PRESS RELEASE
AIRASIA NAMED OFFICIAL AIRLINE PARTNER FOR MALAYSIA-CHINA SUMMIT 2024, PROVIDES EXCLUSIVE OFFERS TO CHINA AND ASEAN PARTICIPANTS
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 https://malaysia-chinasummit.com.my/air-asia-official-airline-partner/.
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 andExhibition 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.
About MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is Malaysia’s national trade promotion agency. Established in March 1993, its primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia’s commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation’s trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.
About Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Qube Integrated, based in Kuala Lumpur since 2003, excels as a B2B and B2C exhibitions and events organiser with a global presence. Known for its venue management, World Expo pavilion creation, and comprehensive event services, Qube leverages its extensive experience to provide end-to-end solutions. Operating across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, its team specialises in creating impactful event experiences, excelling in design, planning, and management for various events. Qube’s award-winning services extend to exhibition management, interior design, and venue management, making it a leader in the events sector.
About AirAsia
The birth story of AirAsia, the aviation arm of Capital A, is an industry legend. It started back in 2001 when Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun bought an ailing airline with two aircraft and 200 staff and turned it into the fourth largest in Asia, with more than 200 aircraft and 21,000 staff across Malaysia,
Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia and more. With affordability, inclusivity and accessibility underpinning the operation, AirAsia has carried more than 800 million guests to over 160 destinations in its network. With the mission to serve the underserved, it has connected people and places, and has largely been credited for democratising air travel in the region with its famous tagline ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’.
About MITEC
MITEC, Malaysia’s largest trade and exhibition centre, is designed to bolster the MICE industry, positioning Malaysia as a leading destination in Southeast Asia. Owned by MATRADE and part of KL Metropolis, it aims to drive economic growth and enhance Malaysia’s capacity to host large-scale events, including ‘mega-exhibitions’ attracting over 100,000 visitors and conventions of 200 to 20,000 delegates. MITEC stands as a significant player in the regional and international business events market, emphasising Malaysia’s competitive edge in the industry.
For more information, visit www.malaysia-chinasummit.com.my