SEPANG: The much-anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign was officially launched today, unveiling a dynamic new logo, lively mascots, an inspiring theme song, and a stunning aircraft livery.
The event, held at Hangar 6 of the MAB Engineering Complex, was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, alongside a distinguished lineup including Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
“We aim to welcome 35.6 million international tourists by 2026,” said Anwar in his keynote address. “It’s an ambitious goal but a realistic and pragmatic one. Achieving this will generate an estimated RM147.1 billion in revenue, bolstering Malaysia’s economy and global standing.”
Central to the campaign is its theme song, “Surreal Experiences,” which captures the essence of Malaysia’s charm. Additionally, the Malayan sun bear, an endangered species and a testament to the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation, has been chosen as the campaign’s official icon. Represented by two mascots, Wira and Manja, the characters embody Malaysia’s values of inclusivity and diversity.
Tourism Malaysia outlined the campaign’s objectives in a statement, emphasizing its focus on increasing tourism revenue, enhancing Malaysia’s global competitiveness, and solidifying the industry as a key contributor to the nation’s GDP.
“VM2026 is not just about tourism,” the statement read. “It’s about showcasing Malaysia as a world-class destination, creating jobs, enhancing our global image, and driving growth across multiple sectors.”
The launch event also featured the signing of memorandums of collaboration with prominent partners, including Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Huawei, Mastercard, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International.
Adding excitement to the campaign, Tourism Malaysia announced the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025, slated for Feb 8 at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. This vibrant event is expected to draw over 20,000 participants, further cementing Malaysia’s reputation as a hub for unforgettable experiences.
With a bold vision and strategic partnerships, VM2026 is set to propel Malaysia into the global tourism spotlight, delivering unparalleled experiences while driving economic growth.
