ISLAMIC TOURISM CENTRE ANNOUNCES ITS NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES LINEUP

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, 17 APRIL 2024: Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is honoured to announce the new appointments of its Board of Trustees composed of leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise. Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, leads the board as Chairman of ITC. He said, “We are excited to welcome such experienced individuals on board. The newly appointed board would bring extensive expertise in driving strategic initiatives to strengthen Islamic tourism in Malaysia.”

The new appointments are as follows:

Datuk Professor ChM. Ts. Dr. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, was appointed on 23 February 2024. Formerly the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (2019–2022), he currently serves as President of the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA) and is a member of the Board of Directors of Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM), as well as, a member of Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP). He has held notable positions in academia, public service, and community development, including the Pihak Berkuasa Pembangunan Ekonomi dan Pelaburan Sabah (SEDIA).

Prof. Dr. Khairil Wahidin bin Awang, appointed to the Board on 23 February 2024, is a Professor of Tourism at the Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness Faculty, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) since 2017. He also holds the prestigious position of Chapter Head at the Majlis Profesor Negara, UMK, demonstrating his academic leadership and expertise. He was a member of UMK’s Board of Directors and a Dean prior to the appointment. His other significant contributions were at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) from 2000 to 2017, where he held various positions including Associate Professor, Deputy Dean, and Department Head. Before his time at UPM, Prof. Dr. Khairil Wahidin served as a lecturer at the Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM) in Shah Alam from 1994 to 2000, where he held several academic and leadership positions, including Course Leader and Head of Tourism Course.

Dato’ Muzammil Mohamad is a seasoned aviation professional and a qualified Chartered Accountant by training. Currently serving as the Regional Manager for ASEAN at Qatar Airways since December 2020, he has held key roles at Malaysia Airlines Berhad, including Regional Senior Vice President for Malaysia & ASEAN and Head of Corporate Business. With over a decade of experience in the airline industry, Dato’ Muzammil has played a significant role in shaping the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the airlines he has served. He is recognised for his leadership and expertise in the aviation industry. He was appointed to the ITC Board of Trustees on 12 March 2024.

Datuk Wira Mustafa Chan is a distinguished business leader with an illustrious career in the food and beverage industry spanning over several decades. Datuk Wira Mustafa Chan is currently the Group Managing Director of Mohd Chan Group Berhad, and he also heads various companies as Managing Director. His contributions extend beyond the corporate realm, as he has also been involved in advisory roles for organisations like Pertubuhan Kebajikan Mohd Chan and the Worldwide Consumers Association (WCA). His appointment as a member of the Board of Trustees took effect on 12  March 2024.

The new members of the Board of Trustees bring a wealth of experience and expertise, reflecting ITC’s commitment to excellence in promoting Islamic tourism. Their diverse backgrounds will enrich discussions and decision-making processes, ensuring that ITC continues to be at the forefront of promoting Islamic tourism globally.

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About Islamic Tourism Centre

Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, 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 2022. The country also retained the top-ranked destination in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023, a position it has defended since the launch of the Index in 2015. In the same year, Malaysia was 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. It is a recognition of ITC’s efforts and endeavours in formulating new strategies to meet the new normal of the business environment to ensure business continuity and sustainability, notwithstanding its role in developing and growing 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.

For further details, kindly contact:

Islamic Tourism Centre,

Level 13, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia

No. 2 Tower 1, Jalan P5/6,

Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia

Tel: 03-8891 7177 or via email comms@itc.gov.my

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