The 6Th Malaysia Tourism Council Gold Awards 2022 Honours Over 100 Winners

More than 100 winners of the 6th Annual Malaysia Tourism Council Gold Awards were announced in a grand ceremony at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Saturday, 22 October 2022. Presented to industry players by the Malaysia Tourism Council (MTC) for their excellence and support in the development of the tourism industry in Malaysia, this prestigious event held in Kuching marked the first-time collaboration between MTC and the Sarawak Government via the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts.

“The Malaysian Tourism Council Gold Awards recognises the tourism industry’s own superheroes. Through this awards ceremony, we are happy to give recognition to those who have innovated and persisted through the pandemic, paving the way for others to emulate and innovate as we move forward past endemicity. Furthermore, by holding this prestigious event in Sarawak for the first time, a region rich in culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals, we hope to further highlight hidden gem destinations that offer travellers the travel experience of a lifetime,” said President of Malaysia Tourism Council Mr. Uzaidi Udanis.

“Having the MTC Gold Awards in this beautiful state is timely as the industry begins to take off after a long period of struggle imposed by the pandemic. Sarawak tourism is a strong example of diversification, innovation, and the need for collaboration during times of adversity, and this spirit encapsulates the winners of the MTC Gold Awards this year. I look forward to seeing how this event being held after the pandemic will re-energise the industry as a whole,” said Head of Secretariat, Sarawak Malaysia Tourism Council Dato Nellsen Young.

The MTC Gold Awards celebrate and honour the tourism industry’s best achievers who have excelled in quality service and continuous growth, consequentially setting the benchmark for excellence and best practices for others in the Malaysian tourism industry to emulate. The awards include the Tourism Icon awards and the Gold Awards.

Among the recipients of the awards were:

• Tourism Icon of the Year (Innovative Tourism): YB Dato Sri Haji Abd Karim Rahman Hamzah • Champion of Sustainable Environment & Tourism: YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail • National Aviation Icon: Y.BHG. Captain Izham Ismail • Tourism Icon of the Year (Celebrity): Pn. Azharina Azhar • Tourism Icon Inspirational Woman in Tourism: YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri • Tourism Icon of the Year (Government): YBhg. Tan Sri Dr Ong Hong Peng • Tourism Icon of the Year (Creative Tourism): YB Dato’ Seri Haji Sharkar Haji Shamsuddin • Specialised Media & Marketing Services: Gaya Travel Magazine • Leadership In Tourism Development: Y.Bhg. Datuk Azman Bin Mohd Yusof • World Tourism Heritage: Melaka State • Education Tourism Destination: Pustaka Raja Tun Uda Shah Alam • Conservation Destination: Walai Penyu Conservation Park Libaran • Batik Designer: Yans Creation • Eco-Tourism Activity: Foresty Department Peninsular Malaysia • Tourism Promotion Campaign: Locco • Outstanding Event Campaign: Keretapi Sarong • Cultural Showcase & Experience (East Malaysia): Sarawak Cultural Village • Museum of the Year: The Borneo Culture Museum • Ethnic & Cultural Performer of The Year: At Adau

Besides the awards, the attendees were feted with cultural dances by Sarawak Cultural Village, a one-of-a-kind presentation called ‘Musik Tenunan’ by boutique atelier Tanoti using traditional ethnic weaving equipment, and an uplifting experimental world music performance by one of Sarawak’s brightest musical gems At Adau.