VM2026 launched with cultural grandeur, historic significance
- BT
- Sep 28
- 2 min read
MELAKA, 28 September 2025 - Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) was officially launched in a spectacular evening ceremony at Encore Melaka, here, officiated by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. The event was graced by Melaka’s Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Seri Setia, Dr. Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam; Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh; and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
With the themes “Malaysia Truly Asia” and “Surreal Experiences”, VM2026 aims to invite the world to discover the true soul of Malaysia through its cultural richness and natural beauty. The campaign highlights Malaysia’s harmonious diversity, the vibrant traditions of its multi-ethnic society, and the ecological wonders of its landscapes.
Speaking at the launch event, Anwar emphasised the multifaceted value of tourism, saying “Tourism is tied to the economy, to the revitalisation of culture and the arts, to unity among communities, and to the culinary experiences that reflect our diversity. That is why, on behalf of the Malaysian Government, I am proud and fully support this launch, making Melaka a special attraction with its unique history and cultural vibrancy.”
He continued by highlighting Melaka’s historical significance as a unique destination in the Malay Archipelago, with its history of the great Muslim Malay Sultanate of Melaka, where Muslim rule was established, attracting trade investments from as far as Venice to Spain and Portugal, and became one of the great cosmopolitan and trading centres in the world, as written by notable historians. The Prime Minister also called for a re-examination of Malaysia’s history, saying that it must represent the true facts of Malaysia and what Malaysians should know.
“Melaka is unique because it has a historical might that is unrivalled in the region,” the Prime Minister said, adding: “Our universities, our schools must be able to see Melaka, the history of Melaka, the vibrancy of our culture including tourism. That’s why I decided that Melaka be the host for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”
The launch was attended by over 150 representatives and delegates from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), as well as invited local guests. Thousands of Melakans also came to witness the cultural festivities and performances by beloved artistes Misha Omar and the one and only Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza and to partake in the activities held yesterday.
The evening made history as Melaka entered the Malaysia Book of Records with the Largest Simultaneous Zapin Performance in a Single Event in Malaysia and the First Konda Kondi Competition in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, besides a colourful cultural stage show, the launch also featured a breathtaking 1,000-drone formation over the Klebang sky, followed by a fireworks display to conclude the launching ceremony.
