SEPANG, Malaysia, 8 January: Malaysia launched the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign on Monday in a spectacular event held at Hangar 6, MAB Engineering Complex.
With an ambitious goal to welcome 35.6 million international visitors and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts, VM2026 marks a significant chapter in Malaysia’s tourism journey. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, led by YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, is committed to making VM2026 a memorable and impactful campaign.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, officiated the event, unveiling the campaign’s logo, mascot, theme song, and aircraft livery.
The VM2026 logo symbolises Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal and serves as a visual reminder of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists worldwide. The logo was creatively unveiled on Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia aircraft. This marks the first time that these airlines will proudly display the logo as part of their aircraft designs, symbolising a united front in promoting tourism and generating excitement for the transformative year ahead.
The event also premiered the official VM2026 theme song, titled Surreal Experiences, which captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with Malaysia’s enchanting experiences.
In addition, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud endangered species and a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to wildlife conservation, has been adopted as the official icon for the campaign. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the Malayan Sun Bear aims to appeal to all ages, evoking a sense of joy and further enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming destination for tourists.
Key representatives from various ministries attended the event, reflecting the national importance of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. As part of Malaysia’s broader National Agenda, VM2026 aims to increase tourism revenue, strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness, and ultimately position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP. With Malaysia’s strong potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is set to not only boost tourism but also create jobs and enhance the country’s global image, bringing prosperity to communities, enriching local cultures, and fostering growth in sectors beyond tourism – including hospitality, transport, retail, and food industries.
The event also featured the exchange of Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with key strategic partners, including Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Huawei, Mastercard, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH). These partnerships aim to enhance connectivity, expand marketing campaigns, and deliver exceptional visitor experiences through innovative technologies, seamless travel experiences, and exclusive promotional offers.
As part of the build-up to VM2026, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025 will be held on 8 February 2025 at the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. This unique cultural and fitness event, endorsed by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to attract over 20,000 participants.
A celebration of Malaysia’s heritage while promoting a healthy lifestyle, MSMR 2025 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and will feature collaborations with Locco, known for the Keretapi Sarong, showcasing Malaysia’s multicultural harmony.
About Visit Malaysia Year 2026
Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) is a national initiative launched by the Government of Malaysia to drive the country’s tourism sector toward greater economic impact. Aiming to attract millions of visitors, VM2026 will feature a series of events, promotions, and developments that celebrate Malaysia’s culture, heritage, and tourism offerings. The initiative is set to strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness and make tourism a key contributor to the national economy.
