WRTO Malaysia

WRTO Malaysia Strengthens International Ties with Landmark Visit to China

WRTO Malaysia Strengthens International Ties with Landmark Visit to China A high-level delegation explores cultural heritage, education, and future collaborations in Beijing, Shanxi, and Chengdu. Date: 22/10/2025 – 31/10/2025 The World Research Travel Organization (WRTO) Malaysia recently concluded a pivotal study visit to China, underscoring a commitment to fostering international collaboration in tourism, education, and commerce. The delegation, led by WRTO Malaysia President, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, and accompanied by Executive Committee members Dato’ Low Kok Thai and Dr. Wong Wun Bin, engaged in high-level discussions and exploratory visits across Shanxi, Beijing, and the WRTO Headquarters in Chengdu. Charting the Future: The China-ASEAN Music Festival Further solidifying the cultural bridge between nations, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen and Dato’ Low Kok Thai convened with VSF (Visa Service Facilitator) to discuss proposals for organizing a landmark China-ASEAN Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur next year. The committee is currently awaiting a formal proposal from VSF, marking a significant step toward a major regional cultural event. Shanxi: A Journey Through History and Education The visit commenced with a warm welcome from the Shanxi Provincial Government, highlighting the growing ties between the region and Malaysia. The delegation met with Mr. Lai, the Director of Foreign Affairs, who expressed a strong interest in establishing multifaceted collaborations in education, commerce, and tourism.  A key highlight was a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pingyao Ancient City in Taiyuan. The delegation was deeply impressed by the city’s remarkably well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Often referred to as “China’s Wall Street” due to its historical significance as a financial center, Pingyao offered a living history lesson in Chinese urban planning and commercial heritage . Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen highly recommended the ancient city as a prime destination for a future delegation trip, offering WRTO Malaysia members a unique opportunity for educational and cultural immersion. The delegation’s itinerary also included a visit to a large private school complex, where they observed China’s significant investment and innovative pedagogical approaches in early childhood education. This provided valuable insights into the country’s educational landscape and potential areas for academic exchange. Strengthening Ties with WRTO HQ in Chengdu  In Chengdu, the delegation met with WRTO leadership to report on Malaysia’s annual activities and strategic direction. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, alongside Dato’ Low Kok Thai and Dr. Wong Wun Bin, presented the organization’s progress to WRTO CEO Prof. Young and COO Tian Zhong, receiving very positive feedback and encouragement for future initiatives. The WRTO Malaysia delegation with local officials in Shanxi. The delegation exploring the historic streets of Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture.

DATO’ HAJI AZIZAN NOORDIN Being awarded as “Icon Tourism Personality Award 2025”

CONGRATULATIONS TO DATO’ HAJI AZIZAN NOORDIN Being awarded as “Icon Tourism Personality Award 2025” Ybhg Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin, the Secretary of WRTO Malaysia was presented the prestigious “Icon Tourism Personality Award 2025” on 9 August 2025. Ybhg Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin, a distinguished veteran of Malaysia’s tourism industry, who had commenced from 1978 to 2018 in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, and the Langkawi Development Authority. Throughout his career, he has championed Malaysia’s tourism potential, sustainable tourism, and cultural exchange. Notable achievements include community empowerment projects such as homestays, international sales missions, participation in global tourism expos, and collaborations with agencies such as the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). Besides WRTO Malaysia, Ybhg Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin is also active in PATA as a Life Member, Malaysia Classic Cars, De MOCCIS Boutique Hotel, and Langkawi MICE Holidays & Tours. Ybhg Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah, Deputy President of WRTO  Malaysia was presented in the event.  Ybhg Datuk Rashidi is also one of the Judge Panellist of the Selection Committee. CONGRATULATION YBHG DATO’ HAJI AZIZAN NOORDIN !

CHINA-ASEAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025 & CHINA-MALAYSIA YOUTH OUTSTANDING ARTS FESTIVAL

CHINA-ASEAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025 & CHINA- MALAYSIA YOUTH OUTSTANDING ARTS FESTIVAL CHINA-ASEAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025 & CHINA- MALAYSIA YOUTH OUTSTANDING ARTS FESTIVAL CHINA-ASEAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025 & CHINA-MALAYSIA YOUTH OUTSTANDING ARTS FESTIVAL This event celebrates the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, and development of the Belt and Road Initiative; and seeks to attract youth art groups and individuals from China and ASEAN countries for cultural dialogue and artistic celebration.  This was the second year of China-Asean International Music Festival organized by Malaysia-China Higher Education Exchange Association, or, Persatuan Pertukaran Persahabatan Pengajian Tinggi Malaysia-China (PPTMC), co-organized with WRTO Malaysia, and supported by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) by providing venue. President of WRTO Malaysia, Ybhg Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen was the event Chairperson.  Whereas, Ybhg Dato’Sri Raja Rezza, with his years of experienced in the acting and musical industry was the adviser. The Music Festival is for the students and will be held over 6-day programs from 1st August to 7 August 2025: Opening Ceremony officiated by Deputy President of WRTO Malaysia, Ybhg Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah, and Ybhg Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, President of WRTO Malaysia closed the event, both ceremonies were in Kuala Lumpur; and 4 days of workshops held in University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar campus.

WRTO MALAYSIA VISIT TO HUAWEI OFFICE IN KUALA LUMPUR

    WRTO MALAYSIA VISIT TO HUAWEI OFFICE IN KUALA LUMPUR     WRTO MALAYSIA VISIT TO HUAWEI OFFICE IN KUALA LUMPUR WRTO MALAYSIA VISIT TO HUAWEI OFFICE IN KUALA LUMPUR On 9 July 2025, Secretary of WRTO Malaysia, Ybhg Dato’ Haji Azizan Nordin, Ybhg Dato’ Low Kok Thai and members of WRTO Malaysia visited the Huawei Office at Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. The delegation visited the office and have discussion with the Officer from Huawei.

CELEBRATION OF HARI RAYA LUNCH AND 3RD EXCO MEETING

CELEBRATION OF HARI RAYA LUNCH AND 3RD EXCO MEETING Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin, Secretary of WRTO Malaysian Chapter hosted the Hari Raya Lunch on 12 April 2025 at De Moccis Boutique Hotel, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur. In conjunction with the celebration, the 3rd EXCO Meeting was held in the same place and Zoom online was set-up to run the meeting concurrently for the EXCO who could not attend onsite meeting. Dato’ Secretary also give a tour of the hotel facilities to the EXCO members.

EXCO Chinese New Year LOH SANG Lunch

EXCO CHINESE NEW YEAR LOH SANG LUNCH President of WRTO Malaysian Chapter, Tan Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen hosted Chinese New Year Loh Sang Lunch to the Executive Committee Members at the Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant on 8 February 2025 We also celebrated the birthday of WRTO Malaysian Chapter Deputy President, Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah’s birthday after the lunch.

Visitation to University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar Perak

VISITATION TO UNIVERSITY TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN (UTAR), KAMPAR, PERAK. Tan Sri President went to UTAR on15 February 2025 with Mr Billy Leong and Dato’ Low Kok Thai. They toured the university, UTAR Hospital, Traditional and Chinese Medicine Centre, ended with a discussion meeting on collabration between UTAR and WRTO Malaysian Chapter on Student Tourism and Medical Tourism.

WTC World Travel Conference – Penang SPICE Convention Centre, 3th – 7th November 2024

World Travel Conference – WTC The World Research Travel Conference (WRTC) 2024 was held from 3 to 7 November 2024 at the Penang SPICE Convention Centre, Malaysia. As Asia’s first global research travel event, it was jointly organized by the World Research Travel Organization (WRTO) with the support of the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB). With the theme “Opportunities, Synergies, Sustainability,” the conference focused on cross-cultural exchange, sustainable development within the international research travel industry, and related topics. The event promoted the training of global research travel talents, the development of research travel hubs, innovation in curriculum systems, and the integration of international networks—providing valuable insights that supported the growth of global research travel. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, the 2024 edition featured China as the guest country for the first time. Highlighting research travel as a bridge between education and tourism, the conference also emphasized sustainability, encouraging environmental stewardship and social responsibility across the global travel industry.