Tourism Malaysia Appeciates Vietnam Media strengthens bilateral Collaboration

Tourism Malaysia and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City hosted an engagement session with the Vietnamese media community at Caravelle Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City today in conjunction with Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (21 June). This session provided an opportunity to promote upcoming tourism initiatives and explore areas of collaboration under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The event was attended by Mr. Firdauz Othman, Consul General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, Ms. Amirah Nadiah Mazlan, Director of Tourism Malaysia, Ho Chi Minh City, and members of Vietnam's media community.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Firdauz Othman expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued support of the Vietnamese journalists in promoting Malaysia as a preferred travel destination and strengthening mutual understanding between Malaysia and Vietnam.

“In today's world, authentic storytelling has never been more important. The media is not only a source of information but also a bridge connecting cultures and people. We deeply value the role of Vietnamese journalists in bringing Malaysia closer to Vietnamese travellers,” said Mr. Firdauz Othman.

Malaysia and Vietnam continue to enjoy strong and comprehensive bilateral relations, with tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges serving as key pillars of cooperation between the two countries. Vietnam remains one of Malaysia's priority tourism markets, supported by growing travel demand, strengthened air connectivity, and closer regional cooperation. These diplomatic advantages that Malaysia enjoys through its strong ties with Vietnam greatly help in securing a high volume of visitor arrivals through the VM2026 period.

During the event, Tourism Malaysia highlighted several upcoming initiatives under VM2026, which aim to position Malaysia as a destination renowned for its cultural diversity, natural attractions, world-class culinary offerings, and warm hospitality. Tourism Malaysia has also introduced a range of upcoming signature events, including Colours of Malaysia, which will be held from 24 to 26 July 2026, the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia, which will be held at the Sepang International Circuit from 30 October to 1 November 2026, and other promotional activities planned in conjunction with the campaign. These initiatives are intended to inspire Vietnamese travellers to experience Malaysia’s tourism offerings.

Beyond tourism, Malaysia also reaffirmed its commitment to educational cooperation. Organised by Education Malaysia, the Study in Malaysia Fair 2026 will be held on 1 August 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, providing Vietnamese students and parents with opportunities to engage directly with leading Malaysian universities and higher education institutions. More importantly, this event will tremendously encourage intercultural interactions between the people of the two countries, fostering greater cultural exchange and mutual respect.

Moreover, Tourism Malaysia will also organise a series of Malaysian culinary and cultural promotion programmes in Ho Chi Minh City in collaboration with selected hotels, alongside celebrations marking Malaysia's National Day, as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance cultural exchange and further deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.