Iskandar Puteri, Johor – A gathering of regional and international journalists at Legoland Malaysia Resort marked an exciting occasion, as the resort unveiled an impressive LEGO recreation of Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat, alongside other world heritage landmarks.
As part of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, a group of Cambodian journalists and travel agents were invited by Tourism Malaysia through the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh to attend the event and post-tour from January 14-21.
During the welcoming ceremony, CS Lim, Divisional Director of Legoland Malaysia Resort, expressed his enthusiasm about the flourishing tourism industry in the region.
Legoland Malaysia, which opened in 2012 as the first LEGOLAND park in Asia, has evolved into much more than just a theme park. Lim highlighted the resort’s commitment to being the ultimate family-friendly destination: “We see ourselves as a bit more than a theme park. Since we opened our doors in 2012, we have taken pride in being the ultimate family-friendly holiday destination.”
The resort has continuously focused on offering a well-rounded experience that goes beyond entertainment. “We believe Legoland Malaysia plays a vital role in contributing to the nation’s tourism growth, and we remain committed and continuously innovating, with everything we offer appealing to local, regional, and global audiences,” Lim added.
Acknowledging the invaluable support from key tourism organisations, Lim expressed gratitude toward Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Europe for their unwavering dedication to promoting Malaysia’s top-tier travel destinations.
Looking ahead, Lim teased exciting new developments set to make 2025 a landmark year for the resort. “We will be unveiling a new display in our mini-land that pays homage to one of our ASEAN region’s most iconic landmarks. No spoilers, but it’s definitely going to be a sight to behold,” he said.
Additionally, the resort plans to enhance its Build and Test Area by transforming it into an adrenaline-pumping experience for visitors. “We will also be giving our Botanical Gardens a special LEGO twist,” Lim revealed, referring to a nature-inspired garden developed in partnership with LEGO Botanical Gardens.
Highlighting the cultural integration in Legoland’s offerings, Lim mentioned the ongoing Lunar New Year celebrations and how seasonal events create unforgettable moments. “Our seasonal activities, including the Lunar New Year celebration which began yesterday, blend the magic of LEGO bricks with local cultural showcases and interactive entertainment,” he said.
As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), Legoland Malaysia Resort is positioning itself as a major attraction with new initiatives, cultural celebrations, and hands-on adventures designed to captivate audiences from all corners of the globe.
The resort, located in Johor, Malaysia, is the first LEGOLAND theme park in Asia and is part of a global chain of LEGOLAND parks owned by Merlin Entertainments. The resort opened on September 15, 2012, and has since become a major family destination, featuring a theme park, water park, and hotel.
The resort spans about 76 acres (31 hectares), making it one of the largest theme parks in the region. It is designed to offer interactive, themed experiences for families with children, with more than 40 rides, shows, and attractions spread across various zones, such as LEGO Kingdoms, LEGO Technic, LEGO City, Miniland, Imagination, Land of Adventure, and LEGO Ninjago World.
During a press briefing at the start of TRAVEX, Malaysia’s Head of the VM2026 Secretariat Mohd Amirul Rizal bin Abdul Rahim detailed the campaign’s vision, goals, and strategies aim at attracing 35.6 million international tourists and generate over RM147 billion ($32.68 billion) in receipts.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim, officially launched the VM2026 campaign on January 6 at the Malaysia Airports Engineering Complex in Sepang, emphasising the crucial role of sustainable tourism in economic growth and community benefits.
Amirul commenced the beiefing by unveiling the campaign’s logo, which represents Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity, harmonious multiculturalism, and stunning natural landscapes.
“We aim to convert excursionists into tourists, particularly those visiting Singapore and Thailand, by enriching their cultural and eco-tourism experiences,” he said.
To encourage niche tourism experiences and boost tourist expenditure, Amirul confirmed, “We received a budget to not only promote Malaysia but also improve infrastructure and services for tourists,” although he did not disclose specific figures.
Highlighting the campaign’s inclusivity, Amirul introduced mascots Wira and Manja, representing the Malaysia Sun Bear. “They are designed in a lovable animation style to appeal to all ages,” he explained.
He also urged the media to promote the campaign using the hashtag #VisitMalaysia2026 on social media platforms.
Addressing regional strategies, Amirul mentioned tailored campaigns for different markets, including the Middle East, China, India, South Korea, and Europe.
Reflecting on past campaigns, he emphasised the importance of repeat visitors and tailored experiences. “We learned that it’s not just about promotions. We want tourists to experience something unique and come back again and again,” he noted.
To diversify attractions beyond iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, Amirul suggested lesser-known experiences. “For example, the sleeper train from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan offers breathtaking views of rainforests,” he said, appealing to seasoned visitors seeking new adventures.
Addressing the introduction of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, explained, “The MDAC is for record purposes, especially for travelers from visa-exempt countries, to help us maintain accurate visitor statistics.”
As Malaysia gears up for VM2026, the campaign promises a blend of traditional hospitality and innovative tourism experiences, positioning the country as a top sustainable travel destination.
During the opening ceremony for TRAVEX 2025, Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia, said the campaign showcases Malaysia’s unique cultural heritage, natural wonders, and diverse attractions.
It serves as a call to action for regional and global collaboration, positioning Malaysia as a must-visit destination in the coming years.
- Tags: Angkor Wat, Malaysia
