The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 is currently taking place, with Malaysia leading the way in promoting sustainable tourism practices [10d9ab0c]. The country aims to set an example for responsible tourism in the Southeast Asian region and is actively participating in the event to emphasize sustainable development and the preservation of ecotourism attractions [10d9ab0c]. Malaysia's delegation includes representatives from Perak Tourism, Melaka Tourism, and Johor Tourism [10d9ab0c].
Malaysia's commitment to sustainable tourism is further reinforced by the fact that the country will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2025 [10d9ab0c]. This demonstrates Malaysia's dedication to regional cooperation and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices [10d9ab0c].
The opening ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Forum featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a cultural dance performance by Istana Budaya [10d9ab0c]. Dato' Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, the Secretary General of Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, led the ceremony [10d9ab0c]. Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, is scheduled to attend key meetings during the event [10d9ab0c]. The official opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone on January 24th, 2024 [10d9ab0c].
In addition to participating in the forum, Malaysia is actively showcasing its commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable attractions through TRAVEX [10d9ab0c]. The Malaysian booth at the event presents traditional handicrafts by KARYANEKA [10d9ab0c]. Malaysia hopes that the meetings and travel fair will boost ASEAN tourism business and promote bilateral understanding [10d9ab0c].
Meanwhile, in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Manet shared nine recommendations to enhance the tourism sector at the opening ceremony of the 8th River Festival [7b81fca8]. The recommendations include maintaining peace, ensuring security and public order, collaborating with relevant ministries and institutions, prioritizing the development of riverine areas, promoting diverse tourism products, transforming Phnom Kulen National Park into an attractive destination, devising strategies to promote gatherings in Siem Reap, addressing issues concerning tourist travel, and calling for participation from relevant ministries, institutions, authorities, armed forces, compatriots, and the private sector [7b81fca8]. These recommendations aim to achieve the goals of the special program 'Visit Siem Reap 2024' and promote tourism in Cambodia [7b81fca8].
Malaysia has the opportunity to lead in combating transborder crime during its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship [410c0c1d]. The country aims to strengthen regional cooperation and coordination to address issues such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime [410c0c1d]. Malaysia plans to enhance information sharing, intelligence exchange, and capacity building among ASEAN member states [410c0c1d]. The government also aims to promote the use of technology and digital platforms to combat transborder crime effectively [410c0c1d]. Malaysia's chairmanship will provide a platform to discuss and implement strategies to tackle these challenges [410c0c1d]. The country's efforts align with ASEAN's goal of creating a safe and secure region [410c0c1d].
The ASEAN-China Cooperation and Development Forum on Building, Housing, and Urban Development commenced in Kuala Lumpur [5c667e73]. The forum aims to enhance ASEAN-China cooperation in construction and housing, focusing on sustainable development, green building technologies, affordable housing projects, and urban planning [5c667e73]. The forum was inaugurated by Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia [5c667e73]. Fadillah emphasized the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and sustainable housing solutions, highlighting the role of innovation and sustainability in driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life [5c667e73]. The forum aims to strengthen ASEAN-China cooperation by leveraging collective expertise and resources to develop robust frameworks and effective policies [5c667e73]. Fadillah introduced the MALAYSIA MADANI policy framework, which promotes a value-based approach to national development [5c667e73]. Malaysia is actively developing a specialized Urban Renewal Act aimed at revitalizing urban areas and improving living conditions [5c667e73]. The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the potential of smart city development and the importance of inclusive and resilient development [5c667e73]. The forum aims to ensure access to affordable housing, promote gender equality in the construction industry, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and build resilience to natural disasters and climate change [5c667e73]. The forum also emphasizes the need to enhance the capabilities and capacities of the workforce through training programs and seminars [5c667e73]. The goal is to foster collaboration and innovation, ensuring that development efforts are inclusive, equitable, and resilient [5c667e73].
The collaboration between Malaysia and Cambodia in promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing the tourism sector in the ASEAN region highlights the commitment of both countries to responsible and eco-friendly tourism practices. By sharing best practices and working together, Malaysia and Cambodia aim to create a more sustainable and vibrant tourism industry in Southeast Asia.