25/01/2026

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NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday JAN 25, 2026

Promoting Malaysia via shopping centres nationwide

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia aims to promote Malaysia as a dynamic tourism, shopping and lifestyle destination through various promotional activities and exclusive offers to domestic and international visitors at shopping malls nationwide. In a statement, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said continued private sector support for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) agenda is needed to achieve success. “Collaboration with the private sector is not only capable of boosting the tourism sector, but would also generate economic spillover effects for related industries such as retail, hospitality and service. “This effort will further contribute to growth, sustainable economy and strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism and investment,” he said. To ensure success of the intiative for the VM2026 campaign, Tourism Malaysia entered into a strategic collaboration with AEON Co (M) Bhd (AEON) on Friday. The launch of the collaboration with AEON was officiated by Tourism, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Chiew Choon Man at AEON Mall in Shah Alam. “The official mascot for the VM2026, Wira and Manja, will be displayed as a decorative element at AEON shopping complexes nationwide. “Promotional videos for tourist destinations in Malaysia will also be shown on an LED screen to highlight its uniqueness and the diversity of the country’s tourism products in conjunction with VM2026. “Our efforts will involve working with various industry

Collaboration with private sector would help boost tourism sector, generate economic spillover effects for related industries players, including hotels and tourism agents, airlines and other shopping centres to expand the reach of VM2026 campaign promotion activities,” said Chiew. “Malls are no longer merely places to shop, but also spaces where visitors, both locals and foreigners, can experience local (trends), food culture and the lifestyle of the Malaysian community,” he added. AEON chairman Datuk Iskandar Sarudin said the collaboration with Tourism Malaysia would not only help promote the country as a tourism destination, but also offer a range of activities for local and international tourists visiting AEON shopping malls nationwide. “Among the activities and events we have organised in conjunction with VM2026 are the ‘Raya Story’ featuring the official VM2026 mascots Wira and Manja, AEON Carnival Bazaar, which will promote a wide range of local food such as retail, says minister

Visitors to AEON Mall in Shah Alam posing with the official VM2026 mascot Wira and Manja. – SUNPIC

will run from November until January 2027. “This initiative will support the country’s economic growth and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a major shopping destination in the region. “The shopping segment remains an important component of the country’s tourism industry, in line with the VM2026 target of attracting 43 million international visitors, thus contributing to the growth of gross domestic product.”

of RM350 at AEON, through a combination of up to three receipts. In an earlier statement, Tourism Malaysia said it remains committed to stimulating the country’s tourism spending through the shopping segment, attracting more visitors to make purchases. “This effort will be strengthened through our Super Sale in March, Malaysia Mega Sale (June to July) and Malaysia The Year End Sale

offerings and also the Tourism Malaysia Run, which will be held in selected states. “AEON has always supported the government’s efforts to promote Malaysia to foreign tourists while stimulating the economy through various promotions and events,” he said. On Friday, AEON also launched AEON Mall x VM2026 limited-edition tote bags and headbands, offering visitors the opportunity to redeem the items with a minimum spend

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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