12/04/2026

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NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday APR 12, 2026

Move to woo more S’porean visitors

KUALA of February this year, 3.4 million Singaporeans visited Malaysia, making up half of the total number of international tourist arrivals under the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) campaign. Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar said the republic is one of the top sources of visitor arrivals, resulting in a vital contribution to Malaysia’s tourism industry. Azfar said Malaysia stands out as an attractive holiday destination for Singaporean travellers. “Our VMY2026 campaign is a clear testament to our steadfast commitment to welcoming visitors from throughout the world and to display our unparalleled diversity that define Malaysia as a premier global destination. “We are also encouraged by initiatives targeted at inspiring Singaporeans to visit Malaysia several times annually, transforming one-day visits into overnight trips and increasing their length of stay to more than one day,” he said at the opening of the 38th Travel Malaysia Fair in Singapore on Friday. The travel fair, which started special tour packages for coming school holidays in republic Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com LUMPUR: As Travel fair held to boost tourist arrivals by offering

explorations through Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, featuring hands-on sessions in pottery, songket weaving and wood carving. Tourism Malaysia said in a statement the country’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate strong growth. “In 2025, Malaysia recorded 21.1 million visitor arrivals from Singapore, representing an 11.8 % increase compared with the previous year. “This performance underscores Singapore’s importance as a key source market. By combining rich cultural heritage with evolving sustainable tourism offerings, Malaysia continues to present a compelling value proposition where familiar experiences are reimagined through a fresh lens of discovery.” At the fair, the Tourism Malaysia pavilion also serves as a key showcase of Malaysian hospitality featuring 10 prominent co-exhibitors. These include unique attractions such as Camp5 Climbing Gym in Kuala Lumpur, Evolt Karting in Shah Alam, Desaru Fruit Farm in Johor and Monkeys Canopy Resort in Cheras. The pavilion also highlights notable accommodation partners, including Meritz Hotel Miri in Sarawak, 1969 Business Suites Hotel in Ipoh, Lotus Desaru Beach Resort and Spa and ibis KLCC in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors who purchase travel packages from participating partners will also be eligible to redeem exclusive gifts from Tourism Malaysia. For more information, visit the Tourism Malaysia website at www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok.

In 2025, Malaysia recorded 21.1 million visitor arrivals from Singapore, representing an 11.8 % increase compared with the previous year. – REUTERSPIC

“Whether you are a traveller seeking meaningful keepsakes or a cultural enthusiast eager to uncover the stories behind Malaysia’s handmade treasures, this package invites you to discover some of the nation’s most iconic craft makers and witness their artistry brought to life,” he said. The packages include: – KL-Seremban Arts and Craft Trail: A two-day, one-night journey connecting guests with local artisans, offering first hand experiences in batik painting and sculpture-making; – Jemari Halus @ Kuala Lumpur: A unique day tour that combines traditional craftsmanship with a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge; and – Heritage and Handicraft Showcase: Multi-day

experiences and from heritage attraction to world-class shopping. “Malaysia’s multiracial society also offers visitors a unique blend of traditions, festivals and cuisines, creating memorable experiences that keep travellers returning time and again,” he said. The fair features 22 booths at which visitors are offered attractive deals on coach tickets, hotel stays and travel packages. Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said the Craft Trail Packages showcase the diversity and authenticity of Malaysia’s traditional crafts through immersive and experiential journeys, with prices starting from as low as RM109 per person.

on Friday and ends today at Singapore Expo, also saw Tourism Malaysia launch the Craft Trail Packages – a curated cultural tourism programme developed in collaboration with the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation. The fair offers a wide range of experiences tailored for the upcoming June school holidays in Singapore, making it an ideal platform for travellers to plan their mid-year getaways. The three-day fair, organised by the Express and Excursion Bus Association in partnership with Tourism Malaysia, was officiated by Azfar. “Travel Malaysia Fair aims to bring together the best of what Malaysia has to offer, from luxury resorts to adventurous eco-tours, from mouth-watering street food to vibrant culture

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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