Tourism Malaysia Welcomes New Director-General Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign, Get the Details Here

Published on December 10, 2025

Tourism Malaysia, a government agency tasked with the promotion of tourism in the country, has announced Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim as the new director-general. This was announced on December 10, 2025, which becomes an important development in the leadership within the organization, as the country will be heading into one of the highly anticipated campaigns in Visit Malaysia 2026. The appointment, effective from December 8, 2025, comes after the retirement of Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, who served in the role until December 6, 2025.

A Strong Background in Tourism Marketing

Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim’s career in tourism began on September 2, 2002, when he first joined Tourism Malaysia. With a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), his qualifications are complemented by his extensive hands-on experience in tourism marketing, promotion, and management.

Throughout his career, Mohd Amirul Rizal has held several critical roles that have shaped Malaysia’s tourism sector. His early career saw him working in the Research Division of Tourism Malaysia, where he contributed to developing the knowledge and data that underpins Malaysia’s tourism strategies. He later took on key positions, including serving as the Director of Tourism Malaysia Terengganu and Overseas Office Director in Seoul, South Korea, in 2008. These roles allowed him to engage with international stakeholders and promote Malaysia as a top destination for tourists across Asia and beyond.

His leadership in the Domestic Promotion and Events Division, followed by his service in the International Promotion Division (Asia and Africa), provided him with a comprehensive understanding of both domestic and international tourism markets. Before his appointment as the director-general, he held the position of Senior Director of the Advertising and Digital Division, which placed him at the forefront of the digital transformation in tourism marketing—a critical area for attracting new audiences and leveraging technology to enhance the tourism experience.

Key Role in Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign

As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), Mohd Amirul Rizal is expected to play a pivotal role in driving the country’s tourism marketing efforts globally. His experience in international tourism promotion, especially in key markets such as Asia and Africa, positions him perfectly to oversee the strategic development and execution of the VM2026 campaign.

Visit Malaysia 2026 is anticipated to be a major milestone in the country’s tourism growth, focusing on attracting millions of international visitors to explore Malaysia’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and vibrant cities. The campaign is expected to highlight the best of Malaysia, from the pristine beaches of Langkawi to the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, as well as the rich cultural heritage and world-class infrastructure the country has to offer.

Under Mohd Amirul Rizal’s leadership, Tourism Malaysia aims to elevate the country’s visibility on the global stage, showcasing the unique blend of modernity and tradition that defines Malaysia. This includes promoting both well-known destinations and hidden gems across the country, offering tourists a complete and memorable experience.

Strengthening Malaysia’s Global Tourism Image

In his new role, Mohd Amirul Rizal will not only oversee the internal operations of Tourism Malaysia but will also continue to represent the country on the international tourism front. His leadership will be crucial in fostering strategic partnerships with key tourism organizations, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders, ensuring that Malaysia remains a competitive player in the global tourism industry.

One of his significant contributions has been his leadership of the Visit Malaysia 2026 Secretariat, which is tasked with coordinating all efforts related to the campaign. As the country prepares for the year-long celebration, Tourism Malaysia is focusing on creating engaging and diverse experiences for tourists, including cultural festivals, eco-tourism initiatives, and luxury travel options.

His appointment is also a reflection of Malaysia’s commitment to embracing digital technologies and modern marketing techniques, which will play a central role in attracting younger, tech-savvy travelers who are looking for unique and immersive experiences.

Contribution to Tourism Associations and Clubs

In addition to his professional role at Tourism Malaysia, Mohd Amirul Rizal has also contributed to tourism-related associations, further solidifying his influence in the industry. Notably, he served as the President of the Tourism Malaysia Recreation Club, demonstrating his active involvement in fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the tourism sector.

His deep connections within the tourism community will likely help strengthen Malaysia’s relationships with local businesses, helping to create a more integrated and sustainable tourism industry. These relationships will be vital in supporting the success of Visit Malaysia 2026, as collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for the growth of the nation’s tourism economy.

A Promising Future for Malaysian Tourism

With over 23 years of experience in tourism marketing, promotion, and management, Mohd Amirul Rizal’s appointment as the new director-general is expected to further strengthen the growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry. As the country gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, his leadership will be pivotal in driving the success of the campaign, ensuring that Malaysia remains a leading tourist destination in Asia and the world.

Under his guidance, Malaysia is expected to witness not only increased tourist arrivals but also a diversification of the tourism market, with greater emphasis on sustainable practices, digital engagement, and a more balanced spread of tourism across the country. This strategic approach will be essential in ensuring long-term growth for the tourism sector, benefiting both the economy and the communities that rely on tourism for their livelihood.

Strengthening Malaysia’s Tourism Industry Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

As Tourism Malaysia’s new director-general, Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim is set to take the organization into a dynamic future, where Visit Malaysia 2026 will be among the key highlights. His vast experience in tourism marketing, along with his strong commitment to innovation and collaboration, will thus become all-important in ensuring Malaysia remains one of the favorite tourist spots in the world. Under his helm, the country can attain the heights it has never seen before in the tourism industry, offering nothing but the best Malaysia has towards international guests.