Kabir Khan to promote Malaysia through magic in US, UK

Renowned Malaysian magician and mentalist Kabir Khan Mohamad Reaz plans to imbue his shows with elements of the Malaysian identity as he promotes the country in his capacity as tourism ambassador.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz yesterday announced that Tourism Malaysia had appointed Kabir Khan as the new tourism ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom.

Kabir Khan said he was hopeful that through such performances he would be able to enhance Malaysia's profile in the two markets to help boost the country's tourism sector.

"We're in talks right now and will be coming out with the dates beginning late October to December for a campaign in the US. The UK campaign will likely be in the first quarter of next year," he told Bernama when contacted.

"It's my aim to ensure that Malaysia is highlighted in a good way in those two countries. Injecting a 'Malaysian identity' to the shows will hopefully make them more appealing to US and UK audiences," he explained.

Saying that he was honoured with the appointment, Kabir Khan reckoned that there was still some way to go in terms of highlighting Malaysia's charms to American travellers and holidaymakers, while in the UK, Malaysia was known thanks to its long-standing links to the country.

He said there would be many opportunities for him to promote Malaysia as a tourism jewel in Southeast Asia, including via radio talks shows.

Kabir Khan said he would leverage his network of contacts and many followers in the two countries in fulfilling his duties as tourism ambassador.

"The Tourism and Culture Ministry through Tourism Malaysia has entrusted me with this new position and I intend to fulfill it to the best of my ability.

"At the end of the day, this is my form of national service. Definitely I would like to contribute in enhancing the good name of our country," he said.

The Tourism Ambassador Programme is an initiative by the ministry through Tourism Malaysia to engage prominent, well-established and influential Malaysians in various fields, either living abroad or in Malaysia, to promote the country among their circle of friends, fans, and network of contacts. -- Bernama