AS I conclude my tenure as the ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia this month, I am filled with a mixture of honour and bittersweet emotion. 

Over the past three years, my journey here has been incredibly rewarding, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to know, experience, and love this beautiful country. 

From its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes to its bustling cities and warmhearted people, Malaysia has truly become a second home to me. 

The productive and honest dialogues, the warm hospitality, and the spirit of cooperation I have enjoyed here are treasures I will carry with me forever.

Diplomacy, at its core, is about dialogue, cooperation, knowledge exchange, and a shared curiosity to learn. I have been fortunate to witness and partake in a rich flow of meaningful engagements that exemplify these values. 

During my time in Kuala Lumpur, I have observed the strengthening of our bilateral relations in many areas. The relationship between Sweden and Malaysia has flourished, marked by significant growth in trade, investments, and cultural exchanges.

The presence of nearly 100 Swedish companies in Malaysia stands as a testament to our robust economic ties and mutual confidence. 

These companies, including iconic names such as Volvo, ABB, Atlas Copco, Ericsson, and Ikea, have not only contributed to the Malaysian economy and employment but have also enriched the industrial landscape through innovation and sustainable practices.

In the past year, we have taken steps to deepen our connections further. Sweden appointed two new honourary consuls in Kota Kinabalu and Penang. It has been a pleasure to see Elizabeth Filex and Ooi Geok Ling take up office and to cooperate with them. 

Their appointments are significant milestones in our efforts to strengthen our bilateral ties.

Sweden, a Nordic gem, is renowned for its innovation, breathtaking landscapes, unmatched social welfare systems, and a rich cultural life. It consistently ranks among the happiest, most equal, and innovative countries globally, reflecting its strong focus on education, social support, high life expectancy, and the freedom to make life choices. 

It has been my privilege to represent these values and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between our countries.

Over the past few years, Swedish investments in Malaysia have amounted to nearly US$400 million between 2021 and 2023, making Malaysia the largest recipient of Swedish investment in the Asean region. 

These investments span various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and green technology, paving the way for a future defined by sustainable development and innovation.

One of the cornerstones of our bilateral relations has been the active flow of engagements in areas such as trade, culture, peace and security, democracy, and human rights. 

The “Pioneer the Possible” initiative, which we launched in 2023, has been instrumental in facilitating collaboration and raising awareness about sustainability. This initiative has brought together Swedish and Malaysian stakeholders to discuss and implement sustainable practices, particularly in green energy, transport, manufacturing, and digital solutions.

Sweden’s commitment to sustainability is unwavering, with ambitious goals to become carbon neutral by 2045. 

Our dialogue and collaboration in innovation, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, sustainable forestry, food, health solutions, and sustainable transportation and infrastructure have immense potential. 

Malaysia’s efforts towards a green transition align seamlessly with Sweden’s expertise, creating opportunities for further partnership and trade.

Cultural exchanges have also deeply touched me, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our respective heritages. 

From vibrant arts, literature, film, and design to culinary delights, Swedish culture has made a lasting impression in Malaysia, enhancing our bilateral bond. 

The Project Jom Kita Bincang, a cultural exchange program conducted in five states around Malaysia, has reached tens of thousands of Malaysians through exhibitions, workshops, seminars, and conversations. 

This initiative has sparked important discussions about sustainability, health, social issues, democracy, and children’s rights, drawing inspiration from children’s books from both Sweden and Malaysia. 

My team and I are deeply grateful to the hundreds of Malaysians who have actively made this a possibility.

Looking to the future, I am confident that the foundation laid by my predecessors and myself will ensure that our countries continue to work together in achieving common goals. 

The Swedish green model and innovative spirit will undoubtedly inspire and support Malaysia’s journey towards carbon neutrality by 2050. 

Our shared commitment to democracy, human rights, and multilateralism further strengthens our alliance, ensuring peace and prosperity for both our nations.

As I prepare to embark on my next professional and personal journey, I leave Malaysia with a heart full of gratitude and pride. Your friendship, cooperation, and the remarkable progress we have made together will always be cherished. 

My engagements here have been made possible with a strong team at my embassy and with wonderful cooperation from Business Sweden, SwedCham, the Swedish community, and Swedish companies here. 

I also want to express my appreciation to the diplomatic community, particularly the European Union group of embassies, for their immense support and cooperation.

I now pass the baton to ambassador-designate Niklas Wiberg, confident that you will welcome him as kindly as you have welcomed me. 

It has been an honor to serve as the ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia. Thank you for your generous support, your partnership, and your friendship. Jumpa Lagi! – August 3, 2024.

* Joachim Bergström is the Swedish ambassador to Malaysia.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.