ArtMalaysia e-magazine February 2021

 

Art Malaysia are proud to present our 2nd issue of ArtMalaysia e-magazine. Click this- https://am.artmalaysia.org/publication/issue-2/

-ArtMalaysia Magazine facebook.

Kebenaran Aktiviti M.I.C.E. Berkuat Kuasa 5 Mac 2021

 

-MKN.

Tourism Malaysia India Gears Up For Border Reopening

 

BENGALURU, 20 February 2021 – In anticipation of border reopening, Tourism Malaysia India Offices are engaging with Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) in a three-day meeting starting 19 February 2021 to set sights on strategic planning and come up with key initiatives, strategies and activities.

Organised at the ITC Gardenia, the Directors and the entire marketing staffs from Tourism Malaysia New Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai Offices are also meeting up with tour operators and travel agents of Bengaluru to get feedback on the current COVID-19 pandemic to woo back Indian tourists to Malaysia.

The meeting also serves to update the partners on Malaysia’s latest situation as well as tourism products and developments.

Mr Sulaiman Suip, Director of Tourism Malaysia - New Delhi Office said, the recent Malaysia Airlines achievement in receiving full marks for its COVID-19 health and safety measures (by Airline Ratings) shows Malaysia’s preparedness and commitment towards safety and hygiene. Therefore, we will continue to build confidence and awareness that hopefully will translate into a desire to travel to Malaysia once the crisis ends.

Mr Hafiz Hashim, Director of Tourism Malaysia - Mumbai Office said, the other focal point is the much-anticipated opening of the outdoor theme park in Genting Highland in the second quarter of 2021. The official opening of this ‘Genting Skyworlds’ is music to travellers’ ears and the travel industry alike.

Meanwhile, Mr Razaidi Rahim, Director of Tourism Malaysia - Chennai Office said, Malaysia is also committed to brand itself as an ecotourism destination, with an outlook towards balancing the development and conservation of its natural environment & heritage.

India remains one of the top market sources for Malaysia and contributed 735,309 international tourist arrivals in 2019. The first two months of 2020 recorded a phenomenal cumulative growth of +29%. However, the spread of the coronavirus globally led the countries to close their borders and cancelling most flights.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines to Introduce Digital Travel Health Pass, Reopening Travel to The World

 

KLIA, 24 February 2021: Malaysia Airlines is excited to announce its plan to introduce the Digital Travel Health Pass, yet another milestone the airline is taking on its path to empower passengers to travel around the world once again with confidence and ease. The Digital Travel Health Pass will incorporate some modules of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Travel Pass that have been developed on the basic principle to allow travelers to be in control of their journey while travelling around the world.

 

The Digital Travel Health Pass, which will be integrated with the Malaysia Airlines mobile app, will kickstart and streamline a passenger’s travel journey, with simple easy-to-follow steps before they start on their travel. Passengers can easily make appointments with certified medical partners to carry out a COVID-19 RT-PCR test or include their COVID-19 vaccination certificate on their mobile phones, making the process of tackling their travel requirements much more straightforward and manageable for the everyday traveler. In addition, passengers can verify their travel eligibility with the airline before their travels, making them aware and informed of the constantly developing travel policies worldwide

 

The Digital Travel Health Pass will also integrate modules from the IATA Travel Pass that enable passengers to create a digital passport, verify their test/vaccination requirements and status, and share their “OK to Travel” status with the relevant authorities. This digital ID on the App will pave the way for Malaysia Airlines’ passengers to eventually take advantage of contactless technology options throughout the travel processes. 

 

According to Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham Ismail, “We are excited to make history together with IATA, and help reopen travel nationally and worldwide. Part of our promise to ensure passengers can Fly Confidently, the Digital Travel Health Pass will open the way for us to take the brave next step into the world in a post-pandemic time, instilling confidence in our passengers and providing access to an easy-to-navigate way to prepare for their upcoming travels.”

 

As a central part to the airline’s commitment to provide safe travels to its passengers during this critical and challenging time, the travel health pass is the one-step solution in ensuring all passengers can travel safely while maintaining that all the necessary precautions are taken in limiting the spread of the virus. Creating a contactless journey with travel documents stored securely on the platform, passengers will enjoy a safer, end-to-end seamless travel experience.

 

“Partnering with Malaysia Airlines to integrate IATA Travel Pass into the airlines’ own app is an important milestone for the IATA Travel Pass. It will demonstrate the apps interoperability, an important feature supporting its global uptake. Built with data privacy, security and convenience in mind, the IATA travel app is a solution that both governments and passengers can trust whether it is stand-alone or incorporated into an airline’s own travel app,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Airport, Passenger, Cargo, Security.

 

Malaysia Airlines is working closely with the relevant authorities to roll out the health pass and will be sharing more details in the coming weeks. Download the Malaysia Airlines app today, to keep updated on the Health Pass’s latest updates and be one of the first to Fly Malaysia worldwide once again.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Pembukaan Semula Semua Pejabat Dan Stesen Taman-taman Sabah

 

-Sabah Parks.

Resorts World Genting puts final touches on new theme park

 

Aerial view of Genting SkyWorlds, overlooking Eagle Mountain and the Mad Ramp Peak ride

Genting Malaysia is readying its US$800 million outdoor theme park, Genting SkyWorlds, for a mid-year opening at Resorts World Genting.

Sitting 1,829m above sea level, Genting SkyWorlds takes in 10.5 hectares of space where 26 rides and attractions are housed. While slightly smaller than Universal Studios Singapore at sister property Resorts World Singapore, Genting SkyWorlds boasts the same number of attractions.

Besides presenting original Intellectual Properties (IPs), Genting SkyWorlds will also incorporate 20th Century Studios brands and IPs across its rides and attractions. These IPs include Ice Age, Night at the Museum and Planet of the Apes, among others. This will be complemented by a unique array of themed retail, dining, and entertainment experiences.

Lee Thiam Kit, head of business operations and strategies, Resorts World Genting, shared during a virtual press conference: “We are almost ready. We are putting the finishing touches to this amazing theme park, which we believe is South-east Asia’s most anticipated theme park. We believe we will deliver the very best experience to our guests throughout this journey.”

Lee said the park will cater to families and all age groups, while rides will welcome park visitors of at least 92cm tall.

Edward Arthur Holloway, executive vice president of leisure and hospitality, Resorts World Genting, said that the park will target domestic tourists for the immediate future while waiting for international borders to reopen.

Together with other offerings at Resort World Genting, he said families and leisure tourists will have enough to keep themselves occupied for at least two days.

The theme park was supposed to have opened last year, but construction was temporarily halted by Malaysia’s Movement Control Order.

-TTG Asia.

MOTAC Terima Pengiktirafan Di Anugerah Kraf Antarabangsa 2020

 

22 Februari 2021 - Malaysia terus diiktiraf di peringkat antarabangsa apabila berjaya memenangi empat (4) anugerah yang dipertandingkan dalam Majlis Anugerah Kraf Antarabangsa (ICA) 2020 di Bikaner House, New Delhi, India, semalam.

Program ICA anjuran Craft Village ini merupakan satu platform untuk mengiktiraf sumbangan individu, tukang kraf, artisan, pereka bentuk dan organisasi dari seluruh dunia dalam pembangunan inklusif serta kelestarian dalam sektor kraf. Craft Village adalah pertubuhan sosial dari New Delhi, India yang merupakan anggota World Craft Council - Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR), Res-Arties(Belanda) dan Residency Unlimited (New York).

Berikut adalah empat (4) pengiktirafan yang diterima:

·   Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC)
Kategori: Lifetime Achievement for a Government Representative

·  

  Insitut Kemahiran Tenun Pahang Diraja Tengku Ampuan Besar Meriam (IKTPD)
Kategori: Craft Institute/Academy of the Year

·   

   Projek Kraf Komuniti Ku (KKK) Kampung Kepala Bendang, Sayong Kuala Kangsar
Kategori: Village of the Year

·   

    Rahmi bin Bujang
Kategori: Designer of the Year (Gen-Next)

MOTAC dinobatkan sebagai Lifetime Achievement for a Government Representative atas usaha berterusan dalam memartabatkan industri kraf Malaysia. Inisiatif MOTAC dalam memperkasa dan melonjakkan industri kraf ke tahap lebih tinggi, termasuk menembusi pasaran global merupakan agenda dalam mengetengahkan identiti Malaysia kepada masyarakat antarabangsa.

Insitut Kemahiran Tenun Pahang Diraja Tengku Ampuan Besar Meriam (IKTPD) yang memenangi Craft Institute/Academy of the Year telah mula beroperasi pada Julai 2010. IKTPD merupakan hasil daripada cetusan idea KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah. Institut ini menawarkan Sijil Kemahiran belia dan lepasan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), khususnya dalam melestarikan Seni Kraf Tenun Pahang Diraja. Sehingga kini, seramai 55 graduan Sijil Kemahiran Tenun Pahang Diraja telah dilahirkan.

Projek Kraf Komuniti Ku (KKK) Kampung Kepala Bendang, Sayong Kuala Kangsar yang diiktiraf sebagai Village of the Year merupakan projek perintis KKK di Malaysia untuk memperkasa komuniti kraf seramik di daerah Kuala Kangsar terutama di sekitar Mukim Sayong. Fokus utama projek ini adalah pembangunan produk kraf seramik yang juga merupakan produk identiti negeri Perak. Antara inisiatif yang telah dilaksanakan adalah penyelidikan dan pembangunan 32 rekaan produk identiti (signature) seramik hitam atau black pot yang mempunyai keunikan rekaan corak dan warna hitam pada permukaannya.

Rahimi bin Bujang yang memenangi kategori Designer of the Year (Gen-Next) merupakan pereka dari Kraftangan Malaysia Cawangan Perak. Sepanjang 11 tahun berkhidmat, beliau telah menerima beberapa anugerah dan pengiktirafan. Ini termasuk Juara (Lampu Terendak Menara Kuale) bagi Craft Master 2018 anjuran My Creative Ventures, Penang Art Open 2016, 2018 dan 2020, Malaysia Good Design Award 2018 (Water Dispenser Gelugor) serta mewakili Malaysia di International Ceramic Workshop 2019.

YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya berkata, pengiktirafan ini adalah hasil komitmen dan kerjasama semua pihak terutamanya sokongan daripada rakan strategik yang terdiri daripada pelbagai agensi kerajaan dan swasta dalam membangunkan industri kraf tanah air. Beliau yakin industri ini akan terus berkembang dengan penghasilan produk kreatif baharu selain menyokong penjanaan ekonomi negara dan seterusnya membantu mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan kepada masyarakat setempat.

-MOTAC.

Agong launches Menara Kuantan 188, Putra Bridge

 

KUANTAN: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah launched the newest landmarks here – Menara Kuantan 188 and Putra Bridge – in conjunction with the state capital's elevation to city status, today.

Al-Sultan Abdullah launched the developments virtually, while the Regent of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah attended the opening ceremony at Menara Kuantan 188.

The King, in his pre-recorded speech when opening both landmarks, described the event as another significant milestone and historical event for Pahang.

The Ruler said he and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah will always pray that the people of Pahang will be in good health and for God to spare them any misfortune.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail described Menara Kuantan 188 as one of the high-impact projects implemented by the federal government through the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).

He said upon completion last year, the project was handed over to the state government, which is committed to turning it into a main attraction in the city and across Pahang.

"The tower will complement other tourism attractions, including Taman Kerang Kuantan, Taman Esplanade Kuantan and Teruntum mini-zoo, located not far from here. The tower is part of a series of projects to enhance the Kuantan Waterfront, a key attraction in the city.

"The initiative will expedite efforts by the Kuantan City Council to revive the Kuantan Waterfront and Kuantan River Cruise, along with nearby attractions. To maximise the tourism potential here, the council will create a historical trail along the Kuantan Esplanade which will display the cultural heritage of the state for public viewing," he said in his speech.

Tengku Hassanal, who was accompanied by Wan Rosdy and Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, later visited a gallery located at the ground floor of the tower.

The ceremony ended with a fireworks display and colourful boat parade on Sungai Kuantan. 

At 180 metres, Menara Kuantan 188 is Malaysia's second-tallest freestanding tower after the Kuala Lumpur Tower, which stands 421-metres high.

Visitors to Menara Kuantan 188 are able view the city as they ride two glass elevators to the 104 metre-high observation deck, where they are treated to a bird's eye view of the metropolis; and dine at a restaurant which offers a 360-degree view of Kuantan and Sungai Kuantan, 98 metres above the ground.

The design concept of the tower, with its upright and tapered profile, was inspired by the shape of traditional Malay spear tips, as found on the Pahang state coat of arms.

The design of the tower's viewing deck was inspired by the flowers and leaves of the white Teruntum plant, with "Teruntum" being the original name of the city.

For adventure seekers, the tower also features a 66-metre steel spire which can be climbed to a height of 160 metres above ground.

Meanwhile, the 451-metre dual carriageway Putra Bridge will ensure smoother traffic flow for motorists heading to the city centre and Indera Mahkota from Bandar Putra, Tanjung Lumpur.

The 2.5-km project by the Public Works Department, which begins at the intersection of Jalan Pintas Bukit Setongkol and Jalan Tanah Putih, is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion from Gambang and Bandar Indera Mahkota to Tanjung Lumpur.

Meanwhile, ECERDC chief executive officer Baidzawi Che Mat described the Kuantan Waterfront development project as part of an overall strategy to boost tourism as well as further generate investor interest in the city and surrounding areas.

"This will bring spill-over socio-economic activities to benefit the people. The ECERDC will continue to work closely with the state government and various stakeholders to ensure that the high-impact projects and activities undertaken in the ECER will bring about positive impacts," he said in a statement today.

-nst online.

ASWARA - Pengambilan Pelajar Baharu Sesi Akademik 2021/2022

 

BERITA BAIK UNTUK ANDA

Masih mencari tempat untuk lanjutkan pengajian? 

Lepasan SPM, STPM atau mereka yang berbakat dalam bidang muzik, lakonan, tarian atau mungkin berbakat dalam industri perfileman? atau juga berbakat dalam penulisan kreatif dan seni halus? atau ingin menerokai lebih dalam alam permainan digital, animasi dan multimedia? mungkin ada juga yang berminat dalam bidang pengurusan seni, budaya dan warisan?

Jangan Risau!!! Jangan tunggu lagi, rebutlah peluang pendidikan di ASWARA!!

Anda berpeluang dalam melanjutkan pengajian di peringkat Asasi/ Diploma/ Ijazah Sarjana Muda/ Ijazah Sarjana dan Ijazah Kedoktoran 

Sertai kami ASWARA sebuah institusi pengajian tinggi awam di bawah Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia yang menawarkan pelbagai program berasaskan seni persembahan, seni visual dan multimedia kreatif yang diiktiraf oleh MQA

Kadar yuran pengajian di ASWARA sebahagian besar telah ditanggung oleh Kerajaan

Cipta kecemerlangan anda bersama kami di ASWARA. 

Satu- satunya institusi pendidikan tinggi yang mengungguli bidang seni dan budaya

Mohon segera di capaian berikut *www.aswara.edu.my*

Sila kongsikan maklumat ini

-Bahagian Komunikasi Korporat ASWARA.

Financial assistance for programmes run by arts and cultural NGOs

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) has allocated RM300,000 this year to assist the implementation of arts and cultural programmes run by non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the financial assistance, using the department's existing allocation, would be opened for NGOs for two weeks, starting end of this month, as well as in June and September.

"This is part of the ministry's efforts in helping and supporting the industry activists and players, which subsequently will boost the country's arts and cultural industry," she said at the launch of JKKN's 2021 Calendar and art appreciation.

The launch, which was held virtually, was also attended by the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat and JKKN director-general Mesran Mohd Yusop.

Nancy said last year, JKKN received 80 arts incentive applications.

"Fifty-two of these applications were for the financial incentive, while another 28 applications were for space incentive at JKKN complex nationwide."

She said 25 financial incentive applications were approved for 25 NGOs, with a total amount of RM286,500.

"As for space incentive, 27 applications were approved through strategic cooperation with 17 NGOs.

"This strategic cooperation allows NGOs to be exempted from paying rent for the use of space in JKKN complex nationwide."

Nancy also said the unprecedented Covid-19 had called arts and cultural industry players to utilise various digital technology platforms to disseminate information and art activities.

She said JKNN was among the agencies under the ministry that had taken a proactive step by organising 266 art activities and programmes online last year.

"This year, JKNN targets 279 activities and programmes nationwide as its key performance indicator, following the standard operating procedures as outlined by the National Security Council."

Nancy said based on social media statistic reports, positive feedback was received from the community as well as arts and cultural activists, with 4,020,792 online viewers.

"Therefore, I hope that the arts and cultural industry players will not give up and adapt to the new normal in their activities."

-nst online.

Malaysia Airlines Joins IATA’s 25by2025 to Boost Gender Balance in Aviation Industry

 

image: IATA

KLIA, 17 February 2021: Malaysia Airlines has joined hands with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to champion gender balance and create further career opportunities for women in the aviation industry through the 25by2025 initiative.

 

25by2025 is a voluntary initiative for all aviation stakeholders to strengthen and improve female representation in the industry by 25%, or up to a minimum of 25% by 2025. To date, 57 signatories worldwide have committed to the initiative.

 

25by2025 will be the aviation industry’s platform to share best practices and monitor industry metrics annually to accelerate the aviation industry’s push to create a gender-balanced workplace. By the year 2025, IATA wishes to increase the number of women in top senior positions within the industry, participating in IATA events, panels and conferences and those appointed to IATA’s governance roles up to a minimum of 25%, with an eye on gender-based parity in the long run for the industry.

 

As part of Malaysia Airlines’ long-term vision of the future, the airline seeks to use the 25by2025 initiative as an impetus to further create a positive, encouraging and rewarding work experience for all staff. It is committed to increasing representation of women in the workforce in underrepresented roles, such as engineers and pilots. Additionally, female staff and new candidates will be given more opportunities when applying for senior management roles across the airline.

 

Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham Ismail commented, “Malaysia Airlines and all sister companies under the Malaysia Aviation Group celebrate diversity and drive equality in gender, race, religion and age at all times. We also uphold meritocracy to ensure every woman and man have equal opportunity to advance in their career on the merit of their abilities. To achieve this, we must consciously avoid stereotyping a job to a particular gender, which tends to be a norm in a male-dominated industry. We strongly believe that talented female employees should be given an equal chance to explore new job opportunities and leave their lasting impacts.

 

I am hopeful that by committing to these goals, the diversity we create can spur further innovation and growth for the airline and industry at large, making the future for us all that much brighter. I look forward to working closely with IATA on this to help our women soar ever higher.”

 

“I am delighted to welcome Malaysia Airlines to the 25by2025 initiative. Gender balance and diversity contribute to the success of an organization. By joining 25by2025, Malaysia Airlines is also signaling its commitment to advancing the role of women in the airline industry. Seven airlines in the Asia Pacific region are participating in 25by2025. I encourage more airlines in the region to join this important initiative,” said Conrad Clifford, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific.

 

To find out more about IATA’s 25by2025 initiative, visit https://www.iata.org/en/policy/future-of-airlines-2035/25-by-2025/.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Majlis Appresiasi Dan Pelancaran Kalendar Seni Budaya JKKN 2021 ( 18 Februari 2021 )

 

Majlis Apresiasi Seni JKKN 2021 yang melibatkan Pelancaran Kalendar Seni Budaya JKKN 2021, Pelancaran JKKN TV serta penghargaan kepada NGO Seni Budaya pada 18 Februari 2021 (Khamis) pada jam 11.00 pagi bersiaran langsung di Facebook Rasmi JKKN, mysenibudaya.

Majlis akan dirasmikan oleh YB Dato Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Menteri Pelancongan,Seni Dan Budaya Malaysia.

Peminat seni budaya adalah dijemput beramai-ramai menyaksikan majlis ini secara dalam talian.

Klik pautan di bawah

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mysenibudaya

-Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara facebook.

Sambutan Rumah Terbuka Malaysia - Tahun Baru Cina 2021 Secara Norma Baharu ( 20 Februari 2021 )

 

SAMBUTAN RUMAH TERBUKA MALAYSIA (SRTM) TAHUN BARU CINA 2021 SECARA NORMA BAHARU

Disempurnakan oleh YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin bin Haji Mohd Yassin, Perdana Menteri Malaysia

20 Februari 2021 | Sabtu | 9:00 malam

Saluran TV1, RTM & Penstriman Langsung Facebook Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia

> Persembahan Kesenian & Persembahan Artis

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia trade rails against health minister’s plan to extend travel ban

 

A recent mulling by Malaysia’s health minister to extend the ban on interstate and inter-district travel beyond the end date of the movement control order (MCO) on February 18 has not gone down well with the hotel sector whose business survival is at stake.

In making his case, Adham Baba said maintaining the travel restrictions was very important to continue to flatten the curve.

While acknowledging the rationale behind the recommendation, hoteliers called on the government to adopt a more balanced, considered approach to stemming the virus spread.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) CEO, Yap Lip Seng, urged the government to discuss the matter with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture before extending the blanket interstate travel ban across the country.

He said: “The tourism industry had in fact proven itself since the first MCO in March 2020 and had operated in full compliance of standard operating procedures (SOP), and the hotel industry even introduced its own hygiene and safety certification, the Clean & Safe Malaysia label, incorporating standards beyond base requirements of health authorities.”

Yap pointed out that extending the interstate travel ban would force more hotels into closure and more employees getting retrenched as a result. MAH also requested that the Ministry of Health extend the SOP for special clearance of shorter quarantine approved for ministers to other business travellers from overseas.

“If the Ministry of Health is confident of such SOP, it should also work and serve the business community and encourage investments,” said Yap.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) president, Teo Chiang Hong, hoped the government would lift the ban on interstate and inter-district travel in order to revive domestic tourism.

He pointed out that without domestic tourism, hotels would not be able to survive for much longer. From January 2020 to this month, a total of 287 hotels had closed down and 5,265 employees terminated, according to official data. Under MAHO membership, five hotels closed down in 2020 and one hotel shut its doors this month. Hotels also have had to resort to putting employees on 50 per cent salary cut and leave without pay.

In addition, MAHO also requested more assistance for the hotel sector such as an increase in the wage subsidy quantum to RM1,200 (US$297)- RM1,500 without a cap on the maximum number of employees, extension of electricity bill discount from March to September and increasing the discount from 10 to 15 per cent. It also requested for a moratorium on business and operating licences or permits, the Social Security Organisation’s Employment Injury Scheme, deferment or reduction of assessment, as well as a review of Indah Water Konsortium monthly fixed charges linked to a property assessment value.

Teo added: “We feel that if the government is not able to give further assistance as per our request, it is pertinent to allow hotels to do business and operate as normal with the specified SOPs, so that hotels are able to generate revenue to sustain the business and not having to close down, downsize or terminate employees.”

-TTG Asia.

From drive-through laundry service to selling antiques – here’s what Malaysian hoteliers are doing for survival

 

Terrapuri Heritage Village has turned to selling vintage furniture and handmade decorative items during MCO 2.0

Hoteliers in Malaysia have been quick to adapt and innovate in order to survive since the ongoing movement control order (MCO) was reimplemented, prohibiting hotels from accepting leisure guests.

Since then, a slight rolling back of restrictions now permits hotels to provide dine-in services at their F&B outlets, capped at two persons per table. However, the rule of travel within a 10km radius from home still applies, while interstate travel remains banned.

Under these trying circumstances, some local hotels are thinking outside the box to generate some much-needed income – looking beyond food takeaways and meal deliveries, which has become the norm during MCO 2.0.

The team at G Hotel Gurney in Penang, for example, has recently started offering a drive-through laundry service where guests can drop off their dirty linen for washing.

It is also selling its in-room amenity collection, hand sanitisers, face masks, anti-bacterial wipes, and Eloura eco-friendly toiletries repackaged as corporate giveaways.

G Hotel Gurney’s general manager, Michael Hanratty, shared: “As the crisis continues to evolve, we will get through this by being able to adapt and outlast the pandemic, and come out even stronger. It is no doubt that international tourism will not recover anytime soon, but we believe that the tourism industry in Malaysia will rise again.”

Terrapuri Heritage Village in Kampung Penarik, Terengganu, which houses a collection of 22 traditional Malay houses, ranging from 100 to 250 years old, has also had to pivot its business model to survive.

Its CEO, Alex Lee, who has a love for antiques, said the hotel is selling vintage furniture and handmade decorative items on its website and social media platforms, while also providing consultations on interior design and landscape gardening for a fee. Lee said: “We are just about surviving.”

Kingston Khoo, director of sales and marketing at Mutiara Taman Negara, said the resort is promoting buy now, stay later packages which are valid until the end of the year – a move which has helped pump up cash flow.

He said: “These are well-received because of the long validity period, attractive rates and flexible conditions.” Rooms are going for nearly 50 per cent off pre-Covid rates which were running at RM680+ (US$168) for a three-day/two-night all-inclusive package with activities.

Customers are also not required to fix a travel date, and are allowed to postpone or cancel their trip by giving a 24-hour advance notice.

-TTG Asia.

Experience Malaysia eNewslatter - February 2021

 

https://www.tourism.gov.my/files/uploads/newsletter/2021/February/

-Tourism Malaysia.

ASEANTA lays out tourism restart plan

 

24th Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers

The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has called on South-east Asia leaders to take urgent action to reboot the travel and tourism industry in the region by Q2 this year, and save the tourism industry from collapsing under the weight of the pandemic.

During the recent 24th Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers, which took place virtually last week and was hosted by Cambodia, ASEANTA laid down a series of recommendations to the ministers, including continuing their respective governments’ support in a fair and equitable manner to ensure survival of the industry. This includes government guaranteed loan, tax reliefs, subsidies, incentives, and other relevant fiscal policies.

The association also called on the respective governments to prepare for the reopening of borders by laying down frameworks for cross-border travel, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the whole tourism ecosystem, and guidelines on testing and vaccination by Q1 this year. That also covers the possible development of a common ASEAN health passport, with the potential integration of existing contact tracing or health declaration apps.

In addition, they urged the tourism ministers to facilitate the resumption of all types of travel – including business, leisure and VFR travel – by Q2 this year, in accordance with the ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA) framework.

The ASEAN TCA framework, which was issued last November by the South-east Asia leaders, aims to develop a common set of pre-departure and post-arrival health and safety measures, led by the Indonesian foreign affairs ministry. The development of ASEAN TCA would help restart cross-border travel by laying down a common set of requirements across countries.

Under the ASEAN TCA, ASEANTA proposed for business travel corridors to include the following safety measures: pre-departure and arrival testing, self-isolation for only one to two days until PCR test-on-arrival results are released, a controlled itinerary or allowance for business travellers to travel for leisure after as long as it’s sponsored by the company, and no quarantine for returning business travellers.

The association also floated the possibility of quarantine-free travel bubbles to allow leisure and VFR travel between low-risk countries, with no quarantine imposed on both incoming and returning travellers. The plan would entail the need for mutually recognised testing procedures, alongside common vaccine documentation for ease of verification.

Business travel alone will not be enough to restore intra-ASEAN traffic to healthy levels, ASEANTA said, noting that intra-ASEAN traffic is 35 per cent of the total international O&D passenger traffic in South-east Asia. It also pointed out that reciprocal green lane (RGL) arrangements have not generated significant volumes of air traffic, citing official data showing that Singapore received only around 835 inbound travellers from the South-east Asia region travelling under the RGL arrangements between June 8 to December 25 last year.

If reopening of borders is limited to essential business travel, passenger traffic between South-east Asian countries will likely remain at less than five per cent of normal levels for most of 2021, it added.

ASEANTA also emphasised the important role of the travel and tourism sector to South-east Asia’s economy. In 2019, the travel and tourism sector contributed US$380 billion or 12.1 per cent to South-east Asia’s GDP and created 42.3 million jobs or 13.3 per cent of total employment in the region.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia bags Most Expected MICE Destination for 2020 award from China MICE magazine

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's status as Asia's preferred destination for business events has been recognised at the 13th China meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions tourism segment (MICE) Industry Golden Chair Awards. 

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) in a statement said the country was named as the fourth in the category of Most Expected MICE Destination for 2020.

"This award aims to commend teams and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to China's MICE industry and set pioneering examples for the development of the industry there.

"The award received is highly significant in ensuring encouragement and promotion for the common progress and high-quality development of Malaysia's business events industry," it said.

MyCEB chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Khani Daud said this award is a strong testament of MyCEB's strong performance and its branding efforts in promoting Malaysia as a preferred business events destination. 

Abdul Khani said successful events of all sizes and scope have seen MyCEB repeatedly recognised for its unparalleled attributes and achievements despite the trials and tribulations 2020 has brought upon the business events industry.

"MyCEB has worked closely with the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) and Business Events Council Malaysia (BECM) to formulate MICE standard operating procedures (SOP) which was endorsed by the Malaysian government.

"To add, MyCEB has also launched the Meet in Malaysia campaign that is still ongoing until the month of December 2021 to further boost the industry and entice more international stakeholders," he said. 

The Golden Chair Award was initiated and established in 2007 by the China MICE Magazine, a leading high-end tourism and conference and exhibition publication representing China.

-nst online.