By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 22: The 25th Miss Tourism International (MTI) 2022 World Final Grand Coronation Night themed “Bringing the World to Sarawak, and Bringing Sarawak to the World”, will be held on November 25 at the Raia Hotel & Convention Centre here.
Today marks the official launch of the MTI Pageant NFT (non-fungible token) platform, which features the seven International Reigning Queens Collection, here at the Raia Hotel & Convention Centre, a joint initiative between YAST Group and D’Touch International, with the goal of establishing the MTI Pageants Foundation to support women in career advancement and empowerment of women worldwide.
According to Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the launch of the digital NFT platform showcasing the seven reigning queens is a good model that will have a lasting impact, in addition to being well-prepared six months in advance of the actual event.
“The successful model for these seven reigning queens will set a good pathway to be followed by our 60 queens from around the world this year, and for years to come.
“I believe that blockchain technology, which promises immutable digital track records, will leave a lasting impression in the digital realm for us to create and show the world our beautiful homeland with its diverse and rich culture, heritage, and natural wonders.
“Formulated by YASTECH Digital Solution, the subsidiary of YAST Group under the leadership of its founder and chairwoman Esther Law, the borderless, 24/7 availability of the digital world had been fully leveraged by our organising committee in promoting Sarawak even before the 18-day ground event during this coming November 11 to 27,” said Abdul Karim in his speech.
He also expressed his anticipation that this year’s pageant final will be one of the most meaningful and significant events of the year, with a series of activities including promotional activities, tourism field trips, charity visits, photography, and filming of tourist attractions in Sarawak.
“As the hosting state, Sarawak will support the main organiser and be a great host to these beauty queens from around the world, ensuring that they bring back fond memories and share with their fellow citizens, thus leading to an impact where they will promote Sarawak to their respective countries,” he added.
On a related matter, Abdul Karim stated that he expects the “Cats Around the World” contest, which will be launched during the promotion period, to be another remarkable effort in promoting Kuching, the Cat City.
Also present at the event were Jessy Silana Wongsodiharjo (Miss Indonesia Tourism 2021), How Zo Ee (Miss Malaysia Tourism 2021), Hoang Thi Huong Ly (Miss Vietnam Tourism 2021), and Xandria Ban (Miss Malaysia Tourism 2015).
Others present included Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee, Miss Tourism International president Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi, Raia Hotel & Conventional Centre general manager Nassarudin Naina Mohamed, YASTECH Development director Sylvester Lee, and YASTECH Digital Solution executive director Koh How Tze. — DayakDaily
