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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Visit Malaysia 2026 kicks off at NAIA

Visit Malaysia 2026 kicks off at NAIA

Published Jan 5, 2026 03:13 pm
Ambassador of Malaysia Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin with representatives from the embassy and Malaysia Airlines Philippines.
Ambassador of Malaysia Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin with representatives from the embassy and Malaysia Airlines Philippines.
The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign officially commenced with a send-off ceremony for Malaysia Airlines flight MH807 on the Manila–Kuala Lumpur route. The event was coordinated by the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila through its Tourism Malaysia Office, in collaboration with Malaysia Airlines.
Malaysian ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino graced the ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, accompanied by Tourism Attaché Mohd Faizal Sharip, Deputy Chief of Mission Nor Jufri Nizar Edrus, and Malaysia Airlines Sales Manager Diana Cher Lacsamana Batica.
The Ambassador meet-and-greet session with the cabin crew of Malaysia Airlines MH807 prior to boarding
The Ambassador meet-and-greet session with the cabin crew of Malaysia Airlines MH807 prior to boarding
The delegation also met with the cabin crew, sharing aspirations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and expressing appreciation for their role in welcoming visitors to Malaysia. At the boarding gate, 157 passengers were warmly received and presented with commemorative souvenirs, a gesture of hospitality made possible with the support of Malaysia Airlines Philippines Airport Station Head Michael Vince Betron.
Malaysia Airlines currently operates 21 weekly flights on the Manila–Kuala Lumpur route, while its sister airline Firefly serves the Cebu–Kuala Lumpur route with five weekly flights.
As part of the VM2026 campaign, Malaysia will unveil a year-long calendar featuring over 300 events that celebrate the nation’s multicultural identity, artistic heritage, and festive traditions. Highlights include the VM2026 Chinese New Year Festival, Aidilfitri Festival, Deepavali Festival, and Christmas Fest, alongside iconic cultural celebrations such as the Tadau Ka’amatan Festival and Gawai Festival. These curated experiences will showcase cultural parades, culinary delights, traditional performances, spiritual observances, and community-led festivities throughout the year.
Passengers experience the warm Malaysian hospitality as soon as they board the aircraft
Passengers experience the warm Malaysian hospitality as soon as they board the aircraft
Malaysia aims to attract 47 million international visitors through VM2026, reinforcing tourism as a key driver of the nation’s economy. With its theme song “Surreal Experiences”, the campaign promises a vibrant programme of festivals, cultural showcases, exhibitions, and uniquely Malaysian experiences.
By leveraging Malaysia’s strengths as a world-class destination, Visit Malaysia 2026 is expected to boost tourist arrivals, generate employment, enhance the country’s global image, and deliver economic benefits to local communities. Beyond tourism, the campaign will foster cultural appreciation and stimulate growth across hospitality, transportation, retail, and gastronomy sectors.
The Malaysian Embassy thanks the Malaysia Airlines Philippines and Ninoy Aquino International Airport staff for a successful send-off ceremony.
The Malaysian Embassy thanks the Malaysia Airlines Philippines and Ninoy Aquino International Airport staff for a successful send-off ceremony.
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