MalaysianUpdates

Category: Tourism

  • HONOR Drives Tourism Promotion with Magic Stories Awards 2026 and Nationwide Photography Workshop Tour

    HONOR Drives Tourism Promotion with Magic Stories Awards 2026 and Nationwide Photography Workshop Tour

    HONOR Malaysia has announced the inaugural Magic Stories Awards 2026 alongside a nationwide photography workshop tour designed to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes and vibrant everyday moments to a global audience. The initiative aims to empower photographers to capture the essence of Malaysia using HONOR smartphones, while supporting the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign through a combination of content creation, community engagement and advanced mobile imaging technology to position Malaysia as a leading travel destination.

    The HONOR Magic Stories Awards 2026 invites Malaysians to capture and share compelling visual stories across six themes: cityscapes, people and culture, nature, food, hidden gems and animals. A total of 21 winners will be recognised across various categories, celebrating creativity and storytelling through mobile photography. The top prize, Photographer of the Year, will receive a flagship foldable smartphone, while two winners in the Master of Photography category will each be awarded the HONOR Magic8 Pro. Three Prestigious Photographers will receive the HONOR 600 Pro, while 15 HONORable Photographers will each take home the HONOR 600. Submissions are open from 27 April to 15 September 2026, with winners to be announced in October 2026. All entries must be captured using HONOR smartphones, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to advancing mobile photography as a powerful creative medium. Winning entries will be showcased at HONOR exhibitions, selected shopping malls nationwide and across the brand’s official social media platforms. Selected winners will also be fast-tracked to the finalist stage of the global HONOR Magic Stories Awards 2026, offering an opportunity for international recognition.

    Complementing the awards programme, the HONOR Magic Stories Photography Workshop will be held across multiple locations nationwide, offering participants hands-on opportunities to capture Malaysia’s diverse landscapes, cultures and communities. Running from 9 May to 11 July 2026, the workshop series will cover seven locations across six states, beginning at The Habitat Penang Hill with a focus on architecture and cityscape photography, followed by Rumah Singgora in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Taman Negara in Pahang, Eufloria Gardens and Sculpture Park in Genting Highlands, Sosodikon Hill and Desa Dairy Farm in Sabah, Wang Kelian View Point in Perlis, and Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching. Participants will explore themes such as culture, nature and portrait photography while experiencing the flagship camera capabilities of the HONOR 600 Pro, enabling them to interpret and share uniquely Malaysian stories through their own creative perspectives.

    The HONOR Magic Stories Photography Workshop is supported by CelcomDigi as the Official Connectivity Partner, ensuring participants benefit from reliable high-speed connectivity to create and share content seamlessly throughout the campaign. More information on the HONOR Magic Stories Awards 2026 and workshop registration is available on HONOR Malaysia’s official website.

  • Enhanced Race Experience Unveiled for Special Commemorative Edition, Featuring RM20,000 Prize Pool and Limited Collectibles

    Enhanced Race Experience Unveiled for Special Commemorative Edition, Featuring RM20,000 Prize Pool and Limited Collectibles

    Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (“Alliance Bank”) has officially announced the return of its flagship community event, the Heritage Run 2026. This fourth edition is designated as a special commemorative event, strategically timed to coincide with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Scheduled to take place on 12 July 2026 at the historic Padang Kota Lama, the event serves as a key initiative in the Bank’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.

    Building upon the momentum of the 2025 edition, which successfully engaged 5,500 participants, the 2026 Heritage Run has been evolved into a comprehensive cultural tourism showcase. By highlighting Penang’s unique landmarks and multicultural heritage, the event supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11.4 regarding the protection of cultural and natural heritage. Group Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank, Kellee Kam, emphasized that the Run has transitioned into a meaningful tradition that fosters national unity and reinforces the Bank’s role as “The Bank for Life” within the communities it serves.

    In a move to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values into the event’s core, Alliance Bank has introduced several sustainable initiatives. Finisher medals for the 2026 edition are manufactured from sustainably sourced bamboo, while event memorabilia—including batik-inspired lanyards and category-specific T-shirts—reflect Penang’s cultural identity through motifs such as the kebaya and manik shoes. Furthermore, the event continues to empower local entrepreneurs through the reimagined #SupportLokal bazaar, which provides a dedicated marketplace for small businesses to showcase artisanal products and traditional crafts.

    Technical Race Categories and Prize Structure

    The 2026 edition introduces a “level up” framework, offering diversified categories to accommodate various fitness levels while providing a competitive platform for professional runners. A total prize pool of RM20,000 in cash will be awarded to top performers in the competitive divisions.

    • 21 km Half Marathon: A premier category designed for seasoned marathoners and long-distance athletes.
    • 10 km Competitive Race: A newly introduced tier aimed at motivating intermediate runners to achieve new personal milestones.
    • 3 km Fun Run: A family-oriented category featuring the “Best Dressed Family” challenge, encouraging participants to compete in traditional Malaysian attire.

    Registration and Tiered Pricing Schedule

    Registration for the Heritage Run 2026 is open from 24 April until 30 June 2026, or until the participation quota is met. Alliance Bank cardholders are entitled to a 20% discount on registration fees beginning 1 May 2026.

    Launch Sale Phase (24 – 30 April 2026) The introductory rates are set at RM39 for the 3 km category, RM55 for the 10 km category, and RM85 for the 21 km category.

    Early Bird Phase (1 – 31 May 2026) During this period, fees are adjusted to RM55 for 3 km, RM75 for 10 km, and RM115 for 21 km.

    Standard Registration Phase (1 – 30 June 2026) The final registration tier is priced at RM65 for 3 km, RM85 for 10 km, and RM125 for 21 km.

    For official registration and further technical details, please visit the dedicated portal at www.alliancebank.com.my/Alliance-Heritage-Run.

  • A Royal Pairing: Hock Kee Kopitiam Partners with D.Masking for the Ultimate Musang King Experience

    A Royal Pairing: Hock Kee Kopitiam Partners with D.Masking for the Ultimate Musang King Experience

    Two standard-bearers of Malaysian heritage, Hock Kee Kopitiam and D.MasKing by DSR Taiko Berhad, have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an innovative “orchard-to-kopitiam” dining concept. This partnership marks a pivotal shift in the local food and beverage landscape, merging the luxury of authentic Musang King durian with the enduring appeal of traditional kopitiam culture. By utilizing certified premium fruits from the orchards of Raub, Pahang, the collaboration offers an elevated experience that bridges the gap between rural agricultural excellence and urban lifestyle dining.

    The collaboration introduces an exclusive suite of durian-based retail and menu products, meticulously crafted to complement the existing favorites at Hock Kee Kopitiam. Diners can expect a refined twist on local staples, featuring Roti Bakar with Durian Kaya and butter, alongside specialized beverages including Durian-infused Coffee and Durian Teh Tarik. The dessert portfolio is further enhanced by three distinct durian ice cream formats—soft serve, gelato, and sticks—while a range of take-home products such as Durian Dark Chocolate and Durian Chips allows customers to enjoy the collaboration beyond the restaurant walls. These offerings will be rolled out across high-traffic locations including Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC), Bangsar South, The Gardens, and key outlets in Johor Bahru.

    (Middle left) Nick Ng, Founder of Hock Kee Kopitiam and YBhg. Dato” Ng Lian Poh, CEO of DSR Taiko Berhad (Middle right) officiate the New Range of Durian-based Products launching.

    At the core of this partnership is a shared commitment to quality and provenance. DSR Taiko Berhad enters the agreement as Malaysia’s first and only company capable of certifying the authentic source of Musang King durians. This level of transparency is achieved through the proprietary Musang King Integrated Traceability System (MKITS)® and a rigorous Standard of Quality (SOQ) protocol, ensuring every fruit used is fully authenticated from the orchard to the consumer’s table. This focus on traceability provides a new benchmark for trust within the industry, ensuring that the “King of Fruits” maintains its premium status in every application.

    Guests and media enjoyed premium Musang King, reimagined into familiar local flavours by Hock Kee Kopitiam and D.Masking.

    Dato’ Ng Lian Poh, CEO of DSR Taiko Berhad, emphasized that the collaboration is a vehicle for innovation that stays true to Malaysian roots, making premium durians accessible in a way that feels both modern and authentic. Nick Ng, Founder of Hock Kee Kopitiam, noted that the partnership aligns perfectly with the brand’s mission to champion the spirit of Muhibbah and comfort. He stated that the introduction of Musang King is a strategic move to elevate the familiar kopitiam experience, offering customers a premium touch that honors the rich flavors of Malaysia. Together, Hock Kee and D.MasKing aim to create a dining narrative that celebrates the journey of local produce and the artistry of homegrown recipes.

  • Aaron Chia dan Chen Tang Jie Terajui Karnival “Malaysia on the Move”

    Aaron Chia dan Chen Tang Jie Terajui Karnival “Malaysia on the Move”

    Karnival pengalaman selama enam hari yang meraikan budaya, sukan dan gaya hidup Malaysia akan berlangsung di Sunway Velocity Mall dari 31 Mac hingga 5 April ini. Dikenali sebagai “Malaysia on the Move: Mana-mana pun ON!”, acara ini dianjurkan oleh theCOVER ASIA dengan kerjasama Sunway Velocity Mall serta disokong oleh Sunway Multicare Pharmacy sebagai penganjur bersama, manakala MY FM dan MELODY bertindak sebagai rakan radio rasmi. Karnival ini berlangsung setiap hari dari jam 10 pagi hingga 10 malam di pintu masuk Nanjing, aras 1, dan menampilkan gabungan elemen sukan, pelancongan, budaya serta jenama tempatan. Ia turut diterajui oleh juara dunia badminton Aaron Chia dan Chen Tang Jie bersama barisan atlet kebangsaan lain dalam usaha mempromosikan budaya kesukanan, pelancongan serta produk tempatan sempena kempen Visit Malaysia 2026.

    Menurut theCOVER ASIA, tema “Mana-mana pun ON!” mencerminkan semangat dinamik rakyat Malaysia di samping menggalakkan orang ramai untuk meneroka dan menyokong produk tempatan sambil menikmati gabungan sukan, gaya hidup dan budaya. Pengasas theCOVER ASIA, Stephen Wong berkata kerjasama ini merupakan kolaborasi pertama bersama pusat beli-belah tersebut dan diharapkan dapat mendekatkan semangat sukan kepada masyarakat melalui pengaruh atlet negara, selain mengetengahkan jenama ‘Buatan Malaysia’ yang berkualiti tinggi.

    Antara atlet yang dijangka hadir termasuk pasangan beregu campuran Goh Soon Huat dan Shevon Lai, perenang Welson Sim, pemain badminton Hoo Pang Ron dan Kong Zhou Swin, juara skuasy Sukan SEA Sanjay Jeeva serta juara luncur ais Fang Ze Zeng. Pengunjung juga berpeluang meneroka Malaysia Made Experience Zone yang menampilkan pelbagai aktiviti interaktif seperti pengalaman makanan tempatan, bengkel DIY serta pameran kesihatan, kecantikan dan gaya hidup. Selain itu, pelbagai permainan interaktif turut disediakan termasuk cabaran padanan produk, aktiviti meneka bau dan pertandingan media sosial, dengan lebih 500 sampel produk diagihkan setiap hari sepanjang karnival.

    Antara tarikan utama karnival ini ialah jualan barangan eksklusif atlet seperti aksesori NFC Touch ’n Go serta koleksi edisi terhad termasuk kad emas tulen 999, lanyard dan pelbagai barangan gaya hidup lain. Pengunjung yang berbelanja RM200 dan ke atas turut berpeluang menyertai cabutan bertuah dengan hadiah utama berupa 100 raket badminton bertandatangan pemain profesional.

    Dalam masa sama, atlet badminton kebangsaan Chen Tang Jie bakal melancarkan kad koleksi eksklusif emas tulen 999 sebagai satu inisiatif istimewa bagi menghargai sokongan peminat sepanjang perjalanan kariernya. Koleksi ini bukan sekadar produk memorabilia, malah melambangkan dedikasi, usaha berterusan serta semangat juang yang telah membawanya ke pentas antarabangsa. Setiap kad emas yang dihasilkan membawa nilai simbolik yang mendalam, mencerminkan perjalanan penuh cabaran serta sokongan padu daripada para penyokong. Menurut beliau, penghasilan kad emas ini merupakan langkah untuk tampil dengan sesuatu yang lebih berbeza dan bermakna berbanding produk peminat konvensional, selain menjadi permulaan kepada pembangunan jenama peribadi yang lebih meluas pada masa hadapan. Pelancaran rasmi koleksi ini dijangka mendapat sambutan hangat daripada peminat serta pengumpul, sekali gus mengukuhkan hubungan antara atlet dan penyokong.

    Pengasas Click Entertainment, Tan Yin Loo berkata pihaknya berbesar hati dapat menjalinkan kerjasama dengan theCOVER ASIA serta menyokong barisan atlet kebangsaan di bawah naungan mereka. Beliau turut menyifatkan Chen Tang Jie sebagai kebanggaan negara yang sentiasa mengharumkan nama Malaysia di pentas antarabangsa, selain menghargai kerjasama bersama golongan muda yang membawa tenaga baharu dan merupakan tonggak masa depan negara. Tambah beliau lagi, pihaknya akan terus meneroka saluran baharu serta pendekatan inovatif bagi memberikan pengalaman yang lebih menarik kepada para peminat, di samping mewujudkan hubungan yang lebih bermakna antara penyokong dan atlet kebangsaan.

    Siaran akhbar ini diterbitkan oleh Click Entertainment. Untuk sebarang pertanyaan, orang ramai boleh menghubungi Yin Loo di talian 012-632 6658 atau melalui emel yinloo@click-ent.com.

  • Kuala Lumpur Jadi Tumpuan Pelancongan Strategik Sempena Hari Pekerja Sedunia dan Festival Muzik Air Rain Rave

    Kuala Lumpur Jadi Tumpuan Pelancongan Strategik Sempena Hari Pekerja Sedunia dan Festival Muzik Air Rain Rave

    Malaysia akan terus bergerak ke hadapan secara berhemah dan bertanggungjawab ketika Kuala Lumpur bersiap sedia untuk meraikan Sambutan Hari Pekerja Sedunia bersama Festival Muzik Air Rain Rave yang akan berlangsung dari 30 April hingga 2 Mei 2026 di Bukit Bintang. Festival ini memberi peluang untuk mengalu-alukan pelawat dari seluruh rantau dan luar negara untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada pengalaman bersama yang merentas budaya di Malaysia.

    Selain acara utama di Kuala Lumpur, tujuh negeri turut menyatakan kesediaan mereka untuk menganjurkan aktiviti berkaitan yang bertemakan selari dan saling melengkapi, disesuaikan dengan konteks tempatan serta elemen budaya masing-masing. Negeri-negeri tersebut termasuk Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka, Kedah, Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan, Pahang dan Terengganu, sekali gus mencerminkan penyertaan yang lebih meluas di peringkat kebangsaan dalam meraikan acara ini.

    Acara ini dianjurkan bersama oleh Tourism Malaysia dan The Fame sebagai sebahagian daripada ekosistem pelancongan Visit Malaysia 2026 yang lebih luas. Walaupun persekitaran global kekal tidak menentu, dalam tempoh sebegini penekanan perlu diberikan kepada usaha mengekalkan aktiviti ekonomi dan memastikan pertumbuhan yang inklusif. Inisiatif pelancongan yang dirancang dengan baik memainkan peranan penting dalam menyokong perniagaan tempatan, mengukuhkan daya tahan industri serta memastikan manfaat pertumbuhan pelancongan dapat diagihkan dengan lebih meluas, termasuk kepada komuniti B40.

    Festival Muzik Air Rain Rave dilihat sebagai pengaktifan pelancongan bandar strategik yang mencerminkan masyarakat majmuk Malaysia serta mempromosikan keterangkuman, dengan menghimpunkan pemain industri, rakan kreatif dan pihak berkepentingan komersial, di samping meningkatkan kehadiran pelawat serta merangsang perbelanjaan merentas sektor runcit, hospitaliti dan perkhidmatan. Selain hiburan, festival ini turut mengintegrasikan elemen pelbagai budaya Malaysia, bakat kreatif tempatan dan pengalaman gaya hidup terkurasi yang mencerminkan kekuatan ekosistem industri kreatif negara, sambil menarik minat khalayak domestik dan antarabangsa. Pengunjung boleh menjangkakan persekitaran imersif yang diinspirasikan oleh hujan, barisan DJ antarabangsa dan serantau bersama artis Malaysia, serta pengalaman pasar tempatan terkurasi yang menampilkan makanan, budaya dan ekspresi kreatif Malaysia.

    Rain Rave kekal berteraskan identiti Malaysia dengan pendekatan kontemporari yang mencerminkan gabungan tradisi dan kreativiti moden. Diinspirasikan oleh hujan sebagai elemen semula jadi penting dalam persekitaran Malaysia, festival ini mentransformasikan elemen tersebut kepada ekspresi kreatif dan budaya, sambil mempamerkan kepelbagaian tradisi budaya Malaysia melalui persembahan tradisional, makanan dan permainan. Bersempena Hari Pekerja, festival ini juga berfungsi sebagai penghargaan bermakna kepada sumbangan semua komuniti pekerja dan akan dibangunkan sebagai acara tahunan berprestij, sekali gus mengukuhkan peranannya sebagai sorotan utama dalam kalendar pelancongan Malaysia serta memposisikan negara sebagai destinasi yang muda dan bertenaga.

    Acara ini turut disokong oleh rangkaian pihak berkepentingan awam dan swasta. Sokongan budaya dan kandungan disediakan oleh agensi seperti Istana Budaya, Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia (KRAFTANGAN), Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN) serta Jabatan Warisan Negara (JWN), sekali gus mempertingkatkan keseluruhan pengalaman pelawat. Tourism Malaysia menyokong inisiatif ini melalui usaha promosi destinasi di bawah Visit Malaysia 2026, manakala Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya berperanan sebagai pemudah cara dan penyelaras, bekerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa berkaitan bagi memastikan pelaksanaan yang lancar, pematuhan peraturan serta keselamatan awam.

    Perancangan menyeluruh telah disediakan termasuk pengurusan trafik, langkah kawalan orang ramai, protokol keselamatan dan penyelarasan dengan agensi penguatkuasaan bagi memastikan persekitaran yang selamat, teratur dan terkawal untuk semua pengunjung. Kementerian kekal komited untuk mengimbangi keutamaan ekonomi dengan pelaksanaan yang bertanggungjawab. Ketika Malaysia mengharungi landskap global yang kompleks, fokus kekal jelas untuk mengekalkan pertumbuhan, mengukuhkan keyakinan dan memastikan Malaysia kekal berdaya saing, stabil serta berpandangan ke hadapan. Sekali lagi, Malaysia terus mengalu-alukan pelawat dari seluruh dunia.

  • Disney’s The Lion King Live in Concert Premieres in Malaysia with a 72-Piece Orchestra

    Malaysia will host Disney’s The Lion King Live in Concert for the first time, marking a landmark collaboration with Istana Budaya’s National Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026. The event is set to take place on 13 June 2026 at the KLCC Plenary Hall. Presented by Milestone Production, this spectacular showcase brings Disney’s beloved 1994 animated masterpiece to life through a breathtaking live-to-film concert experience.

    Audiences will relive the magic of the Pride Lands as the full film is screened on the big screen, accompanied by a 72-piece orchestra performing the iconic score live in perfect synchronization with the film, creating an immersive cinematic experience like no other. This world-class production will be performed by the National Symphony Orchestra Malaysia under the direction of Resident Conductor Eric Lee, who is recognised and approved by Disney Concerts for his technical precision, musical excellence and ability to meet international performance standards.

    The orchestra will bring to life the iconic score by a celebrated team of Oscar and Grammy-winning talents, including composer Hans Zimmer, songwriters Elton John and Tim Rice, as well as South African music producer and composer Lebo M, whose voice and musical influence have become synonymous with The Lion King. Since its original release in 1994 by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the film has captivated millions worldwide with its timeless story of courage, love and destiny. From the powerful opening of “Circle of Life” to the joyful “Hakuna Matata” and the romantic “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” the unforgettable soundtrack performed live will transport audiences deep into the African savannah, making this a must-see experience for families, friends and Disney fans of all ages.

    Presented under license by Disney Concerts, all rights reserved, the production is staged in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and highlights Malaysia’s growing stature as a premier destination for world-class live entertainment and performing arts tourism. Tickets are now on sale with prices starting from RM168, and UOB cardmembers can enjoy up to 20 percent off on ticket purchases with applicable terms and conditions. Further information is available at www.milestone-entertainment.com.

    Disney’s The Lion King Live in Concert in Kuala Lumpur will be held on 13 June 2026, with showtimes at 2:30pm and 8:00pm at the KLCC Plenary Hall. Ticket categories are priced at Premium RM638, VIP RM538, CAT A RM468, CAT B RM368, CAT C RM268 and CAT D RM168, with prices subject to a RM6 ticketing fee per ticket and 8 percent SST. For school bookings, corporate packages or purchases for persons with disabilities, enquiries may be directed to Ms. Sha at +6012 332 3024 or via email at sha@milestone-entertainment.com.

  • “The Chain of Civilization” Digital Heritage Project Expands Globally with KL Debut

    (From L-R) Ms. Emilia Tan (myBatik), Datin Sri Penny Liao (MCCTA), Ms. Vanessa Wan (Beijing Poly Art), Zhou Shuying (National ICH), Mr. Lee Thai Hung (Tourism Malaysia), Mr. Zheng Xuefang (Chinese Embassy), Mr. Zhu Xiaojian (China Cultural Heritage Committee), Ms. Frovar Wang (Beijing Poly Art), Mr. Ng Swee Kheng (Federation of Calligraphy Societies Malaysia), Mr. Lee Han Lim (Malaysian Chinese Cultural Society).

    KUALA LUMPUR, 27 February 2026 – Visitors to the “Chain of Civilization – Digital Intangible Cultural Heritage Co-Creation Initiative” can experience heritage like never before, thanks to a series of immersive and interactive installations. Held at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre, the exhibition fuses traditional Chinese paper-cutting with cutting-edge technology, engaging audiences through a multi-sensory experience.

    One of the exhibition’s highlights is the “Cube” digital space, where visitors are enveloped by dynamic light projections and animated visuals that bring intricate paper-cut designs to life. Each movement and color detail showcases the elegance and precision of the art form in a digital environment.

    At the Master Workstation, the public can observe live demonstrations of sketching, cutting, and coloring techniques. This provides a rare opportunity to witness the craftsmanship in action and understand the painstaking process behind each piece.

    Adding a modern twist, the AI Interactive Greeting Card zone allows visitors to create their own digital artwork inspired by paper-cut motifs. Participants can instantly generate personalized digital creations, combining traditional motifs with AI-powered technology. This blend of heritage and interactivity makes the exhibition especially appealing to younger, tech-savvy audiences, fostering deeper engagement and understanding of intangible cultural heritage.

  • Sarawak to Host 1,000 Delegates at SEA Tourist Guides Conference in Sibu

    Sarawak to Host 1,000 Delegates at SEA Tourist Guides Conference in Sibu

    Sarawak is set to welcome 1,000 delegates from across Southeast Asia at the 3rd Southeast Asian Tourist Guides Conference 2026, taking place from 13 to 15 October 2026 at the Kingwood Hotel in Sibu. Following the success of the inaugural conference in Kuching in 2024, this year’s event, held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, aims to strengthen regional guiding standards while positioning Sarawak as a premier destination for impact-driven business events. Organised by the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association in collaboration with the Malaysian Tourist Guides Council and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the conference will focus on addressing industry challenges and enhancing collaboration among tourism frontliners in Southeast Asia.

    Under Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, the state targets a 7.5% annual growth in visitor arrivals by 2030. Achieving this requires not only attracting tourists but ensuring high-quality experiences. Tourist guides, as cultural ambassadors and storytellers, play a critical role in delivering authentic and impactful visitor experiences. However, the profession faces new challenges, including the rise of digital and AI-driven travel tools, evolving visitor expectations, and a shortage of qualified guides.

    The Honourable Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, emphasised the importance of quality experiences alongside visitor growth, stating that tourist guides are the frontline in shaping how Sarawak is understood and remembered. The conference will provide a dedicated platform for professional development, while accelerating the training of Registered Regional Specific Tourist Guides and Sarawak Park Guides, ensuring a strong and future-ready talent pipeline.

    Edwin Lim, Honorary Chairman of the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association, highlighted the growing demands on tourist guides in a digital world and the importance of regional collaboration to elevate the profession. Sibu was chosen as the host city to promote inclusive tourism development, creating opportunities and distributing the benefits of tourism across Sarawak. Jason Tan Chin Foo, Acting CEO of BESarawak, added that business events today must deliver impact, and this conference strengthens regional networks, fosters high-value tourism, and positions Sarawak as a legacy-driven business events hub in Malaysia and Borneo.

    Delegates will also engage in an immersive outdoor learning experience, including cultural exchanges and community-based tourism activities, offering firsthand insight into preserving cultural identity and delivering authentic visitor experiences.

    For more information about the 3rd Southeast Asian Tourist Guides Conference 2026, visit https://www.sktga.org/.

  • Manami Resort Showcases the Untamed Beauty of Negros Occidental

    Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Manami Resort, the first and only luxury nature resort in Sipalay, Philippines, is redefining eco-luxury travel by putting the spotlight on the region’s rich forests, reefs, and coastal ecosystems. Designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, the resort encourages guests to observe rather than intrude, with forest paths weaving through native vegetation and elevated viewpoints opening onto uninterrupted vistas of the Sulu Sea. Along the shoreline, pristine waters shelter vibrant coral reefs, providing a sanctuary for diverse marine life and offering visitors a rare chance to explore one of the country’s least-explored coastal regions.

    Central to Manami’s nature-led philosophy is the Reef Retreat, an immersive program allowing guests to experience Sipalay’s underwater world through guided snorkeling, diving, and non-motorized water activities. Designed for slow exploration, the Reef Retreat emphasizes observation over speed, giving participants an opportunity to study coral formations, reef fish, and delicate marine ecosystems while also exploring natural caves on land. These experiences cultivate a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness between land and sea, reinforcing the importance of protecting both habitats.

    Founder Cristina Corro emphasizes that Manami was created in response to the landscape, not imposed upon it. The resort’s architecture and circulation respect natural sightlines, while activities and guest experiences are intentionally small-scale to maintain a light environmental footprint. This approach mirrors a global trend in travel that values environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and thoughtful engagement with local ecosystems. By integrating luxury with ecological consciousness, Manami Resort offers travellers a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty of Negros Occidental while fostering responsible tourism that preserves these landscapes for generations to come.

  • Penang’s Business Events Sector Generates RM1.91 Billion Economic Impact in 2025, Advancing Penang 2030 Vision

    Penang’s Business Events Sector Generates RM1.91 Billion Economic Impact in 2025, Advancing Penang 2030 Vision

    Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has announced a landmark performance for Business Events Penang in 2025, underscoring the state’s growing reputation as a premier destination for high-value conferences, conventions, and corporate events. The sector recorded strong growth across key performance indicators, further strengthening Penang’s position in the regional and international business events landscape while contributing significantly to the state’s long-term development strategy under the Penang 2030 Vision.

    According to the bureau, Penang hosted a total of 3,391 business events in 2025, representing a remarkable 64.7% increase compared to 2,059 events in 2024. The number of delegates also rose significantly to 451,198, reflecting a 47.8% growth, while total room nights reached 824,505, marking an increase of 47.6% year-on-year. These achievements collectively generated an estimated Economic Event Impact (EEI) of RM1.91 billion, highlighting the important role of business events in driving tourism revenue, hospitality demand, and broader economic activity across the state.

    The strong performance was supported by ongoing infrastructure expansion and improved connectivity. Over the past year, Penang added more than 2,000 new hotel rooms, while expanded direct flight connectivity has made the destination more accessible for both regional and international delegates. These developments have enhanced Penang’s ability to host large-scale meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), further elevating its competitiveness as a business events hub in Asia.

    Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, said the results demonstrate that business events play a crucial role in driving the state’s economic growth. He noted that the sector aligns closely with Penang’s long-term aspirations under the Penang 2030 agenda, which focuses on sustainable economic development and innovation. According to him, emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and marine-related sectors present strong opportunities to attract more high-value international events that align with Penang’s economic priorities.

    Meanwhile, Ashwin Gunasekeran emphasised that PCEB continues to adopt a strategic and data-driven approach to strengthen the state’s business events ecosystem. By leveraging market intelligence, global industry best practices, and collaborative partnerships, the bureau aims to help stakeholders transform opportunities into measurable outcomes that benefit Penang’s wider tourism and business landscape.

    Looking ahead, Penang remains committed to attracting high-impact, strategic business events that deliver both immediate economic benefits and long-term value for the community. Central to this effort is the Penang Inspiring Meetings campaign, an initiative designed to position the destination as more than just a venue for events. The campaign focuses on creating meaningful and transformative experiences that connect people, ideas, and culture, while reinforcing Penang’s standing within the global business events community.