Major conference: Ab Rauf (left) and Tiong attending the WTC2025 in Melaka. — Bernama
MELAKA: Unity among the country’s multiethnic population helps in the government’s efforts to host world-class events, says the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.
Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing cited the 2025 World Tourism Day, the 2025 World Tourism Conference (WTC2025) and Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) as being among the big events here.
He said art and cultural performances involving children and adults were beneficial as they brought the people together.
“We have participation from students as well as dancers from cultural associations. If we are united as a people, we can organise programmes not just locally but also internationally,” he told reporters at the WTC2025 here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation: Inclusive, Resilient, Regenerative”, the plenary keynote address was delivered by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Ab Rauf said the state government will host Visit Melaka Year 2.0 (VMY2.0) next year, in conjunction with VM2026.
He said the VMY2.0 launch will coincide with New Year’s Eve celebrations, which will feature exciting activities.
“Various activities are being planned to attract more tourists in 2026, and it will certainly be grander and more spectacular than last year,” he added.
Ab Rauf said WTC2025 served as a crucial platform for exploring three key dimensions of global tourism – empowering economies through inclusive tourism, scaling sustainable tourism from policy to practice and embracing tourism in the age of AI and innovation.
“Today, we are united by a shared vision – a vision of sustainable growth, inclusive participation and transformative tourism that begins here in Melaka, not only for Malaysia but for the entire world.
“Let us remember that tourism is more than just an economic activity. It is a powerful force that connects cultures, inspires innovation and fosters understanding among nations,” he said in his address.
Citing Melaka’s status as a Unesco World Heritage City, Ab Rauf said the state was a living testament to how heritage and modernity could co-exist.
“We proudly embrace our diversity and remain committed to preserving both tangible and intangible heritage – from historic monuments and timeless architecture to traditional arts, crafts, cuisine and languages,” he said.
