1) Malaysia has successfully transformed its tourism industry and global image over the past 50+ years through strategic branding and promotion campaigns. 2) The "Malaysia, Truly Asia" slogan launched in 1999 was a major success, attracting over 7 million tourists and doubling tourism receipts compared to the previous year. 3) Prior campaigns like "Visit Malaysia Year" in 1990 and 2007 also significantly increased tourist arrivals and revenues, demonstrating the economic impact of tourism on Malaysia's development.

1. Chapter 7 :
MALAYSIA BRANDING SUCCESS
ONCE, an agro-mining economy in the 1970s, relying mainly on rubber and
tin, this land of infinite geographical diversity has made remarkable progress
since. From an unknown country, hampered by its well-known neighbours –
Singapore and Thailand, even ridiculed by the foreigners who actually
thought its people still roaming in the jungle and lived on trees, the world
perception on Malaysia today has changed.
Malaysia is well known for its uniquely complex multi-ethnic society which has
shaped the image of the country for years. Home to the natives - Orang Asli in
the Peninsular in additional to the vast ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak, it
is a country that has left many mesmerised by its rich historical background
and unique tapestry of culture that make up the multi ethnic populace, living
together in peace and harmony.
55 years since the proclamation of Merdeka by the first Prime Minister, Tunku
Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia now stand tall as an independent and
unified nation. Built upon traces of the Malay Malacca Sultanate of the 15th
century influenced by the Muslim Arabs, Indians and Chinese before the
Portuguese, Dutch and British colonizers, the young nation blessed with its
diversity and immense beauty has evolved into the embodiment of all that is
intriguing about Asia.
Thus, triggers the ―Malaysia, Truly Asia‖, a slogan launched in 1999 meant to
boost its tourism industry with all the advantage which differentiate itself while
penetrating the international market. It is one of many successful campaign
to come, helmed by Ministry of Tourism and Malaysia Tourism Promotional
Board (MTPB), the ministry‘s arm better known as Tourism Malaysia. A fund of
RM150 million was allocated for the launching of its worldwide marketing
campaign which successfuly attracted 7.4 million tourists, a growth of 43.6%
compared to 5.5 million in tourists arrivals in 1998, contributing a total receipts
of RM12.3 billion compared to RM8.6 billion the previous year.
―Malaysia, Truly Asia‖ had elevated the tourism sector to a new level, both
from branding and economy perspective.
The tourism sector, according to Tourism Minister, Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen has
been recognised by the government as a major source of revenue and a
catalyst for the Malaysian economic renaissance. Though relatively new,
tourism has contributed a total of RM37.4 billion to the Gross National Income
(GNI) of the country in 2011. It is now the fifth biggest contributor after oil and

2. gas, palm oil, manufacturing and retail in revenue, but second in largest
foreign exchange earner with RM1 billion a week.
―We will enhance our promotion and marketing campaigns through our
global brand ‗Malaysia, Truly Asia‘ ,celebrating diversity to energize the
tourism industry and provide the enabling framework to attract and increase
tourist arrivals,‖ said Dato' Sri Dr. Ng as quoted by The Star, adding the Ministry
is pushing itself to ensure that the sector drives transformation in both the
social and economic landscape.
Like wise, "Malaysia, Truly Asia' campaign,‖ according to Dato'Mirza
Mohammad Taiyab, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, ―has been
successfully communicated through the various marketing efforts of Tourism
Malaysia and has helped to establish a strong and distinctive personality or
image of Malaysia as a must-visit premier holiday destination in Asia."
Nonetheless, ―Malaysia, Truly Asia‖ might just owe its success to ―Visit Malaysia
Year‖, an earlier campaign launched by the ministry, then known as the
Ministry of Tourism and Culture, in 1990. Themed ―Fascinating Malaysia‖,it was
allocated with a budget of RM100 million, said to be one of the most
expensive campaigns organised back then. The then Prime Minister, Dato Seri
Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his speech during the launch, highlighted on the
potential of tourism industry as means to boost the country‘s development.
―Visit Malaysia Year‖ was held following the successful hosting of 1989 SEA
Games and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
In his address at the 1989 National Meeting on Malaysia, organised by the
World Economic Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Dr Mahathir, said: ―While it is
comforting that the current account still shows a modest surplus, we are
nevertheless determined to address the problem of the growing invisibles
deficit. Central to this is the promotion of tourism. 1990 is ‗Visit Malaysia Year.‘
More will be done to promote inbound tourism. The unexploited tourism
potential is still very big and indications are that tourism and related
industries will have high growth rates in the 90's.‖
In point of fact, ―Visit Malaysia Year‖ 1990 marked the beginning of a
successful revival of tourism industry in Malaysia. Tourist arrivals were boosted
to 7.4 million with total receipts of RM4.8 billion compared to 4.8 million tourists
in 1989 with receipts at RM2.803 billion. Since then, consistent efforts by

3. Tourism Malaysia has pushed the tourism industry to be one of the big players
in Malaysia‘s economic growth.
The industry suffered major setbacks due to Gulf War that saw tourist arrivals
declining to 5.8 million in 1992. The industry was revitalize as the second ―Visit
Malaysia Year‖ launched in 1994, carrying the theme, ―Fascinating Malaysia –
Naturally More‖ which resulted in an increase of tourist arrivals to 7.2 million.
The third edition of ―Visit Malaysia Year‖ was perhaps the most intensified, if
not sentimental as Malaysia welcomes the Golden Jubliee that marked a
siginificant milestone in the history of the nation, a remembrance of the
struggle and sacrifices of its founding fathers. Themed ―Celebrating 50 Years
of Nationhood‖, the declaration was made by current Prime Minister, Dato Sri
Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, then Deputy Prime Minister, at the historical
Dataran Merdeka just before the countdown to the 2006 New Year. It was a
decision made by the Cabinet, ―a way to showcase a modern Malaysia to
the world‖, said Najib in his address.
The celebration of ―Visit Malaysia Year‖ is one of the country's efforts to
promote Malaysia as a popular tourist destination in order to generate a
major source of income for the country. Najib, in his speech, expressed hope
that the programme will foster greater solidarity harmony and wellbeing for
the people, which will also be experienced by the tourists. He stated that
besides encouraging economic growth, such event will also open job
opportunities for Malaysians.
―Visit Malaysia Year‖ 2007 campaign which spanned across the globe with a
budget of RM200 million surpassed its target of 20 million to record 20.97
million tourist arrivals, bringing in a whooping receipts totalling RM46.1 billion
compared to RM36.3 billion in 2006. It left a big impact with its 50 major
events, organised in keeping with the siginificance of the number of years
since Malaysia has been independent. The grand launching on January 6th,
2007, saw the unveiling of the Eye of Malaysia, the largest portable
observation wheel in the world, similar to the famous London Eye while the
Lake Titiwangsa Garden was transformed into a watery audiovisual
wonderland. August, the month of Merdeka was filled with, from the much
anticipated cultural perfomances, to street shows, apart from the Citrawarna
or Colours and Flavours of Malaysia parade, an annual event showcasing the
rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country.
At the UNTWO Conference – labeled – ―Mainstreaming Tourism In The Media‖,
held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 24 March 2011, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia,
Datuk Dr Victor Wee laid down the key points that led to the successful

4. promotion of ―Visit Malaysia Year‖ 2007. Planned commercials via TV telecasts
and the printed media, echoing the look of movie blockbusters, he said, were
among the strategies adopted to announce the event, besides media
familiarization to ensure continuous exposure on the international scene.
According to the paper, a total of 29 MegaFam Programmes were organized,
with 4,790 international media participants in 2007 that accounted to a
publicity value estimated at RM67 million!
To achieve the 2007 target, Tourism Malaysia worked on improving the
hospitality services. The ―Malaysia Welcomes the World‖ programme was
launched to train 20,000 front liners on how to become gracious hosts and
subsequently providing over a million job opportunities, generating a total
revenue of RM103 billion in 2007. ―The growth of the tourism sector has also
opened up new employment opportunities across diverse industries,‖ said Dr
Ng, ―such as retail, food and beverage, accommodation, transport and
handicrafts.‖ In 2011 alone, a total of 55,565 jobs were created, pushing the
2012 target to 90,542 jobs.
The Ministry, according to Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, is pushing itself to ensure
that the sector drives transformation in both the social and economic
landscape―There is still untapped potential within the tourism sector that can
provide a viable growth platform for the country,‖ she said.
Malaysia, according to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO), is
the ninth most visited country in the world, a spot held for three consecutive
years since 2009. Apart from that, Malaysia is being voted second Best
Shopping Destination in the Asia Pacific for 2012 according to the Globe
Shopper Index. In a report by HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, carried by Forbes
Online, Malaysia was also named the 10th friendliest nation for ―satisfying
social life, easy local travel and better housing.‖
Even Malaysian resort operators made the country proud at the prestigious
World Luxury Hotel Awards 2012, including The Westin Langkawi Resort and
Spa and Datai Langkawi for Asia Luxury Island Resort and Luxury Island Resort
respectively, along with other Malaysian hotels and resorts such as Palace of
the Golden Horses (for Luxury Golf Resort), Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur (for Luxury
City Hotel), Shangri-La‘s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa (for Asia Luxury Family
Hotel), and Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport (for Asia Luxury
Airport Hotel).

5. 2010 left a big impact as well when Malaysia was listed by Lonely Planet in the
list for Best in Travel and Best Value Destination, and second in Best
International Tourism Destination (2009 & 2010) by the America‘s Global
Traveller Magazine. Kuala Lumpur was also hailed as one of the 31 suggested
tourist‘s destinations. At the 2010 World Travel Award, few of Malaysian resort
operators grabbed several awards, include Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Sabah
(Asia‘s Leading Green Hotel), The Andaman Langkawi (Asia‘s Leading Spa
Resort) and Resort World Genting (World Leading Casino Resort and Asia‘s
Leading Family Resort).
Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen applauded Malaysia being a tourism-friendly nation
as one of many factor that contributed to the tremendous development in
the tourism industry. In regards to further understand the significance of the
tourism industry and the importance of being a first-rate service provider, the
―Mesra Malaysia‖ course was then initiated with the aim to produce and
retain a competent tourism industry work force capable of providing
customer service of world-class standards. The course, a must for tour guide in
obtaining their license, also encourage Malaysians to constantly extend
quality customer service and to treat customers in a polite, amiable and
professional manner at all times.
A vulnarable industry though, the tourism sector were slapped with unforseen
events such as the September 11 terrorists attacks on New York‘s Twin Tower
(2001) and the widespread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, an
epidemic known as SARS in Asia (2003). However, the setback was a blessing
in disguise for Malaysia who repositioned herself within the tourism circle in the
millenium, shifting its attention to the Middle East market, among others. From
1985 – 1997, UNTWO listed Asia Pacific as Malaysia‘s biggest tourist supplier,
contributing 87%, with mostly arriving from Singapore and Japan.
To maintain its momentum, by acknowledging the global contraction of the
tourism industry, the ministry set its eye on domestic tourism. ―Cuti-Cuti
Malaysia‖ made its debut on 11th September 1999 to stimulate the growth of
the number of domestic tourists in the country.The main objective of the
campaign, according to Musa Yusof, Director Domestic Marketing Division of
Tourism Malaysia in an interview with Gaya Travel, was to encourage the
locals to plan their vacation properly while reversing the view that
vacationing is something unnecessary and a waste of time and money. He
said, it was also aimed to change the ‗balik kampung’ or back to hometown
tradition into a tourism activity.
In 2008, ―Cuti-Cuti Malaysia‖ was given a new image – ―Zoom! Malaysia‖,
launched by former Prime Minister, Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on

6. May 14, aimed to lure more Malaysians to travel within the country and to
encourage them to look at Malaysia with a fresh perspective. It was set to
spark the interest in lesser-known and new places of interest in the hope of
creating a greater exposure for local tourism products and a bigger presence
for domestic tourism after a 2009 forecast of a 9.3% drop in foreign tourist
arrivals from 22.05 million in 2008. The campaign was in line with the
government‘s effort to strengthen and stimulate domestic tourism by
motivating Malaysians to plan their holidays and explore the diverse
attractions within Malaysia, besides encouraging national integration.
Under Dato' Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen's administration, the short lived ―Zoom!
Malaysia‖ was renamed ―Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia‖, in line with the 1Malaysia
concept introduced by the Prime Minister. The move proven to be a success
as more Malaysians are embracing the ―Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia‖ idea as statistics
shows a steady increase in the domestic tourism sector. Amid the world
economic downturn in 2009, the campaign had further strengthened the
image of Malaysia as a desirable holiday destination by generating RM52
billion in revenue, with tourist arrivals of 23.65 million, slightly higher than earlier
forecasts of 22.96 million.
The diverse population has contributed to Malaysia‘s excellent tourism assets,
creating a wider foundation for the industry. 2012 most intriguing product is
the increasingly popular Homestay programme. Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen
announced, the Homestay programme surpassed its target of 23% of
occupancy rate, achieved instead 32% in rate since the programme was
introduced in 1995 in Temerloh, Pahang. The total Homestay programme
revenue between January and June 2012, according to Tourism Malaysia,
deputy director-general, Datuk Azizan Nordin, is ―RM8,710,526 million, which
was an increase of 45.2% compared with the same period last year.‖
Under the programme, according to the ministry‘s media release, ―Tourists
learn about close-knit family relationships, enjoy sumptuous home-cooked
food and discover the simple lifestyle in the kampung,” besides ―a chance to
experience the daily life outside of bustling capital cities and puts tourists
closer to our natural assets, the culture and friendly people of Malaysia.‖
Homestays, according to Dato' Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, went further than
accomodation per se, ―showcasing Malaysia‘s rich cultural heritage lifestyle in
a unique and interesting manner.‖

7. From as little as RM80 a day, guest will be hosted by a family and share their
meals and enjoy the daily routines of a kampung life, staying usually in
traditional wooden houses on stilts set amidst a pretty landscaped garden
besides participating in special activities such as jungle trekking, fishing,
rubber tapping or handicraft-making. Aiming to increase the participant of
the rural community in the tourism industry, Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen said, it will
enable the locals to generate substantial income and a way to reduce the
rural-urban migration. ―Through the Homestay programme we will be able to
promote and share the national aspiration, which is to increase the spirit of
integration and unity by promoting intra-cultural interaction,‖ she said.
Establishing itself as a safe destination, Malaysia has become a retreat for
foreigners to call home. Under ―Malaysia My Second Home‖ (MM2H)
programme, foreigners who fulfill certain criteria are allowed to stay in
Malaysia on a renewable social visit pass. MM2H initially started out as the
Silver Hair programme targeting at attracting senior citizens for a long stay or
to retire in Malaysia, using a five-year social visit pass in 1996 under the
Department of Immigration Malaysia. With the rebrand in 2002, foreigners are
welcome to apply for MM2H, using a 10-year multiple entry social visit pass
which is renewable. Only in 2006, MM2H came under the Ministry of Tourism.
Up to November 2007, 1,700 applicants had been approved, mainly from
Britain, Japan and South Korea.
According to director of MM2H centre, Siti Nani, the ministry is targeting 3,000
approved participants in 2012, up from 2,387 in 2011. ―From the year 2002 until
2011, the programme has managed to succcessfully attract 17,389 approved
participants, whereby in 2011 alone there were 2,387 appoved applicants,‖
she said, adding top participants are from China, Bangladesh, United
Kingdom, Japan and Iran.
A reflection of success of MM2H programme is in terms of placement of fixed
deposit in Malaysian banks since 2002 by approved participants. The success
is also being attributed by the expenditure which had clearly contributed to
Malaysia‘s economic activities. The expenditure diversify such as into
education when the foreigners taking up the programme had to send their
children to schools in Malaysia, or at least the use on healthcare services
available in Malaysia‘s hospitals. Interestingly, according to Siti Nani, most
applicants share a common thoughts when opt to join the MM2H
programme. Among the reasons being Malaysia‘s diversity in terms of culture
and its people, apart from the low cost of living, freedom from natural
disasters and Malaysia‘s relative stable political environment.

8. Revival of a tourism industry will only succeed with the participation of the
locals. The success of various campaigns and programmes, developed to
accelerate the growth of the country‘s tourism sector, partly falls on the
mindset of its people. Likewise, Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen calls on ―developing a
mindset where everybody must ‗think tourism, act tourism.‖
In 2010, MOTOUR implemented ―1Malaysia Green 1Malaysia Clean‖
campaign which carries the tagline ―Think Tourism, Act Tourism‖ in an effort to
fight littering while hoping to change the mindset, habit and attitude of
Malaysians towards cleanliness. Other issues being address under ―Think
Tourism, Act Tourism‖ campaign, include on Dayo' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen‘s call for
taxi drivers as the frontliners in the tourism industry to ―be equipped with basic
information to share with the tourists as well as understand their role in
promoting tourism.‖
In a rather interesting twist, on March, 2012, Malaysia witnessed the unveil of
1Malaysia Chopper by the Prime Minister which coincide with the launch of
―5-Mountain Motorcycle Tour‖ package. The custom made motorcycle,
designed by the American Chopper team from the popular Discovery
Channel show and presented by its star, Paul Teutel Sr, commemorates the
spirit of 1Malaysia as initiated by Najib and highlighting Malaysia‘s harmonious
diverse culture.
The design features Malaysian icons, including the Petronas Twin Tower that
shaped the air intake with an amazing frame splashed with the bright colours
of Jalur Gemilang, the Malaysian flag and hibiscus, the national flower. It was
featured in the American Chopper: Senior vs Junior show.
Teutel comments on Malaysia‘s ―cultural diversity and its very friendly people‖,
according to Salahuddin Mohd Ariffin, the vice-president of Tourism Malaysia
at its New York office were well received and helped provide greater visibility
for Malaysia as an attractive destination. United States (US) traveller recorded
a figure of 119,528, marking 18.9% growth compared to the same period last
year, second highest behind United Kingdom‘s 196,738 arrivals, amongst the
10 long-haul market in the first half of 2012. In 2011, Malaysia received 216,755
visitors from the US, generating revenue of about RM730 million, according to
Tourism Malaysia.
Such initiative reflects the industry's innovation in its partnerships, promotions,
products and packages, keeping Malaysia fresh as a tourist destination.
Through American Chopper and the introduction of the ―5-Mountain
Motorcycle Tour‖, the government hopes to intensify the promotion of the
country amongst luxury travellers, besides highlight Malaysia as a new must-
see destination for biking enthusiasts overseas to explore.

9. Najib said, the ―5-Mountain Motorcycle Tour‖ package a good initiative to
promote Malaysia as the best motorcycle touring destination in the region,
citing ―Malaysia is blessed with natural beauty and I am confident that the
package will be a hit with foreign bikers due to our scenic routes and warm
weather,‖
Initiated by Tourism Malaysia, the luxury package covering five beautiful lofty
spots — Genting Highlands, Fraser‘s Hill, Cameron Highlands, Gunung Jerai,
and Titiwangsa Range — could give riders, especially those from overseas, a
different experience. For Ng, ―the chopper will be a good publicity tool for
tourism and we will use it to market Malaysia as a destination for biking tours
which has potential in attracting a niche market."
David Keen, the CEO of QUO Keen, specialist agency for the travel, tourism
and hospitality industries in an interview with The Edge Financial Daily, said
branding is about forming a multi-dimensional culture that forms the structure
of that identity. ―Any brand is only successful if it accurately reflects the truth
presented by the behaviour of its people, natural resources, economic,
productivity and political culture,‖ he said.
The impact from campaign such as ―Visit Malaysia Year‖ to ―Malaysia, Truly
Asia‖ even the latest edition, ―1Malaysia Chopper‖ go beyond the tourism
industry, even helped the country‘s international profile through many positive
coverage in various credible international media around the world. Spurred
by, namely the launch of low cost carrier, AirAsia on December 1st, 2001, plus
the provisions of five working days a week for the public sector since July 1st,
2005 which allows people for short break and the intensifed efforts and
promotions under MOTOUR and Tourism Malaysia, has contributed to the
growth in tourism. While Singaporean make up 50% than overall total of tourist
arrivals, the industry is seeing an increase on tourists from the Middle East,
besides China and India to name a few.
Malaysia‘s achievements in tourism have caught the attention, among others
UNTWO‘s secretary-general Taleb Rifai who credited Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen
for the success. ―I would really like to salute Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen as she
and her team have shown remarkable results in promoting Malaysia,‖ he said
while attending the two-day 2012 World Tourism Conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia and China are the only Asian country in the UNTWO top list.
The tourism industry has undergone rapid progress since Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen
Yen appointed minister of Tourism in April 2009. She, as stated in a media
release by Tourism Malaysia, is also recognized for fast-tracking
implementation for innovative tourism products such as the 1Malaysia
International Shoe Festival. She was also instrumental in leveraging Malaysia
as a luxury tourism destination with her focus on parks and garden tourism, an
initiative that saw Malaysian won gold awards for its garden concept at the

10. prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London for two years in a row. Visit
Malaysia Year 2013/2014 is also under way, to coincide with the celebration
of Golden Jubliee of Sabah and Sarawak insertion into Federation of Malaya
in 1963.
It was an accomplishment, said Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, boosted by
government‘s policies aimed at making Malaysia the world's top tourist
destination. Malaysia has travelled a long, hard road to earn the many
accolades showered on it by the global tourism fraternity which could not
have been achieved without the support of Malaysians who share the same
drive to succeed, she said to the media.
Malaysians, however are reminded to be on alert to ensure that the country
maintains its position as the top tourist destination of choice. ―Hence,
everything that comes out from your mouth, you need to think tourism, act
tourism,‖ said Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen. ―We have to constantly develop more
tourist-friendly products and services to meet the needs and preferences of
tourists and must continue to promote Malaysia through our warm Malaysian
Hospitality,‖
Nevertheless, Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen is adamant on the target of 36 million
touris arrivals by the year 2020 with a revenue of RM168 billion, set in line with
the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020. Her closing ceremony speech
a Malaysia Week in London, themed ―Faces of 1Malaysia‖ says it all as she
was quoted saying: ―As the ninth most visited country in the world for the third
consecutive year, Malaysia has cemented its place as a top destination for
both business and leisure.‖ Ambitious or not, but Malaysia, through its tourism is
making an impact today, and in the future.
FACTS & FIGURE:
2011
• A release by Tourism Malaysia stated that 2011 tourist arrivals increased
by 137,128 to 24,714,324 compared to 24,577,196 in 2010
• Receipts in 2011 increased by RM1.8 billion to RM58.3 billion compared
to RM56.5 billion the 2010
2012
• Malaysia welcomed 11,632,483 tourists arrivals in the first six months of
2012, registering a growth of 2.4% compared to 11,362,86 in 2010.
• Tourists receipts from January to June 2012 have also risen by 4.0%,
generating RM26.8 billion to the country‘s revenue compared to
RM25.7 billion in 2011

11. Visit Malaysia Year (VMY)
• Dato Sabaruddin Chik was the Tourism Minister during the launch of
VMY in 1990 and 1994
• VMY 2007 was held during the tenureship of Tengku Adnan Tengku
Mansor
• 2013/2014 is the fourth edition of VMY, helmed by Dato Seri Dr Ng Yen
Yen
Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
• CHOGM is a bi-annual meeting between Commonwealth leaders
• First held in Singapore in 1971 with recent ones, Perth, Australia in 2012
• CHOGM have been the venues of many of the Commonwealth's most
dramatic events. Robert Mugabe announced Zimbabwe‘s immediate
withdrawal from the Commonwealth at the 2003 CHOGM and Nigeria‘s
execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others on the first day of the
1995 CHOGM, led to that country's suspension
• During the 1980s, CHOGM were dominated by calls for the
Commonwealth to impose sanctions on South Africa to pressure the
country to end apartheid. The division between the United Kingdom
during the government of Margaret Thatcher which resisted the call for
sanctions.
• The departure of Uganda's President Milton Obote to the 1971 CHOGM
allowed Idi Amin to overthrow Obote's government. Similarly, President
James Mancham‘s attendance of the 1977 CHOGM gave Prime
Minister France-Albert René the opportunity to seize power in the
Seychelles.
American Chopper:
• A reality show on custom made chopper or motorcyle
• New York-based Orange County Choppers founded by Paul Teutel Sr
• Besides Paul Sr, two of his son are also part of the team
• 1Malaysia Chopper are a collaboration between Tourism Malaysia‘s
New York office and the American Chopper team

12. Homestay Programme:
• A collaboration between Ministry of Rural and Regional Development,
respective state governments and the Malaysia Homestay Association
• Out of RM858 million allocated for tourism initiatives, RM22 milion is for
homestay development, while marketing are included within the
Tourism Malaysia‘s promotion for Niche Market and Special Interest
Market
• Ttourists can opt for package such as the MasWings Adventure
Misompuru, a collaboration between the national airline and
Misompuru Homestaywhich has attracted 14,912 tourists and
generated more than RM700,000 for 42 families, mostly Rungus ethnic
from 15 villages in Kudat, Pitas and Kota Marudu.
• In 2010, a total of 3,283 homestay operators from 141 homestays have
been trained and licensed throughout the country.
• The number of people who opted for homestays had almost doubled
from 17,528 in 2010 to 34,578 in 2011, while 2012 recorded an increase
by 55% between January and June, compared with the same period
last year
• The the setting up of its official website, www.go2homestay.com to help
provide information, include an official directory of Ministry-registered
homestays and assisting in bookings or making enquiries.
Zoom! Malaysia Take To The Skies:
• ―Zoom! Malaysia‖ took its campaign further to the skies via low-cost
airline, AirAsia to stimulate tourism.
• Flying 24 million passenger a year, Dato Sri Azalina Othman, the former
Tourism Minister hoped by distributing pamphlets and brochures inside
the carrier can trigger traveller‘s interest to spend extra days in the
country.
• Through the ―Zoom! Malaysia Take To The Skies‖ campaign, AirAsia Air
Bus A320 flights were seen displaying the ―Zoom! Malaysia‖ logo on
carriers plying the domestic and ASEAN countries routes for 18 months.