AirAsia X strengthens Malaysia - Japan ties with exclusive direct flights to Fukuoka

Photo Caption: (L-R) Executive Director Japan National Tourism Organization Kuala Lumpur Office Chiemi Maruyama; Group Head of Commercial AirAsia X Barry Klipp ; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Malaysia His Excellency Dr Makio Miyagawa; CEO of AirAsia X Malaysia Benyamin Ismail flanked by Cabin Crew at the launch of Kuala Lumpur - Fukuoka route.

KUALA LUMPUR,  29 November 2018 - AirAsia X today announced the launch of an exclusive direct route connecting Kuala Lumpur with Fukuoka, Japan today. The four times weekly service set to commence on 28 February 2019, will be the airline group’s fifth destination in Japan and fourth route from Kuala Lumpur, strengthening Malaysia - Japan bilateral ties while stimulating local trade and tourism growth.  

The launch fares from RM199* on standard seats and RM799* on the award-winning Premium Flatbeds, are available for booking on airasia.com from 30 November (0001hrs GMT+8) until 9 December 2018 for travel between 28 February 2019 and 28 October 2019.

AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail says, “Very soon, Kuala Lumpur will be directly connected with Fukuoka for the first time with our four times weekly direct services, with air fares from as low as RM199*, in keeping with our promise to connect the world with new markets at great value fares.”

“With over six million guests flown since we started operating into the country in 2010, Japan remains a very important market for us. We look forward to the commencement of this route early next year which will strengthen the bilateral ties between Malaysia and Japan while bringing the world to Fukuoka through our extensive network in the region,” added Benyamin.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Malaysia H.E Dr. Makio Miyagawa said, “Congratulations to AirAsia X for the launch of this new unique route to Fukuoka, Japan. We commend AirAsia X’s effort to provide enhanced links between Japan and Malaysia. Fukuoka and its surrounding cities in Kyushu are renowned for spectacular scenery and cuisine and we welcome everyone to visit and enjoy the many travel highlights of this region.”

AirAsia X currently flies to Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo from Kuala Lumpur, with onward daily flights between Osaka and Honolulu, Hawaii. As a group, AirAsia X connects with Japan from eight cities including the recently announced Taipei - Osaka; while AirAsia Japan has an operating base in Nagoya with one domestic route to Sapporo.
Fukuoka is home to thousand-year-old historical landmarks such as the Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine and Fukuoka Castle which exist side-by-side with modern and industrial centers. Visitors can escape to pristine shorelines - ideal for leisure seekers and water activities on Itoshima peninsula during summer.

Other attractions include Kawachi Fuji-en garden in Kitakyushu, Yanagawa's canals and Hakata merchant town which hosts two major festivals annually, the Hakata Dontaku and Hakata Gion Yamakasa.
Kyushu’s culinary specialties include world-class seafood dishes, yakitori (grilled skewers) and motsunabe hot pot during the winter. Ramen connoisseurs will be in for a treat in Fukuoka with a local yatai or food stalls on nearly every corner of the streets ready to offer you their specialty Hakata Ramen dubbed as amongst the best in Japan.

For the latest AirAsia news, activities and promotions, follow AirAsia on Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia) and Instagram (instagram.com/AirAsia).

-AirAsia.

Tambak lokasi memancing TMM2020

AMMAR ABD. GHAPAR (tiga dari kiri) menyampaikan hadiah

Cabaran Memancing Terbuka Johor di Pontian, Johor, baru-baru ini.

PONTIAN 28 Nov. - Pesisiran pantai di Pusat Perdagangan Pontian atau sinonim dengan panggilan ‘Tambak’ akan menjadi salah satu lokasi pertandingan memancing sempena Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2020 (TMM2020).

Pengarah Bahagian Domestik dan Acara merangkap Ketua Seketeriat Kempen TMM2020, Datuk Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar berkata, aktiviti memancing mempunyai ramai peminat apatah lagi perairan negara ini kaya dengan pelbagai jenis ikan.

Menurutnya, pertan­dingan memancing mampu menarik ribuan peserta dari seluruh negara dan berjaya membantu sektor pelancongan domestik seperti penginapan bukan sahaja hotel dan resort, malah homestay atau inap desa turut menerima tempias ekonomi daripada orang ramai.

“Perairan Tambak ini juga tidak kurang hebatnya apabila pemancing berjaya menaikkan ikan pari seberat 6.5 kilogram (kg),” katanya selepas menyampaikan hadiah Cabaran Memancing Terbuka Johor 2016, di sini kelmarin.

Yang turut hadir, Pengarah Tourism Johor, Abdul Malik Ismail; Pengarah Tourism Malaysia Wilayah Selatan, Solehuddin Ahmad dan Yang Dipertua Majlis Daerah Pontian, Nor Syazlan Abd. Razak.

Kira-kira 1,200 pemancing dari dalam dan luar negeri ini termasuk dari Kelantan menyer­tai pertandingan tersebut bagi merebut hadiah keseluruhan berjumlah RM80,000. 

Ammar berkata, turut mendapat manfaat ialah sektor per­khidmatan lain seperti peniaga makanan.

“Sektor perkhidmatan yang lain seperti stesen minyak, jualan buah tangan dan tidak ke­tinggalan mereka yang menjual umpan turut menerima tempiasnya,” katanya.

Beliau berharap sektor pelancongan di daerah Pontian akan terus maju dengan adanya pelbagai produk yang ditawarkan selain pertandingan memancing yang dianjurkan pada setiap tahun.

-utusan online.

Popular Tourism Malaysia director-general retires after 36 years

The friendly, jovial and knowledgeable figure that Mirza Mohammad Taiyab cuts will be sorely missed when the well-respected industry figure retires from his director-general role at Tourism Malaysia on December 1.

Mirza had served in Tourism Malaysia for some 36 years, with the last 12 years as director-general. Prior to that, he was the deputy director-general.

At press time, the Public Service Department has not announced Mirza’s replacement. Meanwhile, his duties will be taken over by two deputy director-generals, Mohmed Razip Hasan and Zulkifli Md Said.

During his tenure as director-general, Mirza had expanded Tourism Malaysia’s structure to create a career path for officers from entry level right up to senior management. He is also key in getting Tourism Malaysia staff exposed through overseas placements and in-house training programmes.

He said: “I am proud that I have been able to develop many capable and knowledgeable leaders. Together with the travel industry, we were able to bring tourism to its present level, which is the third foreign exchange earner for Malaysia.”

Mirza was instrumental in leading Tourism Malaysia to bid for PATA Travel Mart 2018, which was held in Langkawi in September. Recognising the importance of business events, he was crucial to the formation of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) way back in 2009. Prior to the establishment of MyCEB, MICE was merely a unit within Tourism Malaysia.

Looking back at his long-spanning career, Mirza commented: “My biggest regret was not being able to launch a proper campaign to reverse the regression of arrivals after the two airline tragedies in 2014. At the time, Tourism Malaysia had budget cuts. Our challenges then were increased media advertising costs, currency devaluation and keener destination competition from our neighbours.”

When asked about his retirement plans, Mirza shared: “I haven’t decided yet. For now, I want to take it easy and spend more time with my wife and three children.”

To commemorate Mirza’s long service, Tourism Malaysia will be organising an internal farewell reception on November 29, followed by another event for industry players on the following day. His last day of office will be November 30.

Trade reacts to Mirza’s retirement

Mirza’s retirement has evoked reactions from the Malaysian trade members, many of whom hold fond memories of this industry pioneer as well as his contributions and strong support for the tourism sector over the years.

KL Tan, president, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), remarked: “MATTA’s success in driving the nation’s tourism industry forward and making Malaysia a preferred travel destination for tourists would not have been successful without the full support of Mirza and collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, both in the country and its overseas offices. Mirza’s support and cooperation with MATTA has created many favourable conditions to the association’s members, such as making Malaysia the European Travel Agents and Tour Operators Associations (ECTAA) Preferred Destination of the Year for 2018 and the selection of Malaysia as the official partner country of ITB 2019.”

Ally Bhoonee, executive director at World Avenues, said: “Mirza’s retirement is a great loss to the tourism industry. Tourism is in his DNA. He has an open door policy and he is a humble, approachable person. I have asked him several times for advice on industry matters and he has always been willing to share.”

Arokia Das, director, Luxury Tours Malaysia said: “I’ve known Mirza for over 30 years, and he has always had a strong passion for the industry and to make Malaysia a premier destination. He has an ear to the ground and he is always abreast of market trends which he kept the travel trade abreast of through proper guidance.”

Anthony Wong, group managing director, Asian Overland Services Tourism & Hospitality Group, said: “Mirza is an industry person, very humble and intelligent and he has supported the industry well, addressing issues to make it an easier environment to work. He has also led many organisations at the international level and supported the industry participation though making Malaysia an active member. This helps to bring many meetings and conferences to Malaysia.”

Uzaidi Udanis, president of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, remarked: “I have known Mirza since 1987 when he was just an officer in Tourism Malaysia. I remember he helped me personally in developing the European market and with that I managed to widen my market to Eastern Europe. As director-general, Mirza has also shown support for MITA Travel Fair and availed himself to all our events which relate to domestic and inbound tourism. I hope that after he retires, he will continue to contribute his valuable experience in the tourism industry.”

Shaharuddin Saaid, executive director, Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO), said: “Mirza is a personal friend whom I have known since the mid-1990s. He is highly principled with firm opinions, yet at the same time, good-natured and jovial. During his tenure as director-general, he has been very supportive and co-operative to industry players and stakeholders, MAHO included. He has never failed to show up at our Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses except on two occasions when he was overseas or out of town. I wish him continued good health and prosperity.”

-TTG Asia.

Farewell From LADA's CEO

-Dato' Haji Azizan Bin Noordin.

Hop-On Hop-Off bus to operate in Ipoh next month

IPOH, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Residents and visitors in the city will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Ipoh without worrying about transportation when the Hop-On Hop-Off bus service becomes operational next month.

Perak Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said, the service would start by taking passengers at eight stops including the Ipoh KTM Station, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St. Michael, the Octagon building, Little India and Masjid Datuk Panglima Kinta.

"We will do our trial first and if there is a response we will add to the bus route so that passengers especially tourists can fully enjoy enjoy the views and beauty available in the city," he told reporters after launching the 'Talk on Public Awareness' programme here today.

He said the bus service would be on weekend from 8 am to 5 pm.

Ticket prices would be determined later, he said.

He said he was confident that the service would reduce the problem of traffic congestion in the city which is becoming increasingly serious.

-Bernama.

Neon Countdown 2018 @ Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia ( 31 December 2018 )

Malaysia’s biggest Countdown is back!

Thousands of music lovers gathered once again under the NEONfield this past New Year’s Eve for the annual Neon Countdown event. The festival—hosted by Neon Events at Sepang International Circuit—combines electronic music, performers, art and engagement for hours of whimsical fun for attendees—also known as Headliners. Explore, Engage, Energize and Enjoy! Take your NYE countdown celebration to the next level and treat yourself to some unique perks, from the fast entry and VIP-exclusive entry, to gourmet food and drinks options, to a dazzling array of special activities and entertainment. Take in the view from one of our dedicated VIP NEON Skydeck, get your body painted.

All this and much more await you with the NEON Countdown SKY DECK VIP Experience!

Started with our Pre-registration for VIP; GA where attendees can secure their Early Glow tickets before it ran out and secure the experience during the event day. Neon Countdown’s upgraded this time with VIP called Premium Neon Sky Deck, carrying a cool price tag in 2018. For that small fortune, you get lounges with prime views of the main stages, private bars, catered dinner, premium excess, and a whole lot more to make you very, very smug. Guess, time to consider the VIP package now!

The line-up for the 2018 edition of the Neon Countdown is W&W, while other special names dropping on November. As DJs, currently #14 in the DJ Mag Top 100, they are also dominating dance floors and festivals around the world.This year, we welcome you into Midnight, as they illuminate the darkness and unlock the gates to our lost wonderland of the Neon Garden. 

Be entwined in fluorescent vines, seduced by the glow of carnivorous flowers, decoration, activities, our unique UV paints and cosmetics and tempted by mysterious forest-dwelling beauties.

Come to the hothouse of phosphorescent delectation and dare to neon-dream your way into a nubile new year. The memories you make, the people you meet, the music you listen to, and the activities you do will stick with you forever.

Tick-tock goes the clock – we’ll all be together when the beat drops! Put on your New Year’s Eve best, and turn up with us as we countdown to midnight and start 2018 with a bang. Get your tickets at www.AirAsiaRedtix.com.

-AirAsia RedTix.
https://airasiaredtix.com/neoncountdown

Desaru Coast Gourmet Series - A Malaysian Journey ( 7 ~ 9 December 2018 )

For the first time in Malaysia, Desaru Coast is proud to present its very own signature dining programme, Desaru Coast Gourmet Series First Edition.

The new destination resort introduces an exclusively curated 6-series dining programme that offers a unique and holistic culinary experience for its prestige guests. Rediscover iconic flavours of Malaysian cuisines through new interpretations by award-winning chefs from around the world.

This year, Desaru Coast Gourmet Series First Edition proudly presents Relais & Chateaux’s award-winning Michelin Grand Chef, Emmanuel Stroobant.

BE THE FIRST to savour a one-of-a-kind mouth-watering fusion flavour at Desaru Coast!

-AirAsia RedTix.
https://airasiaredtix.com/desarucoastgourmentseries

Majlis Rumah Terbuka Malaysia DEEPAVALI 2018 @ Klang, Selangor ( 25 November 2018 )

Sukacita dimaklumkan, Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia (MOTAC) akan menganjurkan Majlis Rumah Terbuka Malaysia (MRTM) Deepavali 2018.

Penganjuran majlis ini bertujuan untuk menghimpunkan pelbagai kaum bagi merayakan Deepavali secara bersama dalam suasana harmoni bagi memupuk persefahaman dan perpaduan masyarakat Malaysia.

Selain itu, terdapat juga pelbagai aktiviti menarik akan berlangsung seperti persembahan kesenian, persembahan artis terkenal, Deepavali Idol 2018, fiesta food truck dan sebagainya akan berlangsung bersempena dengan program MRTM Deepavali 2018 ini.

Majlis dijangka akan disempurnakan oleh YAB Perdana Menteri Malaysia.

Butiran bagi penganjuran MRTM Deepavali 2018 adalah seperti berikut:

Tarikh:          25 November 2018 (Ahad)

Masa   :          10.00 pagi – 11.30 malam

Tempat:        Kompleks Sukan Pandamaran, Klang, Selangor

-Tourism Malaysia.

UNWTO in tourism partnership with Pokemon Go creators

UNWTO will collaborate with Niantic to curate global campaigns that will help

build awareness for the organisation’s Travel.Enjoy.Respect campaign

UNWTO has partnered Niantic – the real-world games developer that created Pokemon Go and Ingress Prime – to enhance global tourism through mobile augmented reality (AR) game experiences.

Niantic was recently accepted as a UNWTO Affiliate Member at the 109th session of UNWTO’s Executive Council held in Bahrain last month.

The new partnership is part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to bring together the actors of the ‘ecosystem’ of tourism technology under its priority of innovation and the digital transformation in tourism.

Commenting on the tourism relevance of Niantic games, Ion Vilcu, director of UNWTO’s affiliate members department, said: “Niantic are pioneers in creating real-world mobile game experiences that not only motivate their players to discover new places, but also to appreciate the culture and beauty of the world around them.”

Niantic’s games and global initiatives have been known for gathering players from around the world at real-world events, hence promoting civic engagement and cultural diversity while highlighting local heritage.

With the new partnership, UNWTO and Niantic will curate campaigns around the world that build awareness for the organisation’s Travel.Enjoy.Respect campaign, designed to enhance tourism’s contribution to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Each activity will also be designed to inspire and support exploration, and promote safe and responsible gaming practices for players of all ages.

-TTG Asia.

Langkawi Development Authority chief ending tenure on a high note

Azizan Noordin will step down as CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) on November 30, with industry members of the opinion that the Malaysian tourism veteran is ending his tenure on a high note.

With his replacement yet to be named, deputy CEO Asri Redha Abdul Rahman will helm the organisation in the interim.

Azizan may only have been in active service for 24 months, but he has made a significant impact on the island’s inbound tourism, which some attribute partly to his time at Tourism Malaysia, where he served for over 38 years before retiring in 2016 as deputy director-general (promotion).

Adam Kamal, secretary-general at Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, said: “Azizan has done a wonderful job. One of the first things he did when he came into office was to draw up a calendar of events which has generally helped all inbound agents to plan their marketing campaigns so that it coincides with these events.

“He also had big ideas on developing Langkawi’s appeal and he worked tirelessly to attract more foreign airlines and charters to fly to Langkawi.”

Eric R Sinnaya, managing director, Morahols Travel and also the executive council member of Malaysia Tourism Council, said: “Azizan has brought a lot of positive changes to Langkawi. He has a tourism-related mindset and he knew what holiday makers wanted and that creating sporting and musical events in Langkawi will attract more tourists and millennials. He also had the respect and support from the private sector. In turn, he listened to their issues and found amicable solutions.”

Under his leadership and guidance, LADA organised 33 tourism events in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Some of these events become part of the annual tourism calendar for Langkawi, including the Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show, The Royal Langkawi Superbike Show and Langkawi Island Blues & Roots Aseana.

Ironman Malaysia, held in Langkawi earlier this month, attracted 2,400 participants from 70 countries. Azizan said that counting coaches, family and friends of participants, the destination welcomed around 7,000 visitors on the island for the event.

Moreover, Azizan and his team at LADA co-organised this year’s PATA Travel Mart (PTM) with Tourism Malaysia, a first for the state of Kedah.

Speaking to TTG Asia, Azizan said he is very proud of the execution of PTM and its role in raising awareness of Langkawi as an island destination for tourism at an international level.

Organising the show was done on a tight budget and required the co-operation with the private sector and the Langkawi Tourism Association.

He elaborated: “PTM has attracted quality buyers and we are seeing new agents from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Germany who are now selling Langkawi. We are also seeing increased visitors from China, Saudi Arabia and India.”

He is also instrumental in promoting Langkawi as the gateway to the northern mainland states of Perlis and Kedah.

As well, in his time at LADA, he has worked to improve air connectivity and was able to attract charter flights from China, some of which became scheduled flights.

He added that Qatar Airways has shown interest and that soon, there will be direct flights between Langkawi and India.

Azizan said he will continue to serve as vice chairman of PATA until mid 2019 and wishes to continue to be active in the tourism industry. He further shared that he is hoping to be attached to a local travel-related agency and PATA member so he can continue as vice president at PATA into the next term.

-TTG Asia.

ASEANTA Awards for Excellence nominations now open

The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) is inviting travel and tourism industry members to submit their nominations for its annual awards.

There is no limit to the number of entries each person can submit and registration is not required.

Completed forms are to be emailed to Flora Abdullah at aseanta.ceo@gmail.com, and deadline for submissions is on December 15, 2018.

This year, ASEANTA added two new awards namely the Best ASEAN Hotel Package and the Best ASEAN Cruise Program, bringing the number of awards up to eight.

-TTG Asia.

http://www.aseanta.org/index.php/component/content/article/8-news-and-updates/46-31st-aseanta-awards-for-excellence-entry-form

Tawau businesses urged to upgrade facilities to cater to tourists from China

The pristine forests of Tawau Hills Park is home to many animals including sun bears

and clouded leopards and can be a major tourist attraction. —filepic

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is focusing on the natural attraction of the south-western Tawau district where tourism players have been urged to upgrade their facilities and services in anticipation of an influx of tourists from China during the Chinese New Year holidays next year.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew said that encouraging Tawau’s tourism capacity was part of the state’s efforts to tap the huge tourism market from China.

“For now, we have to make do with our existing services and facilities pending construction of new hotels or resorts but what we have now must improve to cater to the increase in Chinese tourists,” said Liew, who is state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister.

She said this after a briefing by Mega Borneo Holidays Sdn Bhd general manager Edward Chua who presented his Tawau Tourism Promotion and Investment Plan, to take advantage of the peak season.

Liew, who is also Tawau MP, said that the district needs a five-star hotel and called for potential investors to consider the south western Sabah district which is an hour away from Semporna and borders Kalimantan.

Liew said based on the proposal by Mega Borneo Holidays, there would be charter flights from China to Tawau every five days with a capacity of 160 passengers per flight during the Chinese New Year season.

The flights will be operated by Air Macau, taking off from Macau and flying to Shenzhen en route to Tawau.

“Going by this route, Air Macau will ferry tourists from Hong Kong,

Macau, Zhuhai and Shenzhen for the Tawau destination,” she said, adding that they had been planning this for three months and a decision would be made based on the response.

She hoped that Immigration would also open more clearance counters for the convenience of the tourists.

Liew also said that the Tawau Hills Park with the 88.32m world’s tallest tropical rainforest tree (Seraya Kuning Siput) and also the hotsprings, could become major attractions.

Mega Borneo Holidays are offering a five-day Tawau tour package for Chinese New Year holiday-makers including a tour of Roach Reef Island, viewing the swiftlets at the Madai Caves (Kunak) and a day trip to Semporna to visit the Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

-thestar online.
https://www.sabahtourism.com/

Launching Of The Largest Gathering Of Artisan Crafters In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 NOV 2018: Looking for unique handmade products specifically made in Malaysia by Malaysians? Look no further than the Handmade Market, a new fortnightly event that promises a huge array of artisan creations that are sure to entice both local and international visitors.

Handmade Market, believed to be the largest in Malaysia, is the latest attraction at One City Shopping Mall in Subang Jaya. The first edition will be held from 22 to 25 November 2018 from 10 am till 7 pm daily. Thereafter, it will become a permanent event at One City, and organised twice a month on the second and fourth weeks.

A total of 420 Malaysian entrepreneurs, majority of whom are single mothers, people with disabilities, teenagers, retirees and housewives, will take part in the event to showcase their handmade products. Among the products and services available include hand-sewn items, crochet work, custom jewellery, reflexology services, portrait painting, shoe-making, paper craft, soaps, candles, woven items, sculptures and carvings, batik painting, ceramics, wire work and more.

Inspired by the popular Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Thailand, Malaysia’s Handmade Market also emphasises on local handicraft products. The event, organised by the Association of Creative Sewing Art of Malaysia with the support of Tourism Malaysia, is expected to grow into one of the new attractions for both domestic and international tourists in Malaysia.

Apart from making it a new tourist attraction Handmade Market is also aimed at nurturing 500 local entrepreneurs with the ability to generate an average income of RM3,000 per month by 2020. Handmade Market is the platform provided to them to be financially independent.

With the launch of the event, One City, which is widely known as a neighbourhood shopping mall, will be transformed into the largest Handmade Market gallery. The mall has been occupied by the Sewing World Gallery, the first sewing gallery in Asia since 2016. Among its other attractions is the rooftop sky park, featuring a glass floor that allows visitors to see through the mall from the top of the building.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Asia gets first halal-certified cruise ship

The Genting Dream, currently homeported in Singapore, has become the first cruise ship in Asia to offer halal certified cuisine options.

With the ship granted halal certification by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, The Lido restaurant now offers a dedicated halal buffet section for Muslim guests.

“As an Asian homegrown brand, it gives us great pleasure to launch Dream Cruises’ first halal-certified cuisine offerings on board Genting Dream to meet the growing demand… Our halal certification will also support our meetings and incentive business partners who have requested this important offering,” said Thatcher Brown, president of Dream Cruises.

MICE groups now also have halal cuisine available for catering at dedicated function rooms.

Genting Dream is on a year-round homeport deployment in Singapore, sailing two-, three- and five-night itineraries to Penang, Phuket, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Surabaya, North Bali and Macleod Island.

-TTG Asia.

Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team Ready For The MotoGP Dream

Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo set for a new and exciting era,

as Malaysian outfit makes history, with first steps in the premier-class tomorrow at Valencia.

The big moment has arrived for the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, as it prepares to become the first Malaysian team ever to contest the MotoGP World Championship, with the first test of the 2019 preseason tomorrow (Tuesday). It is sure to be an unforgettable day for the new team and for Malaysian Motorsport, who will witness the first steps of one of their most exciting projects.

Italian rider Franco Morbidelli, fresh from being crowned as the 2018 MotoGP Rookie of the Year in Valencia, and Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, who himself makes the step up as a rookie after an impressive year in Moto2, make up an exciting partnership that will take to the Yamaha YZR-M1 machines for the first preparations for the 2019 season at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, where the final round of the season took place yesterday.

With two days of tests ahead, the first objective for both riders will be to adapt gradually to their new team. It is a huge and exciting dream come true for Malaysia and the team that has grown from Moto3 in 2015, to span over all three classes, with the addition of Moto2 in 2018.

The newly formed satellite team will make its debut into MotoGP, at the first official winter test, with the track opening on Tuesday morning from 10am-5pm GMT +1.

Razlan Razali – Team Principal

“This is a historic moment for Malaysian Motorsports and especially for the Sepang International Circuit. We have come a long way to establish our own team in MotoGP, and we are very excited to see this project come to fruition, starting with some positive tests at Valencia and Jerez. The moment the first wheel turns on the tarmac will be a historic one for the Sepang International Circuit, for the Malaysian fans and for fans across South Asia. To be the only Asian-owned team on the grid gives us great pride.”

Johan Stigefelt – Team Director

“It is an incredible feeling to start this new project, this dream we have had for a few years now, and to do it alongside PETRONAS and Yamaha is something special. Over the last six months we have been working non-stop and it has been very tough but finally we have a great team and great people on board. The relationship with Yamaha is very good and the riders are incredible – Franco [Morbidelli] has a year of experience now in MotoGP after finishing as the Rookie of the Year, whilst Fabio [Quartararo] has an exciting debut season ahead.

I am really looking forward to getting started; we all have to learn step by step to achieve our objectives and that’s exactly what we will be doing at the Valencia and Jerez tests. Thank you to everybody that has made this possible. Let’s get started!”

Wilco Zeelenberg – Team Manager

“I am really excited about this new project, we have all worked very hard to turn this dream into a reality. On the technical side, I think we have the two best bikes a satellite team could have, and that makes it so much more easy for me to take the decision to join this new adventure. We have a group with a lot of experience and we are very motivated to do a good job in 2019.”

#21 Franco Morbidelli

“I am very excited! It is fantastic to be here today to see how they set up the bikes and how the team works. It’s an incredible feeling and I just can’t wait to try out the bike tomorrow. What I’ve done so far is have my measurements taken for the Yamaha, although it’s not yet possible to imagine how the bike will feel to ride; to really know that we’ll have to wait for the first laps tomorrow. The objective for this test is to learn as much as possible with the YZR-M1 and to understand the potential of the bike, and to adapt myself to the team while trying to be as fast as possible on track.”

#20 Fabio Quartararo

“I am thrilled to begin a new chapter in MotoGP. Tomorrow we will finally be able to get on the bike and I can’t wait to be on the Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time to see how it is and, above all, enjoy the experience and learn. Let’s just hope the conditions are good for us and that it doesn’t rain, as everything will be new for me: the power, the brakes, the electronics and the tyres. To be able to get the most out of the package it would help for it to be dry. We have already had some meetings with the team; so far I can say that they seem like great people and I’m really looking forward to working with them all.”

- http://www.sicracingteam.com

Soul Sisters Concert @ Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur ( 5 ~ 6 April 2019 )

Souls Sister Concert 2019 is a fresh and energetic soulful concert-style performance featuring the country’s greatest female vocalists; Misha Omar, Noryn Aziz and Siti Sarah.

The supreme performance will feature greatest hit songs in Bahasa Malaysia & English accompanied by live band performance, state-of-the-art sounds and lights with amazing visuals.

A debut and one-of-a-kind concert showcasing the vocals and inspiring talents of the 3 artistes performing with live harmony and grooving moves.

-AirAsia RedTix.

https://airasiaredtix.com/soulsisters

I-City opens first convention centre

SHAH ALAM: I-City launches its first-ever convention centre as part of its RM3bil tourism expansion masterplan for the development.

This provides a platform for residents and foreign visitors to organise weddings, meetings and events at the convention centre, which is large enough to hold up to 1,000 guests (banquet-seating style) and 2,000 guests (theatre-seating style).

Located at Central Walk in i-City itself, the convention centre has a total gross area of 0.18ha (20,000sq ft) with three halls and 6,500 car park bays.

“Under the Tourism Masterplan, we have the i-City theme park, which started some 10 years ago and a shopping centre, which is scheduled to open next year.

“We will also have three hotels, two more convention centres and a medical wellness hub,” said I-Berhad deputy chairman Datuk Eu Hong Chew during the launching ceremony.

Eu added that with the official opening yesterday, they would be able to package the convention centre, theme park and the hotel as a MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination.

Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said MICE was an important sub-sector of the tourism market.

“I’m always excited to attend launches and events related to tourism, which have an impact on the country’s economy,” said Muhammad Bakhtiar.

He added that with MICE packages, it would attract more business tourism as visitors, especially foreigners, were more inclined to extend their stay or return with their family to explore the country further.

-thestar online.

Femme Fatale 2018 @ KL Live ( 15 December 2018 )

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-AirAsia RedTix.
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