Kuala Lumpur 2011/2012

From 08th December 2011 until the 15th February 2012 the United Buddy Bears exhibition was launched in the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, under the patronage of the Sultan of Selangor. 147 bears were presented downtown on Jalan Bukit Bintag.

The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail, supported the exhibition and the overall focus was on aid for children in need. Numerous charity activities were planned to take place during the weeks of the exhibition.

The programme of activities for the exhibition included visits of children from various homes and schoolchildren as well as colouring activities for children.

Please read the Messages of Greetings by the Sultan of Selangor (Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj), the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Malaysia (Sri Anifah Hj. Aman) as well as from Germany (Dr. Guido Westerwelle).

For getting more impression you can watch our film on youtube.

The Malaysia Bear specially designed and painted by renowned Malaysian artist Imuda was unveiled at the launch by Dato’ Haji Zafer Hashim, President & Group Managing Director, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad, the patron of the Malaysian Buddy Bear and the artist himself.

Imuda’s design featured elements of the main races, culture, flora and fauna as well as famous landmarks of Malaysia.  The Malaysian Buddy Bear will join the other bears on their globe-trotting mission.

I am pleased that Kuala Lumpur is given the unique opportunity to help spread the message of tolerance and international understanding through visual art.

The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur

Tan Sri Syed Yusof bin Tun Syed Nasir, Organising Chairman, United Buddy Bears Malaysia said, “The bears are an impressive work of art and a masterpiece of the cultural wealth of our world.  Each of them reflects their nation’s own culture, history, traditions and characteristics. […] We are happy to be a part of the United Buddy Bears World Tour and hope that the United Buddy Bears will continue to receive strong support from all the nations and their governments for their noble efforts in promoting peace and helping children in need.”

During the final gala dinner on 16th February 2012 in the presence of His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor and the First Lady of Malaysia, YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, 5 cheques were handed over to children’s aid organisations. At the end 285,750 Malaysian Ringgit (around 71,300 Euros) for children in need was the final outcome of the United Buddy Bears exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

his amount was generated by donations and auction proceeds. A number of unique bear sculptures were sold in aid of children in need, including two large and several small Buddy Bears.

Five local projects (Angels Children's Home, Yayasan Permata, Yayasan Chow Kit, Tri-Ratana Welfare Society und Shelter Home for Children) and the Buddy Bear Help e.V. are going to benefit from the proceeds.