By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi
KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s well-loved traditional kuih - from the soft, gula Melaka-filled onde-onde to the intricately layered and colourful kuih lapis - are more than just a delight to the palette.
For Italian Ambassador to Malaysia, Raffaele Langella, these traditional kueh reflect design in both form and function, showcasing the country's unique refinement through harmoniously blending flavours, aesthetics and creativity in arts.
“We are celebrating Italian design and Malaysian design. Think about the design of Malaysian pastries (kuih), for instance, about the design of an onde-onde or a kuih lapis, or any Malaysian pastry.
“It is the perfect design, very appealing, functional and innovative,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview in conjuction with Italian Design Day 2026, recently.
Langella, who hails from Naples, a city renowned for its artistic, design and architectural heritage, observed that artistry behind local kuih deserves closer appreciation particularly in how creativity is translated into something both delightful and meaningful.
He said besides kuih and local pastries, he has also grown fond of traditional Malaysian food.
“I love everything about Malaysian food. I love Peranakan food in particular, but I mean all Malaysian food, particularly Malaysian pastries (kuih).
“We should study a little bit more in detail what kind of translation of creativity into sweetness the Malaysian pastries (kuih) are embodying,” he added.
Langella who assumed his role in Malaysia since last September, reaffirmed continuity in strengthening the multi-faceted bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in areas of trade and business, culture, education and design.
He found the country inspiring, describing Malaysians as the country’s greatest asset.
“The people of Malaysia are by far the most important asset this country can rely on.
“In six months, I have never met someone who had nothing to say, every person I met had something to teach me and conversations with Malaysians are always engaging and enriching,” he said.
On design, he said Italy—widely recognised as a global leader in the field, with a strong heritage in fashion, industrial design and product innovation—offers significant potential for deeper collaboration with Malaysia.
"Together, Malaysia and Italy can work towards the setting of new standards and new frontiers.
“We have a lot of things in common, and there are a lot of opportunities that we can explore together,” he said, adding that Italy is ready to share its expertise with Malaysian partners.
Bilateral relations between Malaysia and Italy, which were established since 1957, are anchored in strong economic cooperation, long standing diplomatic ties and cultural connections.
In 2024, total trade between the two countries reached US$3.18 billion (RM14.61 billion), an increase of two per cent from 2023.
From January to May 2025, total trade between the two countries continued to record positive growth, rising by 3.3 per cent to US$1.48 billion (RM6.5 billion) compared with the same period in 2024.
There are about 150 Italian companies operating in Malaysia, including Leonardo, Maire Tecnimont, Assicurazioni Generali, STMicroelectronics, Saipem, Mapei, Cementir, Alfagomma and Maccaferri.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made an official visit to Italy in July last year at the invitation of his counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
-- BERNAMA
