KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) formalised a strategic collaboration with Hainan International Media Center (HIMC) to enhance the promotion of Malaysia’s tourism industry and stimulate economic growth.
Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai said the news agency is prepared to play an active role in showcasing distinctive local tourism offerings to attract more international visitors, especially from China.
“This marks the first collaboration between Bernama and HIMC to showcase Malaysia’s tourism industry and investment landscape through media platforms.
"They are eager to discover and help highlight local products and notable tourist destinations in Malaysia, such as the scenic beaches of Penang and Terengganu, to audiences in China," he told Bernama after the signing ceremony here on Friday (Aug 1).
He said Malaysia would also serve as a strategic partner in promoting tourism in Hainan province, which offers more affordable travel options compared to other destinations.
The partnership was formalised under the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Cultural Cooperation Alliance, which brings together HIMC and several Malaysian organisations, including Bernama, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, Nanyang Siang Pau, MILA University, the Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia, and the Malaysia Asean-China Economic and Trade Development Promotion Association.
The alliance aims to foster closer collaboration between media and cultural organisations in Malaysia and China, focusing on supporting content co-production, talent development and policy coordination.
Additionally, the alliance places a strong emphasis on youth collaboration, with institutions such as MILA University in Malaysia and the Lingshui Haifeng International Film and Television Base in Hainan, which cooperate on exchange programmes, creative workshops, and training initiatives to nurture regional talent.
Meanwhile, HIMC's Senior Advisor on Hainan-Asean International Communication, Dr Pua Eng Teck, said Malaysia was chosen as a strategic hub due to its strong historical and cultural ties with the Malaysian Chinese community, particularly in the fields of business, culture and information exchange.
“Kuala Lumpur is the central city of Malaysia, offering strategic geographical advantages and greater opportunities to foster people-to-people and business-to-business connections,” he said.
Beyond business collaboration, Dr Pua also highlighted the benefits for students, especially those from China pursuing higher education in Malaysia.
“HIMC plays a key role not just in promoting cultural ties, but also in supporting educational exchange. It provides a strong platform for Chinese students studying in Malaysia to engage more deeply with local communities and institutions,” he added. – BERNAMA
