Connect with us

Media OutReach

Rediscover Malaysia Through A Muslim-Friendly Lens: Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2025 Returns This August

Published

on

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2025 – Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2025 returns for its fourth and most exciting edition yet, inviting Malaysians and global travelers to embark on a journey of rediscovery through the rich lens of Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH). Organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), ITM 2025 takes place from 18 August to 30 September, showcasing the beauty, diversity, and warmth of Malaysia as a leading Muslim-friendly destination.

This year’s campaign unfolds across eight (8) vibrant categories; Mosque Open Day, Accommodation, Travel Packages, Spa, Wellness and Healthcare, Food and Beverages, Events and Exhibitions, Shopping and Retail, and Tourism Products and Theme Parks, offering a nationwide celebration filled with inclusive-meaningful experiences tailored for locals and international visitors; families, solo travelers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts alike.

ITM 2025 unfolds with a promise of uncompromising discovery experience as Malaysia continues to shine in Muslim-friendly tourism, once again securing the top spot in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025, marking a decade of consecutive recognition as the world’s preferred destination. This achievement goes beyond rankings, it’s built on a foundation of accessible prayer facilities, inclusive travel experiences, widespread availability of halal food, and progressive tourism policies.

At the heart of ITM 2025 is its signature programme: Mosque Open Day. Throughout the month, selected mosques across the country will welcome the public for guided tours, exhibitions, and community-driven activities. Designed to promote understanding, inclusivity, and cultural exchange, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the spiritual, historical, and social significance of mosques in Malaysia’s everyday life.

A CALL TO COLLABORATE: JOIN AS AN ITM 2025 PARTNER

ITC invites players across Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sectors to join the movement as official ITM 2025 partners. From branding exposure and market engagement to economic opportunity, businesses will benefit from access to ITC’s promotional platforms, visibility among a high-value travel segment, and alignment with Malaysia’s broader Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) tourism objectives.

“The seeds planted in 2022 have blossomed into an event that reflects Malaysia’s warmth, diversity and hospitality,” said Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin, Acting Director-General of ITC.

“We invite businesses to be part of this growing movement. By aligning with ITM 2025, partners gain access to a strong branding platform, a rapidly expanding Muslim tourist market and the chance to support Malaysia’s journey toward VM 2026”.

“As the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) ecosystem continues to expand, ITM offers a timely opportunity to showcase products and services that are inclusive, values-driven and culturally relevant, all while driving real business impact,” she added.

Since its inception, ITM has attracted over 300 participating organisations, contributing more than RM5 million in accumulated value to the national tourism landscape. Their collective efforts have helped elevate Malaysia’s MFTH offerings while solidifying its position as a sustainable, values-driven tourism hub.

GET CREATIVE: THE ITM 2025 TIKTOK CHALLENGE IS BACK

The much-loved ITM TikTok Challenge returns in 2025. Content creators are invited to explore ITM partner destinations and share their experiences using the hashtag #ExperienceITM2025. With just three simple steps; Visit, Video, and Viral, participants stand a chance to win exciting prizes worth more than RM50,000, including a holiday package to Xi’an, China, and an exclusive sailing getaway with Aroya Cruises.

MARCHING TOWARDS VISIT MALAYSIA 2026

With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, ITM 2025 serves as a strategic prelude; a platform to galvanise industry readiness, attract global attention, and celebrate what makes Malaysia truly unique. By participating, businesses not only contribute to national tourism goals but also join a movement rooted in authentic experiences, inclusive values, and long-term impact.

REGIONAL MOMENTUM: MALAYSIA’S ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP ELEVATES ITM 2025

This year’s ITM unfolds at a pivotal moment as Malaysia assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN, offering a timely space to deepen regional tourism collaboration. With shared cultural values and growing interest in Muslim-friendly travel, ITM 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity for visitors from ASEAN member states to explore Malaysia’s offerings. From ITC perspective, this alignment is expected to drive stronger participation and outcomes than previous editions, further positioning Malaysia as a gateway for inclusive, experience-rich tourism across Southeast Asia.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

ITM 2025 is open to all tourism and hospitality players, including:

  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Spa & Wellness Centres
  • Theme Parks
  • Shopping Malls
  • Retailers
  • Mosques
  • Event Organisers
  • Training Providers
  • Any tourism businesses offering Halal or Muslim-friendly products and services

Registration is now open. Interested businesses can sign up as official ITM 2025 partners via https://forms.gle/cXCC2dgfHvTpYoRr7.

Stay updated and inspired by following us on Instagram (@itm_itc) and Facebook (Islamic Tourism Month).

ABOUT ISLAMIC TOURISM MONTH 2025

  • Mosque Open Day

The much-beloved ITM trademark event where Malaysia’s most majestic mosques open their doors to visitors from near and far. Discover the beauty of Malaysian Islamic culture through guided tours, exhibitions and engaging community activities that promote understanding, culture appreciation and connection.

  • Accommodation

From cool highlands to sunny beaches and city escapes, enjoy exclusive discounts and packages created just for ITM 2025. Look out for deals catering to families, luxury seekers, youth travellers and more.

  • Travel Packages

Enjoy travel packages that take the stress out of planning and offer great value. Designed to suit those seeking for adventures and relaxation. Each package brings together convenience, comfort, and authentic discovery.

  • Spa, Wellness and Healthcare

In an era where self-care and mindful living continues to grow, ITM 2025 brings together a calming selection of spa, wellness and healthcare experiences. From traditional Malay treatments to modern therapies, each option is thoughtfully tailored, with gender-sensitive services available to ensure peace of mind.

  • Food and Beverages

Everyone needs to eat, but during ITM 2025, every meal becomes an opportunity to explore. Enjoy a variety of halal delicacies with special promotions that make dining out even more satisfying.

  • Events and Exhibitions

Level up, upskill, and link up at ITM-listed events and exhibitions throughout the month. Connect with like-minded individuals at key gatherings such as Global Halal Summit (GHaS) (16 to 18 September 2025) and the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) (17 to 20 September 2025). ITC signatures, the MFTG Training programmes are also open for registration to eligible industry players, alongside a variety of other activities including spa and wellness upskilling sessions and guided hiking events that combine learning, leisure, and lifestyle.

  • Shopping and Retail

Retail therapy comes with extra rewards throughout the month. From necessities to well-deserved indulgence, special promotions make it the perfect time to shop for anything and everything.

  • Tourism Products and Theme Parks

This is the perfect time to explore Malaysia’s many attractions, from museums and cultural landmarks to family-friendly favourites like Berjaya Times Square Theme Park and beyond.
Hashtag: #ITM2025 #IslamicTourismMonth #ExperienceITM2025 #DiscoverMFAR #ITMTikTokChallenge2025 #IslamicTourismCentre #MuslimFriendlyMalaysia #MalaysiaMesraMuslim #KembaraPenuhYakin




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ABOUT ISLAMIC TOURISM CENTRE

Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia, tasked to develop the Islamic Tourism segment for Malaysia. It advocates for Muslim-friendly tourism (MFT) by offering research and market intelligence, training, industry development consultation, Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) services standards and recognition, and information exchange.

Malaysia was named the top country in the region in the MFTH sector by the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2025. The country also retained the top-ranked destination in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025, a position it has defended since the launch of the Index in 2015.

Malaysia was also recognised as the Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC) and the Top Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of the Year in Halal in Travel Awards 2023.

In addition, ITC was named the recipient of the Strategic Business Alliance Award at The BrandLaureate World Halal Best Brand E-Branding Awards 2021. ITC’s signature programme, the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR), was awarded the prestigious BrandLaureate Brand of the Year Award 2024 in the category of Excellence in Islamic Tourism and Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Solutions. It is a recognition of ITC’s efforts and endeavours in formulating new strategies in developing and expanding the Islamic tourism segment in Malaysia. These recognitions are an added motivation for ITC to continue to strengthen its efforts in being a prime mover and leading institution to ensure Malaysia is at the forefront of MFTH.

Advertisement

Media OutReach

XTransfer Joins Forum Ekonomi Malaysia 2026

Published

on

Signals Plan to Make Malaysia Regional Compliance Hub

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – XTransfer, the world’s leading B2B cross-border financial platform, was honoured to be invited to join the Malaysia Economic Forum (Forum Ekonomi Malaysia 2026). Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, shared insights on how Malaysia can accelerate technology application and innovation to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) scale exports under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), during FEM 2026’s panel discussion, “Made by Malaysia: Accelerating Technology Applications & Innovation”.

Bill Deng (second from the right), Founder and CEO of XTransfer, joins as a speaker at Forum Ekonomi Malaysia 2026.

Bill was honoured to join YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia, and Mr Ooi Ching Liang, Senior Director of Engineering at SkyeChip, for a discussion focused on strengthening high-growth, high-value industries, advancing R&D commercialisation, increasing productivity and competitiveness, and supporting MSMEs in global value chains.

Drawing on XTransfer’s work with MSMEs across markets, Bill noted that many Malaysian businesses are “able to export,” but face persistent barriers to scaling exports. The most common issues are trust, compliance, and scale, which often surface as payment delays, repeated documentation requests, FX uncertainty, and working capital pressure as orders grow.

“For B2B SMEs in foreign trade, the biggest constraint isn’t demand. It’s the operational complexity behind cross-border payments, foreign exchange, and compliance,” Bill said. “In particular, AML requirements can be difficult for both traditional banks and SMEs to manage efficiently, creating friction that slows down legitimate trade.”

Bill highlighted a structural shift in global trade flows from a single dominant corridor to non-U.S., intra-Asia, and broader South–South routes. This trend is increasingly clear in real SME transaction patterns. Bill shared, “In 2025, XTransfer’s average collection amount from Asia, Africa, and Latin America grew by 106% year-on-year, with Africa exceeding 270%, Latin America reaching 94%, and ASEAN reaching 82%.” YB Liew noted the trend and thinks it is a direction Malaysia should pursue.

XTransfer also said it plans to establish Malaysia as its regional compliance centre, citing Malaysia’s strong geographic and time-zone advantages, a mature regulatory environment, availability of talent in compliance and risk operations, and cost efficiency. “Malaysia gives us the talent, governance environment, and regional proximity to scale compliance as intra-Asia and emerging-market trade accelerates,” Bill added.
Hashtag: #XTransfer #Malaysia #SMEs #13MP #FEM2026




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

CGTN: Little Chinese New Year opens big window to China’s soul

Published

on

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – As China marks Xiaonian, or Little Chinese New Year, there is growing evidence of its ancient traditions evolving into global lifestyle trends. CGTN published an article analyzing how this prelude to the Year of the Horse – from the folk ritual of “sweeping the dust” to the cross-cultural fusion of the Spring Festival Gala – illustrates China’s growing global cultural resonance.

As the lunar calendar turns its final pages, China enters a period of joyful anticipation known as Xiaonian, or Little Chinese New Year. Often celebrated as the Festival of the Kitchen God, it marks the official start of the “busy year” – a traditional term for the intense, joyful period of preparing food, cleaning homes, and shopping for the upcoming Spring Festival.

The Spring Festival is a deeply significant time for family reunion. In 2024, UNESCO inscribed the “Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year” onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

While daily routines continue to evolve, they remain anchored in rituals that provide a sense of normalcy and meaning. It is perhaps no wonder that in a climate of uncertainty, traditional Chinese lifestyles are finding a new audience beyond the country’s borders, with the Spring Festival chief among those unique traditions that are fast becoming a shared human experience.

Diverse traditions, shared aspirations

In a prelude to the broader celebrations, Xiaonian, observed on February 10 and 11 this year, kickstarts a focused period of preparation. According to ancient lore, families offer Zaotang, or sticky “Kitchen Candy,” to the Kitchen God to ensure he delivers a favorable report on the household’s conduct before he ascends to the heavens. This lighthearted tradition marks the beginning of several symbolic rituals aimed at welcoming a fresh start.

A key element of this transition is donning new clothes. In Chinese culture, the New Year represents a moment when “all things are renewed,” and wearing new garments symbolizes shedding the “dust” or misfortunes of the past to embrace auspicious energy for the year ahead. Alongside this personal renewal, families nationwide engage in “sweeping the dust,” a deep-cleaning ritual to purify the home and prepare it for new blessings.

Whereas these practices are universal, celebratory flavors vary by geography. In the north, families traditionally gather over steaming plates of dumplings, whereas in the south, the menu often features sweet rice cakes (Niangao) and glutinous rice balls (Tangyuan).

As Mao Qiaohui, a researcher at the Institute of Ethnic Literature at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explains, these variations highlight the inclusive nature of Chinese civilization.

“Although folk customs differ between different regions across China, this diversity reflects the cultural pluralism within the Spring Festival tradition,” she notes. “Different regional identities contribute to a shared pursuit of harmony and reunion.”

The vitality of these traditions is also evident in local craftsmanship. In northern regions like Shandong and Henan, artisans are currently making Huamo, decorated steamed buns, featuring horse designs for the upcoming zodiac year. Meanwhile, in Shuozhou, Shanxi Province, intangible heritage inheritors are carving spirited stallions onto traditional gourds. These creations reflect the regional diversity of the festival and a collective desire for progress in the year ahead.

Cultural dialogue: From global stage to daily life

The festive atmosphere is reflected further in preparations for the Spring Festival Gala (Chunwan), produced by China Media Group.

Recent rehearsals show performances meshing traditional Chinese culture with international artistry. One performance piece combines the wooden clog dance of the Hani and Lisu ethnic groups with the rhythmic tap of Spanish Flamenco and Hungarian folk dance. And with global stars like Jackie Chan and Lionel Richie on the bill, the Gala’s stage is set to become a stage for the world to come together.

The reach of the gala has expanded far beyond a domestic audience. Through the “Spring Festival Gala Prelude” events held in the United States, Russia, France, Italy, and several African nations, the program has become a gateway to Chinese New Year customs and cultural exchange.

This interest extends beyond art and into the lives of people worldwide, as seen in the #BecomingChinese trend. This phenomenon features international social media users adopting elements of Chinese daily life – such as keeping a thermos of hot water handy, wearing quilted indoor slippers or practicing mindful movement with Baduanjin exercises.

The festival is no longer a distant event but a gateway to Chinese lifestyle, rooted in ancient wellness wisdom and constantly updated by modern convenience, and the first step to a journey of exploration into a culture that values ritual, safety and hospitality.

Whether through global broadcasts or shared daily habits, the Spring Festival increasingly strengthens a sense of cultural empathy between China and the rest of the world.

For more information, please click here:

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-02-10/Little-New-Year-opens-big-window-to-China-s-soul-1KEhJjMX2fe/p.html

Hashtag: #CGTN

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

De Beers Group and Assouline Celebrate the Launch of “A Diamond Is Forever: The Making of A Cultural Icon 1926-2026”

Published

on

LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – In the 1930s, De Beers redefined the role of diamonds in society, celebrating them as masterpieces of nature and craftmanship. Before this, diamond jewelry pieces were treasures exchanged discreetly amongst society’s elite, as luxury houses, fearful of diminishing their mystique, fostered only private relationships with their clients. De Beers revealed the wonder of diamonds to a wider audience, shifting the perception of them from luxury item to a gift integral to romantic milestones and aspirational, glamorous lives, as well as a way of marking personal achievement.

De Beers Group And Assouline Celebate The Launch Of “A Diamond Is Forever: The Making Of A Cultural Icon 1926-2026”

When copywriter Frances Gerety captured the diamond’s essence with the phrase “A Diamond Is Forever” in 1947, the declaration enshrined the diamond as a promise of love and endurance, a sentiment resonating far beyond the notion of a simple gift. Gerety’s words, seen on archival advertisements, magazine placements, and celebrity endorsements, reflected the deep cultural connection between diamonds and enduring relationships. Commissioned artwork from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Raoul Dufy draw a direct line between a diamond’s rarity—each one formed deep within the earth over billions of years—and the creative genius of fine art. By sharing these artistic visions with the world, De Beers revealed the wonder of diamonds—nature’s oldest treasure—to a wider audience, elevating their aura and allure while preserving the sense of rarity and significance that sets them apart.

For a century, the story of diamonds has been one of transformation and continuity. In the 1960s, stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe adorned themselves with diamonds, embodying the elegance and glamour associated with the gemstone. The 1990s “Shadows” campaign, with its evocative pairing of diamonds and the neoclassical composition Palladio by Karl Jenkins, captured the essence of the diamond: authentic, unique, and everlasting.

In recent years, the conversation around diamonds has expanded to include provenance, sustainability, and ethical stewardship, affirming the diamond’s place as a symbol not just of love but of responsibility and conscience. Much like walking through a gallery that traces the evolution of artistic expression, A Diamond Is Forever offers a view into how diamonds have come to embody the shifting ideals and aspirations of society itself.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #NaturalDiamonds #diamonds #ADiamondIsForever #Assouline




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit .

Continue Reading

Trending