Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Kicked Off To A Grand Start!

“Awesome! Simply awesome!” was all Steve could say when asked to comment on the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 promotional campaign official launch that was held on the 19^th January recently. Steve, an engineer from South Africa was among the tens of thousands of visitors that thronged the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here, the venue of the grand celebration. The three day event which started on the 18^th of January showcased the best of Malaysian hospitality and attractions with participations from the tourism industry players, homestay operators, 1 Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism (MCAT) as well as the various relevant government agencies.

The hundreds of clowns in various costumes enlivened the carnival atmosphere

Hundreds of booths offering numerous products from souvenirs to books, bicycles to big bikes are being sold at attractive discounts. Also on display was 1 Malaysia Chopper, a customized motorcycle produced by Paul Teutul  Sr. of the American Chopper fame. The project was sponsored by Tourism Malaysia and two episodes of the series were aired in the Discovery Channel last year. 

Another exciting attraction not to be missed was the massive 1Malaysia Food Court with almost 100 hawker stalls serving local and ethnic dishes from all over the country which was set up in an open tent. Malaysia is synonym with fabulous food, so it was no surprise to see the food court being a big hit with the locals and foreigners. Food lovers were spoilt for choices as food from almost every state in Malaysia was available here.

And what is a carnival without a concert. Three strikes onto a traditional drum by all four ministers present at the ceremony, led by The Honorary Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, marked the kickoff of the concert which was followed with the VMY 2014 campaign's theme song, Celebrating 1Malaysia, Truly Asia, sung by Malaysia's rock queen, Ella. The song will be used worldwide to promote the VMY 2014 campaign. Visitors were then captivated by the performances of popular artistes Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim, Jimmy Palikat and Azlan and the Typewriter.

Dato' Khatijah Ibrahim mesmerized the large audience with her Malaysia...Truly Asia song

Visitors were entertained by cultural performances  of the various races and ethnics of Malaysia

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in his launching speech, urged Malaysians to play a big role in ensuring foreign tourists here get a tourist-friendly Malaysian experience. He said the government targeted to receive 28 million tourists next year under Visit Malaysia 2014, an additional three million to the 25 million foreign tourists received last year. “Their sharing of experience to their family and friends back home is what will encourage more people to visit, so we must prepare to give them a Malaysian experience that will leave a lasting impression in their hearts and minds,” he said, adding that Malaysia's uniqueness rested in its successful combination of Eastern and Western values.

A contemporary art piece by a local artist was displayed at the MCAT pavilion.

One of the many beautiful illuminating sculptures that lined up the main walkway

The launch carnival was still very much alive when I left the venue at about 10.45pm. It has been a long day for me, being there since 4.30pm, but it was really fun and fulfilling indeed. It was good to be able to visit all the booths and pavilions, getting up close and personal with some of the drivers of the multifaceted industry and being captivated by the wonderfully choreographed music and dance performances by the various races and ethnics of this blessed country. Malaysia, I believe, has truly risen up to its iconic slogan, “Malaysia… Truly Asia”.


For more information, please contact:

Tourism Malaysia Head Office 
9th Floor, No. 2 Tower 1
Jalan P5/6, Precint 5
62200 Putrajaya, MALAYSIA
Tel : +6 03 8891 8000
Email : enquiries@tourism.gov.my
Tourism Infoline : 1 300 88 5050
Web : www.tourism.gov.my