KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia has been announced as the Official Airline Partner for the Malaysia-China Summit 2024 (MCS 2024), enhancing accessibility and connectivity for delegates and participants from China and ASEAN countries.
The announcement was made at the MCS 2024 Networking Engagement Series in Kuala Lumpur, underscoring the summit’s significance as a key event marking the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
As the largest foreign low-cost carrier between Malaysia and China, AirAsia will offer exclusive travel deals to summit participants. These promotions are valid for travel dates from 9 – 20 December 2024, with bookings available on the MCS 2024 website at www.malaysia-chinasummit.com.my.
The promotional routes include AirAsia flights to major Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Vientiane, and Manila.
Delegates arriving in Kuala Lumpur can also utilize AirAsia Ride for local transportation, complemented by offerings such as AirAsia’s Santan meals and exclusive merchandise at the summit, ensuring a comprehensive Malaysian hospitality experience.
MCS 2024 is organized by Qube Integrated (M) Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and is endorsed by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. The summit, scheduled for 17 – 19 December 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, is expected to attract 500 exhibitors and 10,000 delegates from Malaysia, China, and ASEAN. It will feature a three-day international trade and investment expo and a two-day Leadership Conference.
YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Deputy Secretary-General (Management) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, emphasized the importance of partnerships in promoting regional connectivity and cultural exchange. He also highlighted the significance of post-COVID recovery and promotional campaigns to position Malaysia as a premier tourism and MICE destination in Asia.
“Business travellers contribute significantly more than typical tourists due to their longer stays and higher spending on transportation, accommodation, and dining. We are enhancing our facilities to attract more business travellers, especially during key events like international conferences, expositions, and corporate gatherings. MCS 2024 is a crucial platform to showcase Malaysia as a tourism and MICE destination. Through Tourism Malaysia, we are proud to be a strategic partner for the summit, curating the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions,” Shaharuddin added.
Richard Teo, Executive Chairman of Qube Integrated and summit organizing chair, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with AirAsia: “AirAsia’s extensive network and innovative services make it an ideal partner for the summit, ensuring affordable and quality travel for delegates worldwide. This partnership will help publicize Malaysia as a key destination for business and leisure while showcasing AirAsia’s capability in business and trade travel.”
AirAsia Group Chief Commercial Officer Paul Caroll said: “As the largest foreign low-cost airline in China, we are honored to be the official airline partner for the Malaysia-China Summit 2024. This strategic partnership aligns with AirAsia’s ongoing expansion across the region. We operate direct flights to 16 destinations from Malaysia to China, including exclusive routes. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relations, we are committed to strengthening ties through tourism and contributing to the arrival of five million Chinese tourists, as set by Tourism Malaysia this year. With the visa-free entry announced by both nations, we remain dedicated to our role as a key aviation player and market leader in Asia. AirAsia has expanded beyond leisure travel, now catering to businesses and trade through our AirAsia Corporate Travel Programme, introduced earlier this year, offering exclusive benefits for business travellers.”
In addition to Tourism Malaysia, the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CECCM) was announced as a strategic partner for the summit to drive participation and business opportunities. Other strategic partners include the Malaysia-China Business Council, Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce, The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
