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 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.
Explorers World Ventures Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian-based tourism and events company committed to promoting Asia’s rich cultural diversity and lifestyle through immersive experiences, officially announced the Asian Youth Festival 2026 during its grand launch ceremony and press conference held at Saloma Kuala Lumpur. The large-scale youth-centric festival is set to take place from 10 to 12 July 2026 at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), Sungai Besi, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).
The launch event was officiated by the Honourable Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, and attended by Visit Malaysia Year 2026 Head of Secretariat Tuan Mohd Akbal Setia, representatives from MOTAC and Tourism Malaysia, dignitaries, celebrity guests, strategic partners, collaborators, and members of the media. In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister commended the private sector’s proactive role in supporting VMY2026, highlighting the Asian Youth Festival as a timely initiative poised to energize Malaysia’s tourism landscape through youth engagement.
Officially supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Asian Youth Festival 2026 is envisioned as a multi-vertical, large-scale platform designed to unite Asian youth under one roof. Spanning more than 1.2 million square feet, the festival aims to foster creativity, inclusivity, and regional friendship while inspiring the next generation to lead with innovation, passion, and cultural pride. The festival also positions Malaysia as the cultural hub of Asia by showcasing the best of Asian food, fashion, entertainment, digital culture, and lifestyle experiences.
Festival co-founders Chris Avinash and Marina Abdullah shared that Asian Youth Festival 2026 goes beyond entertainment, serving as a collaborative platform created by youth for youth. The three-day festival will transform the venue into a dynamic hub of creativity and connection, featuring live performances, pop-up booths, international guests, interactive sessions, tournaments, and immersive cultural showcases that reflect the vibrant spirit of Asia’s youth culture.
Seven major themed zones will anchor the festival experience, including live music concerts featuring performers from across Asia, an e-Sports Arena hosting competitive Mobile Legends tournaments, and an ACG & TCG Zone dedicated to cosplay, collectibles, and trading card games. Fashion enthusiasts can explore the Fashion Street showcasing streetwear and emerging designers, while the Asian Food Village will present ten themed streets offering authentic and fusion cuisines from across the continent. The Youth Engagement Zone will host talks, workshops, and future-focused discussions on leadership and entrepreneurship, complemented by the Asian Pickleball Challenge, adding a sporting dimension to the festival.
The Asian Youth Festival is presented by Explorers World Ventures as the festival owner and strategic tourism platform, in partnership with Memories Entertainment as the official festival partner and production collaborator. Leveraging Explorers World Ventures’ extensive tourism ecosystem and Memories Entertainment’s expertise in large-scale event production and creative execution, the organizers aim to establish the Asian Youth Festival as a flagship annual event that not only celebrates youth culture but also strengthens Malaysia’s position as a premier regional tourism and cultural destination.
Kuala Lumpur bakal menyaksikan transformasi kawasan Bukit Bintang menjadi sebuah pentas perayaan bandar yang meriah menerusi penganjuran Bukit Bintang Star-Lit Street Festival sempena Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026. Festival ini dirancang sebagai sebuah acara berskala besar yang menampilkan gabungan hiburan, budaya, seni kreatif dan pengalaman pelancongan waktu malam, sekali gus memperkukuh peranan Bukit Bintang sebagai nadi pelancongan dan gaya hidup ibu negara.
Berlokasi di sekitar Plaza Low Yat, festival jalanan ini merupakan antara inisiatif utama yang menyokong kempen Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 dengan menghidupkan ruang awam melalui aktiviti berimpak tinggi. Pelbagai persembahan muzik secara langsung, seni persembahan kebudayaan, pameran kreatif serta sajian gastronomi jalanan akan disajikan kepada pengunjung dalam suasana terbuka yang inklusif dan mesra komuniti.
Konsep festival jalanan yang diketengahkan memberi peluang kepada penduduk tempatan dan pelancong antarabangsa untuk berinteraksi secara lebih dekat dengan budaya Malaysia. Pengalaman yang ditawarkan bukan sahaja berfokus kepada hiburan, malah menonjolkan kepelbagaian masyarakat, kreativiti tempatan serta semangat bandar Kuala Lumpur yang sentiasa bertenaga, terutamanya pada waktu malam.
Penganjuran festival ini dilihat selari dengan aspirasi negara menjelang Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 yang menyasarkan 47 juta ketibaan pelancong dan RM329 bilion hasil pelancongan. Acara bandar seperti Bukit Bintang Star-Lit Street Festival memainkan peranan penting dalam memanjangkan tempoh kunjungan pelawat, merangsang perbelanjaan pelancong serta memperkukuh tarikan Kuala Lumpur sebagai destinasi pelancongan bandar bertaraf antarabangsa.
Sebagai antara kawasan paling sibuk di Kuala Lumpur dengan lebih 20 juta kunjungan setiap tahun, Bukit Bintang menyediakan latar yang ideal untuk penceritaan pelancongan yang berimpak tinggi. Keunikan kawasan ini yang merangkumi elemen membeli-belah, hiburan, budaya dan ekonomi waktu malam menjadikannya lokasi strategik untuk mempamerkan kelebihan Malaysia kepada khalayak global.
Festival ini turut memberi penekanan kepada pembangunan ekonomi waktu malam yang semakin penting dalam landskap pelancongan moden. Melalui penglibatan artis tempatan, penghibur jalanan, penggiat industri kreatif dan pengusaha makanan, acara ini membuka ruang kepada pembangunan bakat tempatan serta peluang ekonomi yang lebih luas kepada komuniti setempat.
Dari sudut promosi, festival ini dijangka menarik jutaan kehadiran fizikal dan menjana puluhan juta capaian digital menerusi liputan media dan perkongsian di platform sosial. Impak ini bukan sahaja meningkatkan keterlihatan acara, malah mengukuhkan penyampaian mesej Malaysia sebagai destinasi pelancongan bandar yang dinamik, selamat dan berdaya saing di peringkat antarabangsa.
Sepanjang dua hari penganjurannya, pengunjung boleh menikmati pelbagai aktiviti menarik termasuk persembahan muzik dan tarian, set DJ, jualan makanan dan minuman, aktiviti kebudayaan serta permainan interaktif yang menawarkan hadiah dan cabutan bertuah. Pendekatan ini memastikan pengalaman festival yang menyeluruh dan sesuai untuk semua peringkat umur.
Bukit Bintang Star-Lit Street Festival bukan sekadar sebuah acara hiburan, sebaliknya simbol kesiapsiagaan Malaysia untuk menyambut pelancong dunia pada tahun 2026 dengan penuh keyakinan dan kreativiti. Festival ini mencerminkan semangat keterbukaan negara dalam meraikan budaya, kepelbagaian dan inovasi bandar.
Festival Jalanan Berbintang Bukit Bintang sempena Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 akan berlangsung pada Sabtu, 3 Januari dan Ahad, 4 Januari 2026, dari jam 12.00 tengah hari hingga 12.00 tengah malam, dan dibuka kepada orang ramai. Acara ini dianjurkan oleh Sage Legacy Sdn Bhd dan diuruskan oleh E-Plus Entertainment Productions (M) Sdn Bhd dengan sokongan redONE Mobile serta kerjasama pelbagai rakan strategik termasuk Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur dan Plaza Low Yat sebagai rakan lokasi rasmi.
MY WARISAN: LAKSA…MANA FESTIVAL GALORE 2025 invites Malaysians to embark on a vibrant culinary journey celebrating the nation’s iconic dish, laksa. Organized by OHSOM TV, the two-day festival will take place on 22 and 23 November 2025 at the Main Atrium (Level 1) of KLGCC Mall, offering visitors an immersive experience that highlights Malaysia’s rich multicultural heritage through food, storytelling, and tradition.
The festival aims to celebrate the diversity of laksa traditions across Malaysia, providing a platform to showcase the unique flavors, ingredients, and histories of regional specialties, including Melaka Nyonya Laksa, Pangkor Laksa, Penang Laksa, Johor Laksa, Sarawak Laksa, and Selangor delicacies such as Punten with Sambal Ijo and Tat Bengkulu. Beyond tasting, visitors will gain insight into the origins, authenticity, and traditional preparation methods of these beloved dishes, fostering a deeper appreciation for Malaysia’s culinary history.
Live Sarawak Laksa Demo by Chef Muluk (Abdul Muluk Rambli)
MY WARISAN: LAKSA…MANA FESTIVAL GALORE 2025 also emphasizes youth and community empowerment by offering daily cooking demonstrations led by Malaysia’s most celebrated culinary experts, including Professor Dr. Muhammad Shahrim, Chef Dato’ Ismail Ahmad, Chef Debbie Teoh, Chef Muluk (Abdul Muluk Rambli), and Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Esa Abdul Rahman. These sessions, covering everything from traditional broth preparation to spice blending and sustainable cooking practices, are designed to inspire aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts while encouraging the preservation and innovation of Malaysia’s culinary heritage.
Aligned with the MADANI values, UNESCO’s principles of cultural preservation, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the festival highlights food as a means to promote sustainability, cultural continuity, and community development. Clear collaboration between key partners—including the Ministry of Education Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Department of National Heritage, Perbadanan Adat Melayu dan Warisan Negeri Selangor (PADAT), and KLGCC Mall—underscores a shared commitment to preserving living heritage and nurturing the next generation of culinary custodians.
Live Pangkor Laksa Demo by Professor Dr. Muhammad Shahrim
Running from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on both days, the festival promises a feast for the senses, featuring tasting sessions, ingredient showcases, storytelling, and interactive culinary experiences. MY WARISAN: LAKSA…MANA FESTIVAL GALORE 2025 is more than a celebration of food—it is a celebration of Malaysia’s multicultural identity, where traditions, flavors, and stories unite communities and inspire a shared love for the nation’s culinary treasures.
The Goyang Convention Bureau (Goyang CVB) of the Goyang International Expo Foundation has announced a landmark collaboration with Curtin University Malaysia, owner of the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL), at the 64th ICCA Congress 2025, to publish the 2026 IJBEL Korea Special Edition. The journal is globally recognised for shaping leadership and advancing knowledge in business events legacy development. This collaboration marks a significant step in fostering knowledge exchange between Korean institutions and the international academic community, strengthening global cooperation in research, policy, and practice on business events and their lasting impact.
The initiative is further supported through partnerships with the Korea MICE Tourism Society, led by Professor Han Jin-young of Gwandong University, and the Institute of Convention and Exhibition Management (ICEM), led by Professor Yoon Eun-joo of Hallym University, both of which are key academic bodies driving MICE-related research and publications in Korea. Under this partnership, Goyang CVB will work closely with Curtin University Malaysia to publish the special edition and host a legacy forum during Goyang Destination Week, highlighting Korea’s achievements in MICE excellence and promoting global best practices.
Amelia Roziman, IJBEL Advisor and CEO of Business Events Sarawak, noted that IJBEL is “shaping conversations and directing change worldwide,” allowing Korea to showcase its expertise and strengthen its position in the international business events and legacy community. Dr Peter Lee, Executive Director of Goyang CVB, emphasized that the partnership represents a “powerful alignment of shared values and shared ambitions,” aiming to create a greater global impact. Associate Professor Goi Chai Lee, Editor-in-Chief of IJBEL, added that the Korea Special Edition is a pivotal milestone for the journal, which is the world’s first academic publication integrating business events and legacy impact, and encouraged legacy-driven destinations, associations, and academic communities to contribute to this growing body of knowledge.
Tourism Malaysia has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Xiamen Airlines on the successful launch of its inaugural direct flight connecting Quanzhou and Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant milestone in strengthening tourism and trade relations between Malaysia and China.
The maiden flight, MF8661, arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 2:45 p.m., signifying the beginning of a new air route from Quanzhou, a historic city known as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Operated with a Boeing 738 aircraft, the service will run four times weekly between Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport (JJN) and KLIA Terminal 1 (KUL), offering 169 seats comprising eight in business class and 161 in economy class. This direct connection is expected to enhance air accessibility, foster bilateral collaboration, and encourage greater cultural and economic exchange between both nations.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia; Mr. Mohamad Libra Lee Haniff, Director of International Promotions (Asia/Africa) Division of Tourism Malaysia; Mr. Sarjanisham Darus, Senior Manager of Aviation Marketing and Development, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad; and Ms. Gao Ya Shuang, General Manager of Xiamen Airlines. Their presence underscored the strong partnership between Malaysia’s tourism and aviation sectors in advancing regional connectivity and growth.
In his address, Mr. Samuel Lee highlighted the importance of this new air route, stating that it represents a major step forward in strengthening the already flourishing tourism relations between Malaysia and China. He expressed confidence that the new connection would not only provide easier travel access for visitors from Quanzhou and surrounding regions but also reinforce Malaysia’s position as a premier destination in Southeast Asia. Mr. Lee further added that Malaysia eagerly looks forward to welcoming more Chinese visitors to explore its diverse attractions, ranging from rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes to modern urban experiences.
Between January and August 2025, Malaysia recorded an impressive 3.3 million visitor arrivals from China, a 27.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This upward trend reflects Malaysia’s continued appeal among Chinese travellers, drawn by its variety of destinations, unique cuisine, and vibrant cultural tapestry. The addition of the Quanzhou–Kuala Lumpur route by Xiamen Airlines is expected to further support this growth, providing a seamless and convenient travel experience for Chinese tourists.
Tourism Malaysia remains committed to collaborating with international airlines, airport authorities, and industry partners to strengthen global air connectivity and expand Malaysia’s tourism footprint. The timing of this new route aligns with the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, offering an excellent opportunity to elevate Malaysia’s standing as one of the world’s leading travel destinations. For more information or to book flights, visit www.xiamenair.com/en-my/.
Di kota Seoul yang menjadi saksi berjuta kisah cinta, dua hati bertemu dalam takdir yang tidak pernah mereka bayangkan. Bila rahsia mula terbuka, adakah dua jiwa itu masih seindah seperti yang mereka percaya? Drama baharu slot Akasia TV3, Seoul Cinta, hadir dengan kisah cinta moden yang penuh emosi, rahsia dan realiti kehidupan masa kini. Menggambarkan dunia yang tampak sempurna di luar, drama ini membuka sisi lain kehidupan yang dipenuhi dilema, pengorbanan dan pencarian makna cinta sejati.
Drama romantik ini terdiri daripada 13 episod penuh emosi, dibintangi oleh barisan pelakon hebat seperti Fitri Farok, Siti Khadijah Halim, Cahaya Nilam dan Muaz Zabir. Setiap episod membawa penonton menyelami perjalanan dua hati yang terperangkap antara cinta, rahsia dan pilihan hidup yang sukar. Seoul Cinta akan mula bersiaran pada 31 Oktober 2025, setiap Isnin hingga Jumaat, jam 7.00 malam di slot Akasia TV3. Penonton juga boleh menonton episod baharu 24 jam lebih awal di www.tonton.com.my, atau melalui aplikasi Tonton di Google Play dan App Store.
Fitri Farok memegang watak Daniel Khalil, seorang usahawan muda yang berjaya, berkarisma dan berprinsip tinggi dalam soal cinta. Di sebalik kejayaannya, Daniel mencari pasangan yang dianggap sempurna untuk melengkapi hidupnya. Dalam diam, dia menjadi pengikut setia seorang pempengaruh masakan terkenal bernama Kiki, tanpa menyedari bahawa wanita yang sering menginspirasikannya itu sebenarnya adalah Azra gadis sederhana yang bekerja di sebuah hotel kucing dan juga penjaga kepada kucing kesayangannya.
Azra, yang dilakonkan oleh Siti Khadijah Halim, menyembunyikan identitinya sebagai Kiki kerana rasa rendah diri dan takut dianggap tidak cukup sempurna di mata Daniel. Namun, perjalanan mereka mula berubah apabila Daniel menjalin hubungan dengan Raisha, selebriti glamor lakonan Cahaya Nilam, sementara Azra pula ditekan untuk menerima pinangan Lukman, watak lakonan Muaz Zabir, yang sudah lama menaruh perasaan terhadapnya. Pertemuan dan perjalanan mereka ke kota Seoul membuka lembaran baharu dalam hidup masing-masing, menyingkap rahsia yang selama ini disembunyikan dan menguji sejauh mana mereka berani memperjuangkan cinta sejati.
Menurut Fitri Farok, watak Daniel Khalil mewakili ramai individu moden yang tampak berjaya di luar, namun masih mencari makna dan ketenangan dalam diri. Katanya, cinta sejati bukan tentang kesempurnaan atau status, tetapi tentang kejujuran, penerimaan, dan keberanian untuk mencintai diri serta orang lain apa adanya.
Seoul Cinta membawa penonton menghayati kisah cinta yang menyentuh jiwa dengan sinematografi memukau berlatarkan keindahan kota Seoul yang romantik. Setiap episod menjanjikan detik-detik manis, menghibur dan penuh pengajaran tentang cinta, kejujuran serta erti kebahagiaan sebenar.
Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk menyaksikan Seoul Cinta bermula 31 Oktober 2025, setiap Isnin hingga Jumaat, jam 7.00 malam di slot Akasia TV3. Penonton juga boleh menonton episod baharu lebih awal di www.tonton.com.my atau menerusi aplikasi Tonton. Untuk maklumat terkini mengenai drama-drama menarik di TV3, ikuti laman sosial rasmi Facebook, Twitter, YouTube dan Instagram @TV3Malaysia serta akaun Instagram @dramasangat.
The long-awaited arrival of Australia’s renowned Dragon Hot Pot has finally made its mark in Malaysia with a grand opening at Bukit Bintang’s Low Yat Park. Spanning 2,600 square feet, the outlet officially brings the brand’s globally viral custom-made malatang concept to local diners, making Kuala Lumpur its newest culinary hotspot. The opening ceremony was officiated by Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, who recognized Dragon Hot Pot as a timely and valuable addition to Malaysia’s evolving food and tourism landscape.
In his address, Lee highlighted the significance of the launch in light of the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, the nation’s largest tourism initiative. He pointed out that the event coincided with the recently tabled Budget 2026, in which Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced over RM700 million to strengthen the tourism sector. Of this amount, RM500 million was allocated specifically to support Visit Malaysia 2026. Lee noted that this investment demonstrated strong confidence in Malaysia’s tourism potential and emphasized the importance of promoting the nation’s vibrant culinary scene as one of its greatest attractions.
He also referred to a new measure under Budget 2026 that has generated widespread public interest a special individual income tax relief of up to RM1,000 for expenses related to entrance fees to local attractions and cultural programs. Describing the move as a smart and practical initiative, Lee said it would encourage domestic travel while stimulating spending within the local economy. He explained that when Malaysians explore museums, parks, and cultural destinations, they not only enrich their own experiences but also support small and medium-sized enterprises in accommodation, transportation, food, and culture the true lifeblood of Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem.
Lee added that Kuala Lumpur’s diverse food landscape is an integral part of the visitor experience, noting that destinations like Dragon Hot Pot enhance the capital’s growing reputation as a haven for food lovers.
The highlight of the event was Dragon Hot Pot Malaysia’s recognition by ASEAN Records for achieving the title of “Most Hotpot Ingredient and Soup Base Variety by an Australian Mala Hotpot Brand.” With an impressive offering of 162 ingredients displayed on its self-service racks and 10 distinctive soup bases, the brand has established itself as one of the most diverse and customizable hot pot experiences in the region.
Brand founder Louis Kuo expressed his enthusiasm about redefining the hot pot experience for modern lifestyles. He shared that while hot pot has traditionally been a slow, communal dining affair, Dragon Hot Pot’s concept aims to make it more accessible and convenient for urban diners. Whether it is a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a late-night craving, the brand offers an authentic and flavourful experience without compromising on quality.
At the core of Dragon Hot Pot’s success is its unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and inclusivity. The brand’s signature broths, including its famous Malatang, are prepared from century-old Sichuan recipes and simmered for over 12 hours using old chickens, more than 20 Chinese herbs, and real Sichuan pepper. In Malaysia, the menu has been tailored to be entirely pork-free, lard-free, and alcohol-free, ensuring a Muslim-friendly dining experience while retaining its original flavours. The company is also in the process of obtaining halal certification from JAKIM to further solidify its presence in the local market.
Operated by Taste of Malaysia Hot Pot Sdn. Bhd., the Bukit Bintang outlet marks the beginning of Dragon Hot Pot’s regional expansion beyond Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with Japan slated to follow in 2026. Over the next two years, the brand plans to open five to six additional outlets across the Klang Valley and other major cities in Malaysia. It is also inviting local entrepreneurs to explore franchising opportunities as part of its growth strategy.
The grand opening was a lively cultural celebration, featuring a captivating lion and dragon dance performance, a graceful traditional Chinese fan dance, and live entertainment by popular artists STEADYGANG and Diana Danielle. Guests were treated to interactive games and an exclusive promotion where eager visitors received a complimentary 300g portion of hot pot, creating long queues of excited diners eager to sample the much-talked-about Malatang.
Throughout October, Dragon Hot Pot Malaysia continues to delight food enthusiasts with two major promotions. From 18 to 20 October, customers enjoy the first 300g of their malatang free, paying only for any additional weight. The excitement carries on from 21 to 31 October, where customers who spend RM25 or more will receive a scratch card with a chance to win prizes such as an iPad, AirPods, exclusive Labubu collectibles, dining vouchers, and the grand prize of one year’s worth of free Dragon Hot Pot meals. For the latest updates, promotions, and announcements, visit Dragon Hot Pot Malaysia’s official Instagram, Facebook, and Rednote accounts at @DragonHotPot_MY.
Tourism Malaysia successfully hosted Malaysia Week 2025 from 18 to 19 October at the Atrium, Ground Floor, The Mall, Gadong. The event highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to promoting its diverse travel destinations while strengthening collaboration with Brunei’s tourism industry, marking an important milestone in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).
The two-day event served as a strategic platform to showcase Malaysia’s wide range of tourism experiences, spanning adventure, culture, wellness, and lifestyle. It also reaffirmed Malaysia’s readiness to welcome more international visitors in the coming year.
A total of eleven exhibitors participated in the event, representing the states of Selangor, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan, alongside travel agents from Brunei Darussalam. Visitors were treated to exclusive travel promotions and attractive discounts on airfares, hotel stays, and holiday packages. Adding to the excitement, Malaysia Week 2025 also featured a variety of interactive activities, children’s games, and daily lucky draws with appealing prizes, creating a lively atmosphere for families and travel enthusiasts alike.
The opening ceremony was jointly officiated by His Excellency Datuk Mohd Aini Atan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam; Haji Badarudin bin Haji Bagol, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Royal Brunei Airlines; and Ms. Hazrina Azman, Director of Tourism Malaysia Brunei Darussalam.
In her remarks, Ms. Hazrina expressed her optimism about Malaysia’s strong tourism appeal among Bruneians. She said that Brunei has always been one of Malaysia’s key tourism markets within ASEAN, and Malaysia Week 2025 aims to encourage more Bruneians to rediscover Malaysia not only as a nearby getaway but also as a destination rich in culture, adventure, and authentic experiences. She added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the country looks forward to welcoming even more travellers to experience Malaysia’s beauty and hospitality.
His Excellency Datuk Mohd Aini Atan also emphasized the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Brunei, describing their tourism collaboration as a reflection of shared culture, mutual respect, and strong people-to-people connections. He expressed hope that the event would give Bruneians a glimpse of Malaysia’s vibrant lifestyle, diverse attractions, and world-class hospitality.
Brunei Darussalam continues to be one of Malaysia’s top tourism markets in ASEAN. From January to August 2025, Malaysia recorded 1,005,423 visitor arrivals from Brunei, reaffirming its position as a favourite travel destination for Bruneian tourists.
Moving forward, Malaysia will continue to develop high-value tourism segments, including family-friendly holidays, eco and community-based tourism, wellness retreats, education tourism, long-stay packages, and MICE travel. Supported by strong infrastructure and authentic local experiences, Malaysia is ready to welcome millions of visitors seeking memorable and meaningful journeys in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
