By V. Sivaji
It is time to say “Bon Voyage” to a familiar face from the tourism industry in Penang.
Always greeting people with a bright and wide smile, Siti Hajar Yunus has been a shining example in her role in Tourism Malaysia Penang.
Serving in Penang as the deputy director of Tourism Malaysia for the Northern Region, she has been a regular presence at promotional, corporate and social events around town.
However, effective February 26, 2024 , she took up her new post in Jakarta, Indonesia as the First Secretary of Tourism Malaysia in Jakarta.
Holding a Bachelor in Mass Communications (Major in Journalism), she also had a brief stint in Media Prima too.
Moving up – Siti Hajar
Then in 2015, she started her career in Tourism Malaysia Kuala Lumpur. In 2018, she was transferred to Penang as the Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia in Georgetown.
“I had a memorable working experience while in Penang as I have made many new friends and acquaintances. I find Penang to be a melting pot of different cultures and religions in keeping with its rich history.
“I am also proud to have initiated some of the new programmes in the Northern Region to prompt tourism.
“Among them are the Coffee Trail 2022 for Northern Region, Healing in Northern Region for Wellness, Archeology Tourism for Northern Region, the Penang Peranakan Trail to name a few,” she added.
For her fine work, Siti was also awarded the Anugerah Cemerlang 2019.
She is now looking forward to taking up her new posting in Jakarta and sees it as a learning curve to further her career.
Her new job will involve promoting Malaysia, public relations and also liasing with the various Malaysian authorities in Indonesia.
“I will also promote Penang and its attractions for Indonesians other than medical tourism which is already doing quite well.
“There is a large number of Indonesians from the middle class who are now willing to travel and spend their vacations. This is the sector we can target,” she added.
On a lighter note, during her free time, Siti likes to exercise on the treadmill and is also into yoga. She is an ardent reader and keeps abreast of world events.
Her understanding of Mandarin is also a plus point for her tenure in Jakarta.
Penang Hyperlocal wishes Siti Hajar all the best in her new posting and more adventures.