Consistency vital to raise market confidence, brands reminded
A strong national tourism brand depends on the strength of local businesses and industries, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
“When Malaysian brands are clear about their purpose and consistent in quality, they enhance visitor confidence, strengthen destination appeal and position Malaysia more competitively on the global stage,” he said at the Branding Association of Malaysia’s “Ace The New Year 2026” celebration in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.
His speech was read by Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Samuel Lee.
According to him, branding supported the country’s economic and business landscape, inevitably contributing to national reputation and international market confidence.
Meanwhile, association president Datin Winnie Loo outlined the organisation’s vision of branding as a nation-building tool.
She said branding extended beyond marketing to empower businesses, nurture entrepreneurial resilience and elevate the Malaysian brand globally.
“The past five years have been challenging,” said Loo.
“We navigated uncertainties, reinvention, digital transformation, economic shifts and a rapidly evolving marketplace.
“But what made the difference was not the cards we held – it was how we chose to play them.”
The event’s highlight was the launch of the association’s Branding Goal Cards, a deck of 52 expert branding principles designed to guide business leaders.
The cards reflected its commitment to practical knowledge-sharing while reinforcing the importance of balanced leadership, including wellness.
The theme of the celebration was an adaptation of Hong Kong film God of Gamblers.
It symbolised bold thinking, calculated risk-taking and the winning mindset required by entrepreneurs and brand leaders navigating today’s competitive business environment, said Loo.
More than 400 people attended the event, including brand founders, C-suite executives and policymakers.
More than just an annual gathering, Loo said the event was a strategic convergence of Malaysia’s branding ecosystem, reflecting business confidence, cross-industry collaboration and the collective ambition to strengthen Malaysian brands for sustainable economic growth.
The event was chaired by joint organising chairmen Datuk Seri Dr Vincent Tiew and Dr Jodness Tan, who shared the view that a holistic approach to brand leadership was essential, emphasising that long-term brand success began with strong values, leadership well-being and purposeful growth.
“Sustainable brands are built by leaders who are healthy, focused and value-driven.
“Our assocation provides a platform where business performance, personal well-being and social contribution are aligned – ensuring that growth is meaningful and lasting,” said Tiew.
Meanwhile, Tan said the goal for this year’s gala dinner was to showcase Malaysian brands as the “aces” of the economy.
“Through this event, we are facilitating the exchange of wealth, wisdom and strategic partnerships that will drive our members to win big in the year ahead,” said Tan.
The event included a lucky draw featuring grand prizes such as RM5,000 in cash and a premium massage chair worth RM16,999.
The evening also featured 10 special Chinese New Year fire extinguishers sponsored by Fire Fighter, as well as best dressed awards where 10 elegantly dressed women received cash prizes of RM300 each.
The event also offered a platform for networking and media engagement, providing access to top-tier business leaders, founders and policy influencers.
