Mainstream media remains vital for tourism promotion
KUANTAN: Mainstream media continues to play a pivotal role in promoting Malaysia's tourism sector by effectively reaching diverse audience demographics, according to Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong.
He noted that while digital platforms and social media have become dominant tools in tourism marketing, the role of traditional media including television, radio and print should not be underestimated, particularly in engaging older demographics and the business sector.
'Social media and mainstream media cater to different audiences, making them complementary when promoting various aspects of tourism to distinct demographic groups,' he told Bernama.
Wong emphasised mainstream media's role as a foundational pillar for long-term tourism success, particularly in highlighting initiatives, programmes and products.
Echoing Wong's views, Malaysian Association of Hotels Pahang Chapter chairman Charles B Peter said mainstream media remained relevant due to its engaging content, credible information and adherence to journalistic standards.
'We know that social media is very active nowadays, but mainstream media retains the unique advantage of providing accurate, accountable information.
'I believe that before airing any programme, mainstream media undergo proper editing, and the quality of its presentation remains more engaging compared to social media,' he said.
Charles pointed out that the media's tourism role extends beyond destination promotion, serving as a platform to address industry concerns including infrastructure development, safety improvements and accessibility to national landmarks.
Meanwhile, he called for enhanced collaboration between media agencies, local authorities (PBT) and tourism associations to showcase hidden-gem destinations while preserving their cultural heritage.
'I propose coordinated media familiarisation trips with tourism associations to identify and develop potential attractions,' he said, suggesting that this approach would better highlight regional history and local culture.
Recognising the media's role and contributions to the nation's development, National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) is celebrated annually on May 29, and this year, the main event for the celebration will take place on June 14 at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTC KL) and will be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', more than 1,000 media practitioners, locals and from abroad, are expected to attend the event organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Seventeen Of State's Best Honoured At INPenang International Awards 2025
GEORGE TOWN, June 21 (Bernama) -- The INPenang International Awards 2025 here tonight honoured 17 Penang-born individuals and state organisations for achieving excellence in their respective fields while contributing to society. Held biennially, the international awards recognise excellence across a wide range of categories and this year, the INPenang Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Malaysia Retailers Association president Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong, who also is Group Executive Chairman of GIANT, Mercato, TMC and GAMA. Among the recipients of the INPenang National Awards were Dr Mary CH Quah for Women's Leadership; Dr Kenny Loh (Top Cultural Fashion Designer); Wonderfood Museum Penang (Best Tourism Experience); Sunway Carnival Mall (Best Retail Mall) and Ghee Hiang Manufacturing Co Sdn Bhd (Best Heritage Brand). Meanwhile, five individuals were honoured with the International Outstanding Achievers Award, namely former Consul General of Thailand in Penang Datuk Raschada Jiwalai; Myanmar Airways International and Mingalar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Commercial Officer, Tanes Kumar; Honorary Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Value Partners Group, Hong Kong, Datuk Seri Cheah Cheng Hye; Sunway Healthcare Group president Datuk Lau Beng Long and The Smart Investor Director and Managing Editor Cheah Chay Tiong. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim who officiated and presented the awards, praised the recipients for putting Penang on the map both nationally and internationally. 'The stories behind each award recipient tonight are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. Whether in business, the arts, social causes or innovation, these individuals and organisations have not only excelled in their fields but have also contributed meaningfully to the greater good. 'As Minister of Human Resources, I am proud to see how Penang continues to be a hub of talent and forward-thinking leadership,' he said in his speech. Besides the above, dré Coklat Sdn Bhd, Space Ace Elite Sdn Bhd and Alan Lim Hin Loong togather with Catherine Lee Siow Mei (Fusion) were named as winners of the INPenang Emerging Entrepreneur Award, recognising their innovative ventures and entrepreneurial success. One of the key events highlights was the appearance of 'Baby Hawke, a small robot powered by leading Artificial intelligence (AI) and Robotics industrial automation solutions provider, UB GROUP, which delivered the trophies to the winners on stage.
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
Ice Sculpting Faces Talent Shortage Despite Strong Demand
ALOR GAJAH, June 21 (Bernama) -- Often the highlight of official events, luxurious weddings and product launches, ice sculptures add a touch of elegance and artistry to any occasion. However, industry players are increasingly concerned that without young talent and formal training to sustain the craft, this visually captivating art form may gradually fade, despite strong demand from the hospitality sector. Bukit Beruang Community College (KK) culinary lecturer Mohd Farid Yusoff said that with only a few five-star hotels employing professional ice sculptors, they had become highly sought after by hotels, caterers and event planners seeking unique table centrepieces. 'There are fewer than 10 professional ice sculptors in Malaysia, and we are making efforts to increase that number to preserve this ice carving legacy. 'The legacy of ice sculpting must be preserved, especially as veteran chefs like Chef Jeffrey, Chef John and Chef Haron, who represented Malaysia at global events including in Sapporo, Japan, are no longer active. We really need to find fresh talent to continue their legacy,' he said when met at the Melaka Cuisine Challenge 2025 at Freeport A'Famosa Outlet here today. Malaysia still lacked structured platforms for ice sculptors, unlike Japan, South Korea and the United States, where formal training and competitions were already in place, despite the presence of promising talent among culinary Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students. He added that the high cost of equipment and materials, such as ice-cutting machines and industrial-grade refrigerators, had made it difficult for most educational institutions to offer ice sculpting courses, thus limiting opportunities for young people and new players in the field. 'Due to these constraints, KK Bukit Beruang started offering short-term certificate-level training in ice carving to give young people a chance to learn and improve their skills. 'We're promoting it as it is also part of the TVET stream, while also helping students realise that this art form, though short-lived, can have a lasting impact and offer a rewarding income,' he said.
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia exploring new palm oil markets amidst geopolitical conflicts
KOTA BARU: The government is exploring new markets for Malaysia's palm oil in an effort to reduce the nation's reliance on major exporting markets affected by geopolitical conflicts. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the ongoing Israel-Iran crisis and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have disrupted export shipments to certain zones. "Malaysia currently exports goods worth RM186 billion annually to global markets, including palm oil, but part of these markets are now considered high-risk due to armed conflicts. "As such, we are exploring new markets, namely, countries that have yet to purchase Malaysian palm oil or cooking oil. "This is crucial to ensure that our export levels remain stable," he said, adding that the country is currently trading with nearly 80 nations, with plans to expand its reach even further. Speaking to reporters after attending the 'Dialogue with KPK' programme at the Mara Poly-Tech College, Kota Baru here today, the minister also urged plantation operators and smallholders to work closely with the government to ensure the resilience of the national commodities sector on the global stage. He said planters and operators must work with the government to address challenges at the international level. "The European market is increasingly emphasising environmental sustainability and biodiversity-friendly practices in palm oil procurement. "To enter their markets, we must prove that our plantations meet their standards, comply with sustainability principles and preserve biodiversity," he said. Johari said that providing good service and meeting buyer requirements should be a priority to help turn new buyers into long-term customers. "We are asking them to buy more from us, but the service we provide is just as important," he said. — Bernama
