The exclusive agreement between Singapore and Taylor Swift for her Eras tour in Southeast Asia serves as a glaring example of Malaysia's missed opportunities.
While Singapore strategically secured the exclusive rights to host Taylor Swift's concerts, Malaysia, under the leadership of Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, failed to capitalize on the economic spillover that such a high-profile event could have brought.
Under the stewardship of Tiong, Malaysia's tourism strategy has demonstrated a singular focus on drawing Chinese tourists and investments, a tactic that, while lucrative, risks sidelining other profitable markets.
This narrow approach was starkly illuminated by the missed opportunity to host a concert by global superstar Taylor Swift, an event that could have yielded significant economic benefits.
The failure to embrace such diverse opportunities not only reflects a lack of adaptability and foresight in Malaysia's tourism policy but also a troubling oversight in the pursuit of economic diversification and growth.
Further compounding these concerns is the recent demotion of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) director-general, Datuk Dr. Ammar Abd Ghapar.
The abrupt displacement of Dr. Ammar, a seasoned professional within the sector, casts a long shadow over the competence and strategic vision of Malaysia's tourism leadership.
The Taylor Swift concert debacle serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of balanced diplomacy and astute strategic planning to harness the full spectrum of economic benefits available to Malaysia.
In addition to these strategic missteps, Malaysia's heavy reliance on Chinese tourism has unearthed significant challenges, including a worrying trend of visa overstays.
Between 2018 and 2021, while millions of Chinese nationals entered Malaysia, a substantial number failed to return, exacerbating issues within the immigration system and raising security concerns. This situation underscores the urgent need for a broader, more diversified tourism strategy that goes beyond an overreliance on China.
Malaysia is uniquely positioned to attract tourists from the Middle East and other Muslim-majority countries, thanks to its reputation as a halal-food paradise and its rich Islamic heritage.
By targeting these markets, Malaysia can tap into a new, affluent demographic eager for travel experiences that cater to their dietary and cultural preferences. Such a strategic pivot would not only diversify Malaysia's tourism revenue streams but also affirm the nation's commitment to showcasing its diverse cultural and religious heritage.
The time has come for Malaysia to reassess its tourism and diplomatic priorities. The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, must champion a strategy that places Malaysian interests at the forefront, ensuring that the nation's economic and cultural policies do not overly cater to any single foreign influence, including China, despite the considerable investments it brings.
This recalibration should include a critical evaluation of Tiong 's role as the Minister of Tourism.
Malaysia's potential as a diverse and vibrant tourist destination is immense, but realizing this potential requires leadership that is as dynamic and multifaceted as the country itself.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
* Ahmad Zaim Ahmad Tawfek was an assistant to Federal ministers in formulating economic, youth and foreign policies for Malaysia.
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.
AWANI Columnist
Sun Mar 10 2024
![[COLUMNIST]: Singapore's exclusive Taylor Swift concert deal exposes Malaysia's missed economic opportunities [COLUMNIST]: Singapore's exclusive Taylor Swift concert deal exposes Malaysia's missed economic opportunities](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/41710030661_queue.jpg)
File pic of fans queuing up for Taylor Swift concert tickets in Singapore back in July 7, 2023. REUTERS
![Pesara polis terkejut terima kunjungan Ahmad Zahid Pesara polis terkejut terima kunjungan Ahmad Zahid](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/51719958164_ZahidHamidi.jpg)
Pesara polis terkejut terima kunjungan Ahmad Zahid
Mohammad Fauzi tidak dapat menyembunyikan riak wajah terkejut sebaik melihat sosok pemimpin nombor dua negara itu ke kediamannya.
![Gelora udara: 'Kami fikir akan mati' - Penumpang Air Europa kongsi pengalaman ngeri Gelora udara: 'Kami fikir akan mati' - Penumpang Air Europa kongsi pengalaman ngeri](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81719956666_Passengersgetoff.jpg)
Gelora udara: 'Kami fikir akan mati' - Penumpang Air Europa kongsi pengalaman ngeri
Ada penumpang Air Europa tercampak sehingga ruang bagasi atas kepala akibat kejadian gelora udara.
![Banjir Sabah: MCMC berjaya pulih 14 menara pemancar telekomunikasi Banjir Sabah: MCMC berjaya pulih 14 menara pemancar telekomunikasi](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/51719957920_BanjirSabah.jpg)
Banjir Sabah: MCMC berjaya pulih 14 menara pemancar telekomunikasi
MCMC berjaya memulihkan 14 daripada 41 menara pemancar telekomunikasi di beberapa kawasan Pantai Barat Sabah.
![116 terbunuh dalam rempuhan perhimpunan agama di India 116 terbunuh dalam rempuhan perhimpunan agama di India](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/71719956228_victimsstampede.jpg)
116 terbunuh dalam rempuhan perhimpunan agama di India
"Orang ramai keluar berpusu-pusu dari tempat perhimpunan apabila ribut debu mengaburkan penglihatan mereka menyebabkan berlaku huru-hara dan insiden tragis itu."
![Semua penaja pendidikan Sabah digabungkan dalam portal PTPS - Hajiji Semua penaja pendidikan Sabah digabungkan dalam portal PTPS - Hajiji](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/71719920529_TBhajiji.jpg)
Semua penaja pendidikan Sabah digabungkan dalam portal PTPS - Hajiji
Sabah melakar sejarah apabila menggabungkan semua penaja utama dalam pendidikan di negeri itu di bawah satu platform dikenali Portal Tajaan Pendidikan Sabah (PTPS).
![Aktiviti jenayah siber di Telegram naik sebanyak 53 peratus pada Mei dan Jun 2024 Aktiviti jenayah siber di Telegram naik sebanyak 53 peratus pada Mei dan Jun 2024](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-04/71713405340_telegramjpg.jpg)
Aktiviti jenayah siber di Telegram naik sebanyak 53 peratus pada Mei dan Jun 2024
Aktiviti jenayah siber di Telegram meningkat sebanyak 53 peratus pada Mei hingga Jun 2024 berbanding tempoh sama tahun lepas, menurut data Perisikan Jejak Digital Kaspersky.
![Peningkatan sumbangan KDNK Selangor bukti keyakinan komuniti perniagaan terhadap kepimpinan kerajaan - Amirudin Peningkatan sumbangan KDNK Selangor bukti keyakinan komuniti perniagaan terhadap kepimpinan kerajaan - Amirudin](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-05/61716284352_AmirudinShari.jpg)
Peningkatan sumbangan KDNK Selangor bukti keyakinan komuniti perniagaan terhadap kepimpinan kerajaan - Amirudin
Kejayaan Selangor dalam menerajui sumbangan KDNK negara sebanyak 25.9 peratus, bukti keyakinan komuniti perniagaan serta rakyat terhadap pentadbiran negeri yang selari dengan kerajaan Persekutuan.
![Pusat Kecemerlangan Industri GiatMARA lahir pelatih mahir teknologi motosikal Pusat Kecemerlangan Industri GiatMARA lahir pelatih mahir teknologi motosikal](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81719917654_TBGiatMara.jpg)
Pusat Kecemerlangan Industri GiatMARA lahir pelatih mahir teknologi motosikal
Pusat itu bakal menyediakan pelatih yang berkemahiran tinggi dalam teknologi motosikal berkuasa tinggi bagi memenuhi keperluan industri.
![PRK Sungai Bakap: Bagaikan sambut raya, Tok Siah teruja mahu pakai kebaya keluar mengundi PRK Sungai Bakap: Bagaikan sambut raya, Tok Siah teruja mahu pakai kebaya keluar mengundi](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/41719919203_TBSelasiah.jpg)
PRK Sungai Bakap: Bagaikan sambut raya, Tok Siah teruja mahu pakai kebaya keluar mengundi
Dia suka mendengar perkataan 'turun mengundi' kerana itulah masa terbaik untuk dirinya bersiap ibarat mahu menyambut Hari Raya.
![Melaka sasar 400 syarikat pengeksport berdaftar dengan MATRADE Melaka sasar 400 syarikat pengeksport berdaftar dengan MATRADE](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81719919577_TBAbRaufYusoh.jpg)
Melaka sasar 400 syarikat pengeksport berdaftar dengan MATRADE
Kerajaan negeri menyasarkan 400 syarikat pengeksport di Melaka berdaftar dengan MATRADE bagi meningkatkan produktiviti dan keuntungan syarikat berkenaan.
![Dua wanita ditahan conteng jet peribadi disangka milik Taylor Swift Dua wanita ditahan conteng jet peribadi disangka milik Taylor Swift](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-06/61719028141_tbJetperibadiTayl.jpg)
Dua wanita ditahan conteng jet peribadi disangka milik Taylor Swift
Dua wanita ditahan selepas menconteng jet peribadi didakwa milik penyanyi popular dunia, Taylor Swift.
!['Saya bukan Swifties... Saya lebih cenderung kepada SitiZoners' - Fahmi 'Saya bukan Swifties... Saya lebih cenderung kepada SitiZoners' - Fahmi](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/61710311169_TBFAHMIFADZILj.jpg)
'Saya bukan Swifties... Saya lebih cenderung kepada SitiZoners' - Fahmi
"Saya bukan Swifties... Saya lebih cenderung kepada SitiZoners," kata Menteri Komunikasi Fahmi Fadzil ketika menggulung perbahasan Usul Menjunjung Kasih Titah Diraja di Dewan Rakyat, pada Rabu.
!['Ini kos bawa isteri tengok konsert Taylor Swift' 'Ini kos bawa isteri tengok konsert Taylor Swift'](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/41710034957_konserttaylorswift.jpg)
'Ini kos bawa isteri tengok konsert Taylor Swift'
Keseluruhannya, jumlah wang yang dibelanjakan Hendra adalah sebanyak 38,150,000 rupiah atau bersamaan kira-kira RM11,500.
![Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-12/61702135893_TBBERITAx.jpg)
Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini
Antara pelbagai berita luar negara yang disiarkan di Astro AWANI, berikut adalah yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari ini.
![PM Singapura pertahan konsert Taylor Swift, anggap perjanjian 'sangat berjaya' PM Singapura pertahan konsert Taylor Swift, anggap perjanjian 'sangat berjaya'](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-11/51700803884_TBTaylorSwift.jpg)
PM Singapura pertahan konsert Taylor Swift, anggap perjanjian 'sangat berjaya'
Perdana Menteri Singapura, Lee Hsien Loong berkata, perjanjian itu ternyata berjaya, dan membawa manfaat ekonomi kepada negaranya,dan menarik kedatangan pelancong dari seluruh rantau Asean.
![Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-12/61702135893_TBBERITAx.jpg)
Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini
Antara pelbagai berita luar negara yang disiarkan di Astro AWANI, berikut adalah yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari ini.
![Jelajah Taylor Swift: Satu penghormatan, namun ada 'harga' perlu dibayar Singapura Jelajah Taylor Swift: Satu penghormatan, namun ada 'harga' perlu dibayar Singapura](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-11/51700803884_TBTaylorSwift.jpg)
Jelajah Taylor Swift: Satu penghormatan, namun ada 'harga' perlu dibayar Singapura
Bayaran pada mulanya dilaporkan setinggi S$24 juta untuk enam pertunjukan eksklusif untuk negara Asia Tenggara itu.
![PM Thailand ikrar bawa Taylor Swift, artis gred A ke Thailand PM Thailand ikrar bawa Taylor Swift, artis gred A ke Thailand](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-02/81708142146_SretthaSwift.jpg)
PM Thailand ikrar bawa Taylor Swift, artis gred A ke Thailand
Kenyataan itu dibuat selepas berita Taylor Swift hanya akan singgah di Singapura, satu-satunya destinasi Asia Tenggara dalam The Eras Tour.
![Taylor Swift pecah rekod, menang lagi Album Of The Year menerusi Grammy Awards! Taylor Swift pecah rekod, menang lagi Album Of The Year menerusi Grammy Awards!](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-02/41707108312_TBTaylorSwift.jpg)
Taylor Swift pecah rekod, menang lagi Album Of The Year menerusi Grammy Awards!
Taylor Swift meraih satu lagi kemenangan menerusi kategori Album Of The Year bagi album Midnights pada Grammy Awards.
![Microsoft Designer dikemas kini bagi mengelakkan imej lucah dijana oleh AI Microsoft Designer dikemas kini bagi mengelakkan imej lucah dijana oleh AI](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-01/81706586289_TBMicrosoftDesign.jpg)
Microsoft Designer dikemas kini bagi mengelakkan imej lucah dijana oleh AI
Berikutan insiden penyebaran imej lucah Taylor Swift dijana oleh kecerdasan buatan (AI) generatif, Microsoft telah mengemas kini terma dan syarat penggunaan perkhidmatan Designer mereka.