By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 16: Malaysians residing in Australia have been urged to serve as cultural ambassadors in promoting the country’s food and culture, following the recent launch of the ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2026’ (VM2026) and ‘Malaysia My Second Home’ (MM2H) programmes in Melbourne by Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Speaking at a special evening dedicated to showcasing Malaysian cuisine and culture, Tiong expressed hope that the event sparked international guests’ interest in visiting Malaysia, while also inspiring Malaysians abroad to proudly share their heritage.
“Share Malaysia’s culinary treasures and stories with your friends. Let Malaysian culture live on, not just as a memory, but as a proud highlight on the global stage,” he urged.
He said Malaysia has long appealed to Australian travellers as a destination rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity.
“Beyond our stunning landscapes, our cuisine and cultural experiences are something special. In Malaysia, food is not just about flavour, it expresses our people’s way of life, our history, and our heritage,” Tiong added in a Facebook post.
To ensure a strong presence in Australia, he revealed that the Tourism Malaysia team based there has been instructed to intensify efforts with greater proactiveness and creativity to understand the travel preferences of Australians and strengthen Malaysia’s market footprint.
The Melbourne event also marked the start of Malaysia’s international promotional campaign for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“Through this occasion, we aim to ignite initial excitement and anticipation—laying the foundation for the many vibrant chapters to come over the next two years,” Tiong said.
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to tourism industry players and stakeholders for their tireless efforts in championing Malaysian tourism.
“Your efforts have been instrumental in driving our tourism sector forward. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a forward-looking and resilient tourism future — one that brings mutual benefits to both Malaysians and Australians alike.”
“As we look toward VM2026, we are not just focused on the numbers, but on the spirit behind it. Let this be more than a marketing campaign—let it be a nationwide movement that showcases Malaysia’s unity, diversity, and immense potential. Let the world see our true charm,” he said. — DayakDaily
