourmet Festival was organized and opened by the  Minister of the Foreign Affairs  YB Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar. In this occasion there was also a performance by the singer Elena Bonelli with her show “Napoli Na”.   In the year 2000 two concerts  were organized; the first one was by organist Francesco Finotti (Auditorium Philharmonic Orchestra) and, in October, by the Ensemble Amadeus. In collaboration with the Stibbert Museum of Florence, the Embassy organized the prestigious exhibition ”Dress for the body, body for the dress”, which was held at the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur. It was  inaugurated by the Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad. In November, the cultural season was closed by participation at the International European Film Festival, Festival of European movies in Kuala Lumpur.   In 1999 the exhibition “Jewellery of Italian artists”, took place at M.A.T.I.C. (Malaysian Center of Tourism) from 25 August to 8 September 1999. A contemporary ballet by the Compagnia Virgilio Sieni (18 October 1999) and a concert by Maestro Uto Ughi (22 October 1999) both took place at the prestigious National Theatre in Kuala Lumpur. The participation of two Italian movies in the International Cinema Festival in Kuala Lumpur was also carried out. The cultural season in 1999 ended with a festival of the Italian movie at the Filmnet Cafè club, for the whole month of November.   The program of the year 1998 included four concerts (Duo di chitarre Eirene, “Nova Amadeus”, Andrea Griminelli, Ensemble Arbusti), the silver exhibition of the Fondazione Sartirana and a festival of the Italian animation movie.   In 1997 three concerts were held (Uto Ughi, Chitarristi di Santa Cecilia, Solisti Veneti), an exhibition (“Grafica di Afro”), two cinematographic events and a theatre performance.

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