MALAYSIA WEEK CLOSING CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY MINISTER OF TOURISM, YB DATO’ SRI DR. NG YEN YEN

The Malaysia week closing ceremony, held on 10 October 2012 at London’s South Bank was attended by top tour operators, media, travel associations and VIP’s including YB Dato Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia; H.E. Dato Seri Zakaria Sulong, High Commissioner for Malaysia; Ybhg. Datin Seri Hazizah Ahmand;  Dato’ Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf, Secretary General Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture; Hon. Lord Tom Pendry of Stalybridge, Labour politician and member of the House of Lords; Councillor Helen Chuah, Mayor of Colchester, Dato Jimmy Choo, Tourism Ambassador and Dato Ooi Chean See, Tourism Ambassador. The closing ceremony included dance from the Malaysian Royal Dance Troupe, music from Malaysia, films of the destination and busy food and arts and cultural stalls showcasing Malaysian cuisine and crafts.

YB Dato Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, dancing at the closing ceremony of Malaysia Week - for more pictures from the event please visit the Tourism Malaysia Facebook page.

At the closing ceremony of Malaysia Week, Minister of Tourism, YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, thanked guests for their participation in celebrating the “Faces of 1Malaysia” themed week-long event. “As the ninth most visited country in the world for the third consecutive year, Malaysia has cemented its place as a top destination for both business and leisure.” The Minister of Tourism stated; “Malaysia has introduced various innovative tourism products such as the 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival, 1Malaysia International Night Floral Parade, Fabulous Food 1Malaysia, Parks & Garden tourism, Helicopter Tourism, Bicycle and Motorbike Tourism.”

She thanked British tourists for their loyalty to Malaysia stating, “It is great to learn that all our efforts and commitments bear luscious fruits after all. The UK was the eighth top tourist generating market to Malaysia last year. Close to 404,000 British tourists had a personal experience of the fascinating sights and sounds of the country. The first half of this year already saw about 197,000 British tourists come to our shores, which was a 5.9 percent increase against the same period of last year.”

She explained how Malaysia has secured its place as a renowned shopper’s paradise as, “shopping holds the second biggest share (30%) of tourist expenditures contributing RM17.5 (USD5.5) billion last year. Avid shoppers can benefit from three sale periods namely the 1Malaysia GP Sale in March, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival in June and the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale in November.” 

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Representation Plus, Flo Powell

Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk

Tel: 020 8877 4509 Mob: 077 6624 2138

Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

• Malaysia Airlines fly daily from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur International Airport with Visa’s purchased on arrival for British passport holders.

• Year round events include the Royal Langkawi International Regatta in January, the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix in March, the Malaysia International Shoe Festival in April, Colours of Malaysia Cultural Festival in May, Malaysia’s Summer Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival, Malaysia Annual International Gourmet Festival in October and the Summer and End of Year Mega Sales Carnivals with many other notable events throughout the year.

• Malaysia has a tropical climate and is a very welcoming multi-cultural society home to some of the best spa resorts in the world. 

• Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the nation itself, fusing the culinary traditions and flavours of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Arabian and European cooking. 

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New Malaysian Trail warms up wintery Britain and Strengthens Malaysian – Scottish Reciprocal Tourism

An unrivalled taste of exotic Southeast Asia comes to Britain this autumn as the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) goes public with new plant treasures from its research and conservation collections, for the launch of a Malaysian Glasshouse Trail on Tuesday, October 9. Realised thanks to support from Tourism Malaysia and the ongoing efforts of Professor Stephen Blackmore, the Regius Keeper of RBGE, the innovative attraction includes species not previously seen on public display, as well as fresh audience interpretation of many plants native to the region and prized for their cultural and commercial uses.

“Malaysia is recognised as a hugely species-diverse country and RBGE is playing a key role in the documentation and conservation of the vast array of plants found there”, explained Dr Peter Wilkie, a tropical botanist who specialises in plants endemic to that part of the world. “By collecting and researching plants from the region scientists and horticulturists are developing better understanding of how the various species interact with the wider environment. Ultimately, this facilitates improved conservation initiatives in the native habitats”.

Head of Interpretation, Alan Bennell, added it had been an inspirational project to cultivate: “RBGE not only holds the world’s largest display of tender Vireya rhododendrons, it is also home to particularly diverse collections of African violets (Gesneriaceae), gingers (Zingiberaceae) and begonias (Begoniaceae), to name just four groups represented in Malaysia. Therefore, it makes absolute sense that we should work with Tourism Malaysia to allow the general public an insight into its amazing botanical treasures. Perhaps they may even be inspired to visit this beautiful country”.

As well as bringing out new plants from RBGE’s research glasshouses into public display, fresh forms of interpretation, including a Malaysian market stall, have been created to bring into context the true diversity of the country’s plant life.

Ecotourism is increasingly popular in Malaysia with tourists visiting the country’s preserved rainforest, appreciating the flora & fauna on display. More than half of Malaysia’s 329,758 sq km surface is covered by tropical rainforests that host an array of exotic and protected plants and animals. Amongst the many great sites include Perdana Botanical Garden, Hibiscus Garden and Orchid Garden, Putrajaya Botanical Garden, Cameron Highlands, Secret Garden-Petaling Jaya and the Danum Valley Conservation Area in Borneo, recently visited by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia, who has been central to the inception of the trail, said she believed the partnership was a uniquely special way allowing British residents – and tourists visiting Edinburgh – a clearer insight into the magnificent natural resources of this vast multicultural land and further strengthening relationships and reciprocal tourism between Scotland and Malaysia. 

 “Malaysians are known to be warm and friendly, the country’s geography is as diverse as its culture, as recently witnessed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their tour of Malaysia, which included the Danum Valley Conservation Area’s rainforest and gardens”, she commented. “This means we have splendidly extreme contrasts, from the cool hideaways of the highlands that roll down to warm sandy beaches and rich, humid, mangroves. The new display at Edinburgh presents this landscape in an exciting new way. In the longer term, perhaps it may even encourage more people from Britain to visit Malaysia and experience our magical country first hand.”

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Fauna, Wildlife, Park & Gardens packages are available from £2,139pp, visit: www.etours.co.uk, www.funwayholidays.co.uk, www.audleytravel.com
• For background information visit: www.tourism.gov.my
• Tour Operators based in Scotland with packages in Malaysia include If Only: www.ifonly.net/south-east-asia/malaysia, Destinology: www.destinology.co.uk/malaysia-holiday-offers
• Malaysia has a wealth of Botanical Gardens and stunning landscapes, such as the Cameron Highlands spanning 712 sqkm.
• Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

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5 DAYS TO GO! MALAYSIA WEEK LONDON: TASTE MALAYSIA’S CUISINE & ENJOY FREE CONCERTS, 6-10 OCTOBER 2012

Taking place on the South Bank for the first year, following Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge’s visit, Malaysia Week London 2012 is ready to show off Malaysia’s vibrant culture with Malaysian music, fashion, dance, arts, crafts and food. Over the course of five days, visitors will gain a fascinating insight into what Malaysia has to offer with a wide range of attractions, demonstrations and performances.  

The event officially launches on 6 October with around 200 guests in attendance and a whole host of VIP’s. Kicking off for the general public on 7 October, visitors can expect to be entertained by cultural and arts performances, with particular highlights including traditional dances depicting the Malays, Chinese, Indian, Ethnic Sabah and Sarawak cultures. For those who are more musically inclined there will also be performances of Malaysia contemporary music to enjoy and dance along to, as well as stage performances from Istana Budaya’s traditional Malaysian Orchestra. 

The cultural experience continues with demonstrations, exhibitions and displays of traditional crafted items.  Visitors will have the opportunity not only to learn more about these items but to also purchase those that take their fancy. The beautiful batik fabric that is synonymous with traditional Malaysian dress and often used as interior decoration will also take centre stage during Malaysia Week London, with demonstrations allowing visitors to unravel the secrets behind its creation. The journey continues with a display of the beautiful batik and songket fabrics that is both entertaining and educational as Malaysian models proudly showcase the traditional textiles with a fashion show. There will also be the possibility for visitors to explore the use of other local resources with an exhibition of pewter and fruit carvings allowing for a calmer insight into Malaysian traditions.

Why not take home a slice of Malaysian culture and visit the exhibitions of Malaysian art pieces? For those collectors who may wish to invest in authentic artwork, six Malaysian artists will be visiting the event to showcase a variety of paintings and artistic sculptures allowing visitors to meet the creators of their favourite pieces.

Amongst the many pleasures of visiting rural Malaysia is sampling local foods and the possibility of witnessing, or even participating in, traditional games. These games lovers and foodies have not been forgotten. Tastebuds will be tantalised as the event plays host to tastings of Teh Tarik, Roti Canai, Ice Kacang and traditional fruits.  Games lovers will be able to have a go at playing traditional Malaysian games such as Congkak, Batu Seremban and Sepak Bulu Ayam. 

Malaysia Week, London is being held on London’s South Bank and has event days running from 6 – 10 October.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Representation Plus - Flo Powell

Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk 

Tel: 020 8877 4509 

Mob: 077 6624 2138 

Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

• Malaysia Airlines fly daily from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur International Airport with Visa’s purchased on arrival for British passport holders.

• Year round events include the Royal Langkawi International Regatta in January, the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix in March, the Malaysia International Shoe Festival in April, Colours of Malaysia Cultural Festival in May, Malaysia’s Summer Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival, Malaysia Annual International Gourmet Festival in October and the Summer and End of Year Mega Sales Carnivals with many other notable events throughout the year.

• Malaysia has a tropical climate and is a very welcoming multi-cultural society home to some of the best spa resorts in the world. 

• Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the nation itself, fusing the culinary traditions and flavours of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Arabian and European cooking. 

Read More