By V. Sivaji
Keeping the Malaysian flag flying proudly in the vibrant city of Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) is Tourism Malaysia’s Director, M. Yoganthiran.
Penang Hyperlocal recently caught up with him in Hong Kong to learn about the latest developments in the tourism industry there —especially in view of the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Q) How long have you served in the Tourism Malaysia Hong Kong office? Where else have you served in Malaysia?
A) I have been serving in the Tourism Malaysia Hong Kong office for over two years now. Prior to this, I gained valuable experience working at the Tourism Malaysia Northern Region office in Penang, where I was involved in promoting tourism in the northern part of Malaysia. Additionally, I have also served at our headquarters in Putrajaya, which provided me with a broader understanding of the national tourism strategies and operations. Before joining the civil service, I amassed experience in the private sector, which has helped me develop a well-rounded perspective on both business and government approaches to tourism promotion.
Q) Was it difficult to fit into the work culture and lifestyle there in Hong Kong and China?
A) Fitting into the work culture and lifestyle in Hong Kong has not been particularly difficult for me. Hong Kong is known for its fast-paced environment, which aligns well with my own working style. I find myself adapting quickly. For instance, I can walk briskly and keep pace with local residents, which helps me integrate seamlessly into daily life here. As for the lifestyle, Hong Kong truly lives up to its reputation as “Asia’s World City.” It boasts a vibrant, cosmopolitan culture that beautifully blends Eastern and Western influences. The city’s strong rule of law, excellent infrastructure, professional services, and diverse workforce create an environment that is both dynamic and welcoming. Living and working here has provided me with the opportunity to connect with people from all around the world, enriching my personal and professional experiences.
Q) What are your main duties as the Director of Tourism Malaysia in Hong Kong?
A) As the Director of Tourism Malaysia in Hong Kong, my primary responsibility is to promote Malaysia as an attractive travel destination. This involves developing strategic marketing campaigns, forging partnerships with local travel agencies and media, and creating compelling reasons for Hong Kong residents to visit Malaysia. I focus on raising awareness about the diverse attractions Malaysia offers—its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant cities—and ensuring that our messaging resonates with various market segments. Ultimately, my goal is to increase tourist arrivals and boost Malaysia’s tourism industry through innovative and targeted outreach efforts.
Q) How is your office gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026?
A) Hong Kong represents a mature and sophisticated market for Malaysia’s tourism industry. To prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we are adopting a multi-faceted approach. While we continue to attract mass tourists, we are also focusing on niche markets such as eco-tourism, wellness, luxury travel, and cultural tourism—segments that align well with Hong Kongers’ interests and purchasing power. We aim to encourage visitors to explore beyond Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka, and Selangor by working closely with our strategic partners to develop unique and tailored travel packages. These efforts are designed to entice Hong Kong residents to spend more time and money exploring the diverse regions of Malaysia, thereby maximizing the benefits of their visit.
Q) How do you deal with the language barrier in Hong Kong?
A) Language is generally not a barrier in Hong Kong, as English is widely spoken and understood, especially among professionals and in urban areas. As Asia’s World City, Hong Kong prides itself on its multicultural and multilingual environment, which makes communication smooth for expatriates and visitors alike. However, knowing some Cantonese does give me an advantage in everyday activities like shopping at local markets or engaging with community members. For example, basic phrases such as “Siu Siu,” which means “a little” in Cantonese. This small effort helps build rapport and shows respect for the local culture.
Q) What do you like about Hong Kong?
A) What I appreciate most about Hong Kong is how everything is systematically organized and well planned. The city’s public transportation system is exceptional—efficient, reliable, and extensive—allowing me to travel effortlessly to any part of the city. I particularly enjoy the convenience of having a seamless network of buses, MTR trains, and ferries. For instance, there’s a pedestrian walkway that connects my office in Wan Chai directly to my residence in Taikoo Shing, making commuting not only easy but also enjoyable. The city’s infrastructure truly enhances the quality of life and makes daily routines more convenient.
Q) Where is your favourite holiday destination and why?
A) I don’t have a single favorite holiday destination because I believe every country has its own unique charm and appeal. I prefer to keep an open mind and explore different places rather than becoming emotionally attached to one specific destination. This mindset allows me to continuously discover new cultures, landscapes, and experiences, enriching my understanding of the world. Each trip offers its own set of memories and lessons, making travel a lifelong journey of exploration and learning.
Q) After a long day, how do you unwind?
A) After a busy day, I find that unwinding with a good cup of hot coffee or tea and a captivating book helps me relax and recharge. Reading allows me to feed my mind and indulge in some quiet reflection, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. It’s a simple pleasure that helps me unwind, gain new insights, and return to my routines refreshed and inspired.
Our trip to Hong Kong was made possible courtesy of the Office of the Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy and HK Express Airlines. Both parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase flight connectivity to Penang.
Present at the ceremony were Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) Chief Executive Officer Ooi Chok Yan, HK Express Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jeanette Mao, Chief Commercial Officer KK Ong, M. Yoganthiran and members of the Penang media team.
Penang Hyperlocal congratulates M. Yoganthiran on his appointment in Hong Kong and wishes him continued success in promoting Malaysia to the world.
Nice to see Malaysia’s flag flying proudly in Hong Kong and to hear about the latest tourism developments. Wishing Visit Malaysia continued success and many joyful exchanges for travelers.