(Third from Left) Yang Mulia Raja Badrulnizam Raja Kamalzaman, Senior Director of Strategic Planning Division of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE); Yang Berbahagia Dato' Shaharuddin Bin Abu Sohot, Deputy Secretary General (Management) of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC); Paul Carroll, Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Group and Richard Teo, Qube Integrated Executive Chairman at Malaysia-China Summit 2024 Official Airline Partner announcement launch event.

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 May 2024 - AirAsia has been unveiled as the Official Airline Partner for the Malaysia-China Summit 2024 (MCS 2024), ensuring greater accessibility and connectivity for delegates and participants from China and the rest of ASEAN countries.

This announcement, made at the MCS 2024 Networking Engagement Series in Kuala Lumpur, further asserts the summit as a flagship event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. 

As the largest foreign low-cost carrier between Malaysia and China, AirAsia will provide exclusive travel deals to summit participants. These promotions apply for travel dates between 9 - 20 December 2024 with booking made at MCS 2024’s website at www.malaysia-chinasummit.com.my. 

The promotional routes apply to AirAsia flights to major cities across Asia such as Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Vientiane and Manila. 

Additionally, delegates arriving in Kuala Lumpur can use AirAsia Ride for local transportation, complemented by offerings such as AirAsia's Santan meals and exclusive merchandise at the summit to ensure a welcoming and comprehensive Malaysian hospitality experience. 

MCS 2024 is organised by Qube Integrated (M) Sdn Bhd in association with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), as one of the flagship programmes to commemorate the 50th anniversary endorsed by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. 

Scheduled for 17 – 19 December 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, it is expected to draw 500 exhibitors and 10,000 delegates from Malaysia, China and ASEAN. The summit will comprise a three-day international trade and investment expo and a two-day Leadership Conference. 

In his speech, YBhg. Dato' Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Deputy Secretary-General (Management) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, highlighted the importance of partnerships in promoting regional connectivity and cultural exchange. He also spoke about the post-covid recovery and promotional campaigns to position Malaysia as one of the top tourism and MICE destinations in Asia. 

“The contribution of business travellers is significant, outpacing that of typical tourists due to their longer stays and higher spending in 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 an important platform to showcase Malaysia as a tourism and MICE destination, and thus, through Tourism Malaysia, we are proud to be part of the strategic partner for the summit, to curate the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions,” Shaharuddin added. 

Qube Integrated Executive Chairman, Richard Teo, who is also the summit organising chair, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with AirAsia, stating: “AirAsia’s extensive network and innovative services make it an ideal partner for the summit, ensuring affordable and quality travel for delegates worldwide.

“This new partnership will help to publicise Malaysia as the key destination for business and leisure while enabling AirAsia to demonstrate its capability beyond leisure travel to also specialise in business and trade.” 

AirAsia Group Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Caroll said: “As the largest foreign low-cost airline in China, we are honoured to be the official airline partner for the Malaysia-China Summit 2024. We see this as a strategic partnership, given AirAsia's ongoing expansion across the region. We operate direct flight services to 16 destinations from Malaysia to China within AirAsia Group, including exclusive routes. 

“In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relationships, we are committed to strengthening the ties between the two countries through tourism and further contributing to welcoming the arrival of five million Chinese tourists, as set by Tourism Malaysia this year. With the visa-free entry announced by both nations to celebrate the 50th anniversary, we remain committed to playing our role as a key aviation player and market leader in Asia. 

“AirAsia has expanded beyond merely being an airline, now catering not only to leisure travellers but also to businesses and trade. This expansion includes our AirAsia Corporate Travel Programme, introduced earlier this year, where we offer exclusive benefits to further enhance the experience for business travellers.” 

Besides Tourism Malaysia, the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CECCM) was also announced as the summit’s new strategic partner to drive participation among its extensive networks and bring business opportunities to the summit. 

The summit’s other strategic partners are 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.