Malaysia launches 2026 tourism campaign

Malaysia on January 6 launched the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), which focuses on two core pillars – high yield and sustainable tourism.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre) and cabinet members at the launching ceremony of Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign on January 6 (Photo: Bernama)
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre) and cabinet members at the launching ceremony of Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign on January 6 (Photo: Bernama)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia on January 6 launched the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), which focuses on two core pillars – high yield and sustainable tourism.

Speaking at the launch of the VM2026 campaign, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tiong King Sing said that these reflect the country’s commitment to offering meaningful experiences while protecting the country's unique treasures.

To achieve this, Malaysia have identified three main strategies, namely increasing tourist arrivals by converting short visits into extended stays; extending length of stay by enriching cultural and ecotourism experiences, empowering local communities, and improving infrastructure; as well as encouraging higher spending by promoting niche tourism experiences, the official stated.

Tiong said he believes that VM2026 will help spur growth, create jobs and improve living conditions for local communities. He called on every Malaysian, especially tour guides, business owners, and artists to share the stories, culture and hospitality of Malaysia with the world.

The VM2026 campaign is the Malaysian Government's initiative to promote the country as the main tourism destination, aiming to attract 35.6 million visitors and generate 147.1 billion RM (32.5 billion USD) in revenue.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that every state and district had its own strengths to attract visitors, adding that Malaysia's efforts to successfully organise ASEAN conferences in 2025 will make it a tourist destination this year and next year in particular.

The Malaysian leader hopes that all members of the Cabinet will focus on enhancing capabilities in the fields of tourism, investment and economy, with the involvement of all states through the VM2026 campaign/.

VNA

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

Lao, Cambodian Parties vow to tighten ties

The 15th high-level meeting between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) took place in Vientiane, Laos on February 7.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 6, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

Thailand, China strengthen bilateral ties

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn affirmed Thailand's commitment to deepening law enforcement cooperation with China and its neighbouring countries, pledging strong and decisive actions to combat cross-border crimes, including online gambling and telecom fraud.

Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen begins visit to Laos. (Photo: cpp.org.kh)

Lao, Cambodian legislative bodies enhance collaboration

The two sides appreciated the strong and close collaboration between Laos and Cambodia as well as their legislative bodies, reflected through the implementation of the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two legislatures, such as all-level delegation exchanges, and experience sharing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah at their meeting in Beijing, China, on February 6, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Brunei, China step up cooperation across multiple fields

Xi Jinping said China is ready to strengthen strategic connectivity with Brunei, encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest and start business in the country, and support Brunei in diversifying its economy and developing its digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries.

An office worker in Bangkok points to the Fineasy app on her Oppo smartphone. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Illegal mobile loan apps found in Thailand

The Bank of Thailand initially reported 10 verified illegal apps offering personal loans, including Fineasy and Happy Loan, to the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) under the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry.

A screenshot of the talk show (Photo: VNA)

Cambodian TV channel spotlights Vietnamese Party chief’s article

In a 10-minute talk show, Cambodian journalist Khieu Kolar analysed Vietnam's strategic orientations, especially the continued Party building and redtification, the streamlining of the political system, and the promotion of science and technology application and digital transformation in Party building.