The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) applauds the recent appointment of Tan Sri Dr. Ong Hong Peng as the new Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, effective August 9, 2022.
Datuk Tan Kok Liang, President of MATTA, said that the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia has made a wise and accurate selection, as the sector needs qualified people to oversee Malaysia’s major tourism promotion board.
“Capable leaders are vital, particularly post-Covid19, to rebuild an industry devastated by the pandemic,” said Tan.
We are certain that Tan Sri Dr. Ong, who has served as the Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture for 8 years, will introduce fresh strategies to further revive the tourism industry.
“I met Tan Sri Dr. Ong for the first time in 2009 when I was the state chairman. I found him to be a fair and reasonable man who was always able to find a solution to our issues and challenges.” added Tan.
Tan Sri Dr. Ong’s Board experiences included Chairman of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (“ASWARA”), Chairman and Board Member of Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (“MyCEB”), Board Member of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Tioman Development Authority, Malaysia Agriculture Research and Development Institute (“MARDI”), and Small and Medium Industry Development Corporation (“SMIDEC”). In addition, he was a member of the Investment Panel, Retirement Fund Incorporated (“KWAP”).MATTA is confident that Tourism Malaysia, under his guidance, will reach greater heights and return to the top of the industry.
“We have entered a brand-new era of tourism, which presents both new challenges and opportunities. As public-private relationships are vital to the sector, MATTA will always be the first industry player to lend a helping hand to Tourism Malaysia.” Tan concluded.