Latest news with #VisitMalaysiaYear
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
SKM approves RM1m for 94 cooperatives under ‘Jejak Koperasi' programme
TENOM: The Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM) has approved RM1.02 million in funding for 94 cooperatives under the Jejak Koperasi programme to strengthen the cooperative sector. Datuk Ewon Benedick, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop), stated that the funding is part of a RM2 million allocation by SKM, involving 160 cooperatives. The programme is a special initiative introduced in 2024 to prepare cooperatives in tourism and hospitality for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. Additionally, RM642,000 has been set aside for the MADANI Cooperative Sales Programme, aimed at boosting local economic activities and community benefits. Ewon shared these updates during the opening of the Tenom district-level 2025 Mini Cooperative Carnival. He highlighted that cooperatives nationwide now hold shares and fees worth RM18.3 billion, assets of RM173 billion, and an annual turnover of RM68.18 billion. The government is also amending the Cooperative Societies Act 1993 to modernise the legal framework for cooperatives. - Bernama
Daily Express
11-07-2025
- Daily Express
Fam trip promotes northern Sabah ahead of VMY
Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Haryanty and the participants at the Aura Montoria hiking trail. Kota Kinabalu: Tourism Malaysia (TM) Sabah embarked on a familiarisation trip promoting northern Sabah ahead of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. Themed 'Mansau-Ansau North Borneo Trail: Culture, Adventure and Nature', the July 4-8 initiative also supported the ongoing Cuti-Cuti Malaysia campaign to explore hidden gems, natural treasures and the unique cultural heritage of the destinations. TM Sabah Director Haryanty Abu Bakar said the programme also incorporated rural tourism development initiatives focusing on community involvement and nature conservation, driven by local industry players. This aligns with Tourism Malaysia's efforts to broaden the promotion of Sabah's tourism offerings, especially in lesser-known areas, she added. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
VMY2026: Tourism Malaysia backs 'Worth The Wait' to boost country's global appeal
VMY2026: Tourism Malaysia backs 'Worth The Wait' to boost country's global appeal Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia is stepping up efforts to promote the country by leveraging the global reach of international films, in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. The latest initiative is through the film 'Worth The Wait', a collaborative project between the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and King Street Pictures, an international production company. Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said film is a powerful medium for showcasing Malaysia's beauty to global audiences, and the ministry fully supports foreign production companies that choose the country as a filming location. "One of our key objectives is to promote Malaysia through cinema. We strongly encourage more international film companies to select Malaysia as their filming destination," he said at the premiere of Worth The Wait today. He said Tourism Malaysia is actively involved in promotional efforts, positioning Malaysia as a filming destination and leveraging the film's cast and producers as ambassadors for the VMY2026 campaign on social media platforms. Manoharan said the film's cast, predominantly of Asian descent, with millions of followers on digital platforms, can significantly boost Malaysia's appeal among international travellers. In addition to the collaboration with Worth The Wait producers, he said the ministry and Finas are also actively engaging with more international production companies. He noted that film-based promotion offers broad and rapid reach, as movies today are distributed not only in cinemas but also via online streaming platforms. He said this collaboration presents a win-win opportunity for the ministry, government agencies and international filmmakers in promoting and showcasing Malaysia's unique attractions. During the screening, producer Rachel Tan shared that the film is loosely inspired by her personal love story, which began as a long-distance relationship between Malaysia and the United States. "Worth The Wait is not just entertainment, but also a reflection of love, faith and hope. Dan Mark (producer) and I wanted to create something that celebrates our Asian identity while speaking to audiences around the world. "The response so far has been incredibly encouraging," said the former Miss Malaysia. Partially filmed at various locations across Malaysia, Worth The Wait reflects ongoing efforts to promote Asian representation in North America while also showcasing Malaysia's diverse natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality, qualities that continue to position the country as a world-class travel destination. Produced by King Street Pictures, the film is scheduled for theatrical release in Malaysia this August, with distribution by Astro Shaw. Directed by Tom Shu-Yu Lin, the film features a star-studded cast including Ross Butler, Lana Condor, Andrew Koji, Sung Kang, Elodie Yung and Golden Horse Award-winning actress Karena Lam, acclaimed across Hong Kong and Taiwan, alongside Malaysia's own Kheng Hua Tan. The film marks a significant milestone for Malaysian cinema, standing as one of the few romantic dramas to achieve both international theatrical and streaming success. It has already gained popularity as a streaming original in Hollywood, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, and is set to premiere in cinemas across Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia. – Bernama
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Tourism Malaysia promotes VMY2026 through film 'Worth The Wait'
KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia is intensifying efforts to position the country as a premier travel destination by leveraging international films, with the latest collaboration being the romantic drama 'Worth The Wait'. The initiative is part of preparations for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026, aiming to attract global audiences through cinema. The film, a joint effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), and Hollywood-based King Street Pictures, highlights Malaysia's scenic landscapes and cultural richness. Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy emphasized the power of film in boosting tourism. 'Film is a compelling medium to showcase Malaysia's beauty to the world. We encourage more international productions to choose Malaysia as their filming location,' he said during the film's premiere. He added that the cast, with their massive social media following, will serve as ambassadors for VMY2026, amplifying Malaysia's appeal. Produced by Rachel Tan, 'Worth The Wait' draws inspiration from her own cross-continental love story. 'This film celebrates Asian identity while resonating with global audiences,' she shared. Shot in various Malaysian locations, the movie highlights the country's hospitality and diverse attractions. Featuring a star-studded cast including Ross Butler and Lana Condor, the film is set for theatrical release in Malaysia this August, with plans for wider Southeast Asian distribution. Its success on streaming platforms in Hollywood, Canada, and the UK underscores its international appeal. - Bernama
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia sees Italy as key strategic partner, says Anwar
ROME: The peace that Malaysia and the region enjoy has paved the way for a blossoming economic environment and a robust private sector, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said Malaysia, as Asean chair, had endeavoured to resolve contentious issues, as only a stable bloc could lead to fruitful economic achievement. Reminding Malaysians that they are, in fact, ambassadors of the nation, he said: 'The Malaysian diaspora is an important asset as they function as envoys representing the country outside. Let me urge you to continue taking opportunities to boost your skills and expertise so that you will bring something back to the country,' he told Malaysians living in Italy at a dinner soon after touching down here. Anwar and his delegation, which includes prominent corporate figures, arrived here yesterday (July 1) for a three-day visit at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations. The group will visit Paris and Rio de Janeiro in the coming days. The PM, who travelled with his delegation on a chartered Malaysia Airlines flight, was received by Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysian envoy to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam, among others, upon landing. 'Malaysia sees Italy as a vital strategic partner in Europe, and we are committed to enhancing cooperation in the trade, investment and defence industries. Anwar added that the visit would also further close the gap between Europe and South East Asia in the current geopolitical challenges. Earlier, Mohamad Hasan paid tribute to Malaysia's excellent image, saying that the nation's good perception by outsiders had brought about numerous and frequent requests to meet with Anwar. 'The fact that we practise neutrality is also a pull factor, let's be clear that Malaysia talks to all parties,' he said. Transport Minister Anthony Loke also noted that Malaysia's profile was growing, which bodes well in pulling more tourists to the country. 'This is excellent as we will have Visit Malaysia Year next year.' Loke noted that once Malaysia become more famous, especially among travellers, his ministry would come up with even more connectivity, adding that several key transport projects were shaping up very well. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the nation's economy was faring well despite challenges in geopolitics. 'Investments and FDIs are coming in,' he said, thanking the corporate side for their contributions.
