Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen Receives Icon Tourism Personality of the Year 2026
Former Tourism Minister Honoured for Transformative Contributions to Malaysia’s Tourism Industry
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 12 July 2026
The World Research Travel Organization (WRTO) Malaysia is proud to announce that its President, YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, has been conferred the prestigious Icon Tourism Personality of the Year 2026 at the Tourism Industry Awards 2026 (TIA26). The glittering ceremony was held on the evening of 11 July 2026 at the Sunway Resort Hotel.
This special recognition celebrates individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary vision, leadership, and lasting impact on Malaysia’s tourism landscape. Tan Sri Dr Ng was honoured for her illustrious career and unwavering commitment to elevating the country’s tourism sector on the global stage.
A Trailblazing Career in Tourism
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen is a pioneering figure in Malaysia’s tourism history. She served as:
- Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism (1999–2003)
- Malaysia’s first female Minister of Tourism (2009–2013)
Her tenure was marked by bold initiatives and visionary policies that continue to shape the industry today.
Key Achievements & Legacy
- Malaysia Homestay Experience Programme – Under her leadership, the Ministry won the prestigious UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance (15 November 2012) for this community-based tourism initiative, which allowed tourists to experience authentic rural Malaysian life.
- “Fabulous Food 1 Malaysia” Campaign – A 3-month culinary promotion (October–December) that celebrated Malaysia’s rich multi-ethnic food heritage, further strengthening the nation’s reputation as a gastronomic destination.
- Malaysian International Shoe Festival (MISF) – Leveraging the global fame of Malaysian-born designer Jimmy Choo, this event positioned Malaysia as the “Shoe Capital of the East.”
- Malaysian Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival – A July–September festival that revitalized the local art scene, attracting foreign interest and investment in Malaysian contemporary art, with Kuala Lumpur ranked by CNN as the world’s 4th most popular shopping destination, after New York, Tokyo, and London.
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Expansion – She actively promoted and expanded this programme, encouraging long-term foreign residency and investment in Malaysia.
About the Tourism Industry Awards 2026 (TIA26)
Organized by the Malaysia International Tourism Development Association (MITDA) in collaboration with Santai Travel and Tourism Selangor, TIA26 serves as a premier platform to recognize excellence across the nation’s tourism ecosystem. Categories spanned hotels, travel agencies, airlines, convention centres, theme parks, shopping malls, and state tourism organizations.
The event was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, on behalf of the Minister, and was also attended by the Chief Minister of Selangor, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The evaluation process was chaired by Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah, alongside panel members Dato’ Dr Mohmed Razip Hasim and Rohizam Md Yusoff, ensuring a transparent and rigorous assessment.
In her keynote address, Dato’ Noor Zaleha, representing the organizers, emphasized the philosophy of “Everything Under the Sun is All About Tourism”, highlighting that the awards recognize not just destinations but every contributor to the tourist experience.
WRTO Malaysia Congratulates Its President
On behalf of all members, WRTO Malaysia extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen for this well-deserved honour. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire the organization’s mission of advancing research, education, and sustainable tourism development.
