Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) today formalised a strategic collaboration with Hainan International Media Center (HIMC) to enhance the promotion of Malaysia's tourism industry and stimulate economic growth. Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai stated that the news agency is ready to actively promote local tourism attractions to draw more international visitors, particularly from China.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative marks the first collaboration between Bernama and HIMC aimed at highlighting Malaysia's tourism industry and investment opportunities through media platforms. Officials are keen to spotlight local products and key tourist destinations in Malaysia, such as Penang and Terengganu's scenic beaches, to audiences in China. Wong shared these insights following the signing ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is positioned as a strategic partner in promoting tourism in Hainan province, which offers more affordable travel options compared to other destinations. The partnership was formalised under the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Cultural Cooperation Alliance, which includes HIMC and several Malaysian organisations like Kwong Wah Yit Poh, Nanyang Siang Pau, MILA University, the Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia, and the Malaysia ASEAN-China Economic and Trade Development Promotion Association.
The alliance focuses on fostering collaboration between media and cultural organisations in Malaysia and China, with an emphasis on content co-production, talent development, and policy coordination. It also highlights the importance of youth collaboration, engaging institutions such as MILA University in Malaysia and the Lingshui Haifeng International Film and Television Base in Hainan in exchange programmes, creative workshops, and training initiatives to nurture regional talent.
HIMC's Senior Advisor on Hainan-ASEAN International Communication, Dr Pua Eng Teck, explained that Malaysia was selected as a strategic hub due to its strong historical and cultural ties with the Malaysian Chinese community, especially in business, culture, and information exchange. He noted Kuala Lumpur's geographical advantages and potential to enhance people-to-people and business-to-business connections.
Dr Pua also emphasized the collaboration's educational benefits, particularly for Chinese students pursuing higher education in Malaysia. HIMC plays an essential role in promoting cultural ties and supporting educational exchange, providing a platform for Chinese students in Malaysia to engage more with local communities and institutions.