23 July 2019: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launches logo for Visit Malaysia Year 2020
Anticipation ran high as Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently unveiled the logo of the Visit Malaysia Year 2020 campaign at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad delivering his welcome speech at the launching ceremony
Proudly displaying some of Malaysia’s iconic symbols, including the majestic rhinoceros hornbill, the bunga raya (loosely translated to ‘flower of celebration’, the hibiscus), paku pakis or wild fern – the edible part of which is a favourite among Malaysians – and the colours of the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysia’s national flag), the logo is a representation of the country’s rich culture and heritage, while paying tribute to its flora and fauna.
Malaysia Airlines’ new livery featuring the logo at the front
The designer of the logo, 23-year-old Alfred Phua Hong Fook, had his entry drawn from hundreds who entered a design competition launched by Tourism Malaysia following heavy criticism of the previous logo.
With the tagline Visit Truly Asia Malaysia, next year’s campaign focuses on ecotourism, arts and culture, and is expected to draw some 30 million tourism arrivals. Comprehensive marketing efforts to promote the campaign have been put in place with Tourism Malaysia engaging with numerous corporations including Sharp (M) Electronics Sdn. Bhd. Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly, Malindo Air and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
Speaking at the launch, the Prime Minister spoke on the importance of increasing flight connectivity and reaching out to high yield markets including China, India and the United Kingdom among others.
“Malaysians have to realise that the success of this campaign will benefit everyone as spill-over from the tourist industry will spread to all walks, and businesses and industries,“ he reiterated.
A further RM5 million in a special fund called Gamelan Malaysia has been made available to tourism industry players who organise marketing and promotional activities to help promote Malaysia as a business and leisure destination.
