PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Manoharan Periasamy has been appointed as the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) chairman effective Dec 8.
The appointment was announced by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing in a statement on Thursday (Dec 11).
Tiong said Manoharan's appointment was made in accordance with Section 5(1)(a) of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992, to replace Datuk Dr Yasmin Mahmood.
"Manoharan is expected to strengthen Tourism Malaysia's strategic direction, particularly in enhancing the coordination of tourism promotion programmes and activities ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign," he said.
Manoharan, who has over 30 years of experience in the public service and tourism sector, previously served as Tourism Malaysia director-general. He also held several key positions, including senior director of the international promotion division (Asia and Africa).
His other portfolios included senior director of advertising and digital division, director of package development division and director of corporate communication division.
He also played a significant role in expanding Malaysia's footprint in the south Asian market, having led promotional operations as Tourism Malaysia's director in Mumbai and New Delhi, India, from 2000 to early 2016.
Meanwhile, Manoharan expressed his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him.
"I truly appreciate the trust placed in me through this appointment. It is a major responsibility, especially in ensuring the successful implementation of VM2026.
"I am committed to working closely with the management and all Tourism Malaysia personnel to further strengthen Malaysia's position as a premier tourist destination," he said. – Bernama
