New Tourism Malaysia chief ready for challenge
Published on: Friday, September 30, 2016
PETALING JAYA: Businessman Datuk Siew Ka Wei has been appointed Chairman of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board or Tourism Malaysia.The Tourism and Culture Ministry said in a statement that Siew's appointment by minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz took effect on Sept 22."I am honoured and grateful to Nazri for the trust he has in me.ADVERTISEMENT I welcome the appointment as a challenge and responsibility to do my best for the country," said Siew, who is group managing director of Ancom Berhad as well as the chief executive officer of Redberry Group.Siew said he would work closely with all stakeholders — from industry players to the media — to further develop the country's tourism potential.The chairman's post, unlike other government-linked boards, requires active participation in not only drawing up policies but also helping to set Tourism Malaysia's direction in its effort to woo more tourists.A well-known entrepreneur, Siew was chosen by Nazri to provide entrepreneurial expertise to Tourism Malaysia.ADVERTISEMENT Industry players said Tourism Malaysia needs to be more nimble in reacting to the changing tastes of visitors and this could be achieved if Siew could inject more urgency to the board through his entrepreneurship.Stakeholders will expect Siew to provide leadership to the board in this direction.
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Tourist arrivals to Malaysia increased by 3.7 per cent in the first half of the year, and tourist expenditure was up 10.7 per cent in the same period.The growth came largely from neighbouring countries like Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei.Tourist arrivals from China increased by 32.1 per cent and Tourism Malaysia credits this with an increase in flights, ease in obtaining visas and the return in consumer confidence.Asked about his role, Siew noted that Nazri was determined to increase tourist arrivals and his role would be to make this a reality."A whole range of things ranging from catering to holiday makers, to medical tourism, golf tourism, adventure tourism and even food tourism has been drawn up to attract visitors to Malaysia but I am sure we can do more such specialised products to attract niche travellers," he said.Siew said he would also place emphasis on domestic tourism, popularly known as Cuti-cuti Malaysia."We need to encourage more Malaysians to travel within the country and to get them to appreciate the beauty of their own country. There are so many things for us to visit and do locally," he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"We must open up more wonderful places for both local and foreign tourists to visit. This will create huge economic and social activities in these localities."