KUANTAN: The initiative by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) to introduce an educational tourism (edutourism) programme has not only made the higher-learning institution a leading edutourism hub in the state, but also contribute towards improving the welfare and economy of the people. UMPSA pro-chancellor, Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah, said the programme which began in May this year had successfully attracted more than 150 international students.

"I am extremely proud of the edutourism initiative which has made UMPSA a main hub for the programme in Pahang. The programme contributes towards improving the wellbeing of the community and local economy. "It offers packages on English-language learning modules and technology elements that involve culture and heritage. Participants will visit interesting places, especially across Pahang.  "The edutourism programme, which began in May has garnered the attention of some 150 international participants from Indonesia, China, Yemen, Iraq, Palestina, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia," he said in his speech at the 19th UMPSA convocation at the Gambang campus here today.

Tengku Hassanal expressed his appreciation to the university for championing the needs of people with disabilities (PwD). He said various facilities had been provided by the university at both the Gambang and Pekan campuses to uphold the rights of PwD. He said he recently witnessed the MoU signing ceremony between UMPSA and Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah with Abu Dhabi's Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, which was the brainchild of his father, Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who is also UMPSA chancellor. "The cooperation will not only create academic and research opportunities, but pave the way for significant ties in various programmes. Insya-Allah, a similar collaboration will be executed with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence," he said. Tengku Hassanal also hailed UMPSA's Sustainable Campus Blueprint, which adopted sustainable development education towards producing a conducive green technology. "The university supports the Sustainable Development Goals agenda through various initiatives including the floating solar farm, making UMPSA the first public university in the country to have floating solar panels.

"The initiative has successfully reduced electricity bills by more than RM2 million and most importantly, reduced carbon dioxide emissions 38 per cent annually at UMPSA." he said. Tengku Hassanal advised the 5,000-odd graduates who would be going into the working world to always ensure good behaviour and safeguard their integrity. "I want UMPSA graduates to be in demand by employers out there. Mention UMPSA, the quality and excellence of our graduates cannot be denied. I do not want UMPSA graduates to be involved in activities which are against the law," he said. He said the work-based learning experience involving UMPSA and the industry players was a huge advantage for the graduates as they have gained experience in the workplace environment earlier which will boost graduate employability.

Earlier, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim conferred the emeritus professor title to former vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Daing Nasir Daing Ibrahim. A total of 5,115 graduates, including 263 masters and doctoral graduates, 2,538 degree students, 64 dual-degree students, 533 diploma students and 1,717 UMPSA Advanced graduates will receive their scrolls between Oct 26 and Oct 29 at the UMPSA Sports Complex Hall in Gambang.

Source: NST

KUANTAN: The specific allocations for the tourism, agriculture, and industrial sectors announced during the tabling of the 2025 Budget yesterday (Oct 18) are proof of the government's concern for the needs of Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the allocations set aside in the RM421 billion budget prove that Pahang has great potential in the tourism, agriculture, and industrial sectors.

"Representing the people of Pahang, I am very pleased and grateful for several projects dedicated to the state which will ensure the wellbeing of its people and the state. "I thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the allocations.  "The projects include the construction of the new state police headquarters, improving facilities at Taman Negara Endau Rompin and nominating the Sungai Lembing tin mining site for Unesco World Heritage Site status. "The others include prioritising flood mitigation projects involving rivers in Pahang, road construction and repair at villages in Lipis, and building a new bypass stretch between the McDonald's roundabout and Brinchang junction in Cameron Highlands," he said in a Facebook posting today. He added that the cooperation between Pahang and the federal governments is vital to ensure that all planned development initiatives can be implemented effectively, and provides maximum impact.

Wan Rosdy described the RM421 billion allocation in budget as a major commitment of the government to ensure a balanced development can be implemented throughout the country. In 2020, it was reported that the new Pahang state police contingent headquarters located at the administrative centre in Kota SAS here would be carried out through an allocation under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Yesterday, Anwar announced RM2.1 billion is being allocated for the construction of state and district police headquarters that will begin next year.

Source - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly RM550 million has been allocated to enhance tourism promotion and activities during Visit Malaysia Year 2026, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This includes for organisation of cultural activities, tourism events, and improving flight access to Malaysia; economic empowerment of communities through the arts, including promoting handicrafts and batik. "Additionally, RM110 million has been allocated to enhance tourism areas, establish ecotourism partnerships, and support UNESCO nominations," Anwar said.

This funding will improve facilities at Endau Rompin National Park in Johor, Redang Island in Terengganu, and Tusan Beach in Bekenu, Sarawak. It will also facilitate collaboration with the UNDP ( United Nations Development Programme) and Habitat Foundation on ecotourism initiatives and support nominations for Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) recognition of the Tin Mining Site in Sungai Lembing, Pahang, as well as the Chingay procession and lion dance culture.

Source: NST

Fifteen nations are set to converge at the Malaysia International Tourism Expo Pahang 2024 (MIT Pahang 2024), a premier event running for three days starting October 8, 2024. This much-anticipated expo, hosted by Malaysia, aims to strengthen global tourism ties while spotlighting Pahang’s unique offerings. With the presence of several prominent countries, the event promises to foster collaboration and exchange within the tourism industry. The participating countries include economic powerhouses and rising tourism markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Korea, Russia, Kenya, Turkey, Taiwan, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.

According to Leong Yu Man, the Chairman of the State Unity, Tourism, and Culture Committee, the expo is poised to welcome approximately 10,000 visitors throughout its three-day run. The event is expected to be a pivotal moment for Malaysia’s tourism industry, serving as a platform to showcase its diverse attractions to a global audience. The participation of these 15 countries underscores the importance of cross-border tourism partnerships, as they collectively contribute to the global travel ecosystem, attracting a wide array of tourists with varying interests. One of the key highlights of MIT Pahang 2024 will be its “Business to Business” (B2B) sessions, designed to facilitate networking and collaborations between international travel agencies and local operators. With over 80 foreign travel agencies already confirming their participation, these sessions are expected to drive meaningful conversations that can lead to future partnerships and initiatives. The B2B interactions will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in the tourism sector, aiming to create synergies that benefit all parties involved.

In addition to the B2B sessions, the conference will also feature a series of tourism-related presentations and discussions led by industry experts. These forums will offer insights into current tourism trends, sustainability, and innovative practices aimed at enhancing the travel experience. Participants can expect to gain valuable knowledge and establish key contacts, further enhancing the appeal of Malaysia as a premier destination for international travelers.

MIT Pahang 2024 is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of global tourism, culture, and unity. The event is expected to leave a lasting impact on Malaysia’s tourism landscape, bolstering its reputation as a world-class travel hub. By bringing together diverse tourism players, the expo will not only showcase the best of Pahang but also set the stage for long-term international collaborations. The event offers an exceptional platform for tourism industry professionals to share insights and explore new business opportunities. It serves as a valuable space for participants to exchange innovative ideas and strategies, fostering collaboration across the sector. Additionally, the gathering encourages networking among global and local tourism players, facilitating discussions that can lead to fruitful partnerships. By bringing together industry leaders from various regions, the event aims to drive growth and innovation in tourism while creating opportunities for future trade connections.

The Malaysia International Tourism Expo Pahang 2024 is set to take place at the Sultan Ahmad Shah International Convention Centre (SASICC) in Kuantan, a prime venue known for hosting large-scale events. This prestigious expo will run for three days, offering a comprehensive platform for tourism industry professionals to engage in meaningful discussions, collaborations, and business networking. The venue’s state-of-the-art facilities ensure that participants will have ample space to exhibit and explore the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in the tourism sector, further boosting the event’s significance. On the final day of the expo, October 10, the doors will open to the public, allowing visitors to experience the array of exhibitions firsthand. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to explore the offerings showcased in the Exhibition Hall, gaining insights into the global tourism industry and the latest travel trends. This public access day promises to enhance the event’s reach, allowing local visitors to connect with international tourism representatives and discover new travel opportunities. 

Source: Travel & Tour World Website