Sunday, March 10, 2024

MELAKA MUST VISIT DESTINATION

 

“We promote Melaka as a must-visit destination in Malaysia,” says Asmaliana Binti Ashari

Saturday, March 9, 2024

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At the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024, we had the pleasure of speaking with Asmaliana Binti Ashari, Senior Manager, Tourism Melaka, Malaysia, who shared invaluable insights into the historic city of Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and vibrant culture.This exclusive interview delves into Melaka’s strategic promotion as a must-visit destination in Malaysia, its unique attractions, and the significance of the “Visit Melaka Year 2024” campaign.

Melaka: A Tapestry of Culture and History

Asmaliana Binti Ashari, Senior Manager, Tourism Melaka, Malaysia begins by highlighting Melaka’s status as a UNESCO Heritage City, a title that honors its historical significance and well-preserved heritage. With over 700 attractions, Melaka is a microcosm of Malaysia’s multicultural tapestry, boasting historical sites, recreational theme parks, and an abundance of restaurants and cafes. “Melaka is not just a historical city but a living museum that offers a glimpse into the confluence of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Chitty, and Peranakan cultures,” Asmaliana explains.

Promoting Melaka as a Premier Destination

The strategy to promote Melaka, according to Asmaliana Binti Ashari, Senior Manager, Tourism Melaka, Malaysia, leverages its UNESCO inscription and its representation of ‘Truly Asia’, to attract tourists from around the globe. Melaka’s appeal lies in its ability to offer an authentic experience of Malaysia’s multicultural identity. The city welcomes visitors to explore its unique blend of cultures, traditions, and cuisines, making it a compelling destination for those seeking a rich, cultural experience.

Visit Melaka Year 2024: A Yearlong Celebration

The highlight of our discussion was the “Visit Melaka Year 2024”, a campaign designed to spotlight Melaka’s attractions through over 100 events scheduled throughout the year. Asmaliana Binti Ashari, Senior Manager, Tourism Melaka, Malaysia emphasizes, “From January to December 2024, Melaka will host a variety of events, inviting tourists to immerse themselves in our rich cultural heritage and vibrant community life.” This initiative not only aims to boost tourism but also to engage visitors with the city’s diverse offerings, from traditional festivals to contemporary arts and music events.

Enhancing the Tourist Experience: Lucky Draws and Incentives

An innovative approach to attract visitors is the lucky draw competition for tourists staying two nights in Melaka. “We are excited to offer our guests the chance to win amazing prizes, including brand new cars, as a token of our appreciation for choosing Melaka,” shares Asmaliana Binti Ashari. This initiative, unique to the “Visit Melaka Year 2024”, is expected to incentivize longer stays and deeper exploration of the city.

MICE Opportunities in Melaka

Melaka’s potential as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination is significant. With facilities like the Melaka International Trade Center and a range of hotels equipped with state-of-the-art meeting rooms and ballrooms, Melaka is well-prepared to host international conferences and corporate events. “We offer special rates for MICE providers and event organizers, making Melaka an attractive and cost-effective option for hosting business events,” Asmaliana points out.

A Vision for the Future

As the interview concludes, Asmaliana Binti Ashari reflects on the future of tourism in Melaka. The “Visit Melaka Year 2024” is more than a campaign; it’s a strategic effort to showcase Melaka’s evolution from a historic port city to a dynamic, multicultural hub. “We are committed to preserving our heritage while embracing innovation and sustainability, ensuring that Melaka continues to be a beloved destination for generations to come,” she asserts.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 provided a valuable platform for Tourism Melaka to share its vision and initiatives for promoting Melaka as a premier tourist destination. Through strategic marketing, diverse cultural offerings, and a focus on sustainability and innovation, Melaka is poised to captivate the hearts of visitors from around the world. As the “Visit Melaka Year 2024” campaign unfolds, it’s clear that Melaka is not just preserving its past but is also building a vibrant, inclusive future, inviting all to explore its treasures.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

HANG TUAH ARTEFACTS IN MAY

 

Melaka to bring back Hang Tuah artefacts, documents in May


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MELAKA: The state government will bring back artefacts and documents related to Hang Tuah from various countries to be displayed in May this year in conjunction with Visit Melaka Year 2024.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state government had previously conducted a research mission to prove the existence of Hang Tuah in several countries in Europe and Asia.

"In addition, the Peca de Malaca, a cannon given by the Indian King of Calicut to the Sultan of Melaka when he resisted the Portuguese attack, is now in the Lisbao Military Museum," he said when tabling a motion of thanks for the speech of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka in the State Assembly on Wednesday (March 6).

Ab Rauf said the research mission team also found an old map of the Cantino Planisphere called Malaqua dating back to 1502 at the Museu Marinha in Lisbon.

In addition, a nine-pronged dagger and the Rekidai Hoan, an official document of the Ryukyu Kingdom, were found at the Archaeological Centre of Okinawa, Japan, containing 19 letters from the Ryukyu Kingdom to the Melaka government and 11 letters from the Melaka government around the year 1480, including the admiral's name, he said.

Ab Rauf said the state government has been holding talks with various parties to obtain the documents and artefacts. – Bernama

Saturday, March 2, 2024

PUTERI HANG LI PO THE MUSICAL AT ENCORE

 


Istana Budaya Revives Puteri Hang Li Po Musical, Celebrates Malaysia-China Ties at Encore Melaka

Istana Budaya's Puteri Hang Li Po musical at Encore Melaka celebrates 50 years of Malaysia-China relations, highlighting cultural diplomacy and artistic heritage.

 
Istana Budaya Revives Puteri Hang Li Po Musical, Celebrates Malaysia-China Ties at Encore Melaka

Istana Budaya Revives Puteri Hang Li Po Musical, Celebrates Malaysia-China Ties at Encore Melaka

KUALA LUMPUR: Istana Budaya is set to enchant audiences with a refreshed rendition of the Puteri Hang Li Po musical at Encore Melaka Theatre this October, heralding a significant moment in the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. The initiative, part of the IB2024 programme, not only seeks to entertain but also to strengthen cultural tourism under the auspices of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC).

Strategic Cultural Symphony

According to Istana Budaya director-general Zubaidah Mukhtar, the collaboration with Encore Melaka represents a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging the theatre's international repute to promote cultural exchange. "This revival retains the original charm of the Melaka Sultanate's golden age, with enhancements that promise a richer, more immersive experience," she stated, underscoring the performance's role in bolstering Malaysia-China diplomatic ties.

Aside from the Puteri Hang Li Po musical, Istana Budaya's IB2024 lineup includes the Traditional Malaysian Orchestra: Sounds of Malaysia, and the Lambang Sari Series, continuing its tradition of showcasing Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry. The programme also features special performances by the National Symphony Orchestra across the nation, further emphasizing Istana Budaya's commitment to cultural proliferation.

Infrastructure and Legacy

Highlighting the institution's future plans, Zubaidah shared insights into ongoing maintenance and renovation efforts aimed at revitalizing Istana Budaya. Scheduled for completion by January 5, 2026, these improvements align with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 initiative, ensuring that Istana Budaya remains a cornerstone of Malaysia's cultural and artistic landscape.

As Istana Budaya prepares to weave historical narratives with contemporary artistic expression, the Puteri Hang Li Po musical stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural diplomacy. Through its vibrant portrayals and strategic partnerships, Istana Budaya not only celebrates the past but also looks forward to fostering deeper international connections through the universal language of the arts.

Friday, March 1, 2024

STADTHUYS OF KEE ANN ROAD?

 

STADTHUYS OF KEE ANN ROAD



The Stadthuys of Kee Ann road is nearing completion. It is being painted in red.