KUALA LUMPUR, 04 JUNE 2024 – Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) successfully concluded the 20th edition of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) short course, “Designing and Implementing Development Plan for Sustainable Islamic and Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH)” with a closing ceremony at Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 21 May 2024.
This 12-day programme, held from 10 to 22 May 2024, welcomed a diverse group of 13 participants from Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Croatia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Mauritius, and the Philippines. The participants embarked on an enriching journey through Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor Bahru, and Melaka, gaining valuable knowledge and best practices in sustainable Islamic and Muslim-Friendly tourism development.
“The MTCP programme has provided exceptional value to the participants,” said Nizran Noordin, Director-General of ITC. “Through knowledge sharing, establishing contacts, and observing best practices, they are now equipped to implement effective tourism strategies back home. We hope the knowledge and inspiration gained will serve as a seed for new ideas, improvements, and a renewed motivation to shape the future of tourism in their respective countries.”
The programme served as Malaysia’s commitment to south-south cooperation through the sharing of Malaysia’s development experiences and expertise with other developing countries. It also served as a platform to showcase Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable and Muslim-friendly tourism. As the reigning Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC) and Top Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of the Year (Halal in Travel Awards 2023), Malaysia shared its expertise with the participants. This initiative aligns with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, highlighting the country’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
The success of the 20th MTCP programme has been possible with the collaboration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, and the unwavering support of various partners and speakers during the programme with a mix of classroom lectures and technical visits to touristic destinations. These include Yayasan Al-Jenderami, Putra Mosque, Cruise Tasik Putrajaya, Kompleks Nasyrul Quran, Nasuha Herbs and Spices Farm Johor, Sultan Iskandar Bandar Dato’ Onn, Johor Bahru Mosque, Kota Iskandar Johor, Aura Islam Gallery, Tourism Melaka, Sungai Haji Dorani Homestay, academicians from University of Malaya (UM), Islamic University of Malaysia (USIM), Wawasan Open of University,Penang, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin (UnizSZA) and Bahasa Melayu class teachers, and tourist guides.
ITC looks forward to continuing this collaboration and hosting future MTCP programmes, fostering knowledge sharing and capacity building in developing countries. This collaborative effort will contribute to the growth of a more sustainable and inclusive Islamic tourism landscape globally.
ABOUT MTCP
The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) was established in 1980 as Malaysia’s commitment to South-South Cooperation through the sharing of Malaysia’s development experiences and expertise with other developing countries.
MTCP is premised on the principle that the development of a country is dependent on the quality of its human capital and resources. MTCP emphasises human resources development mainly through training; short-term courses in public and private Malaysian training institutions, and long-term courses in Malaysian public universities. Other forms of assistance include study visits, practical attachments and provision of services of experts.
Annually, MTCP collaborates with its leading Training Institutions to conduct capacity-building programmes in various key areas of development. Since its inception in 1980, more than 34,000 participants from 144 countries have benefited from the various programmes offered under the MTCP.
A new direction for the MTCP was formulated following its placement under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (also known as Wisma Putra) in 2010. It entails prioritising developing countries of strategic interests, focusing on Malaysia’s area of expertise, demand-driven courses/programmes, cultivation of potential participants who would later serve as ‘friends of Malaysia’, public-private partnership (PPP) and collaboration with new development partners beyond MTCP’s traditional partners. From the eleven key broad areas, the MTCP would give more attention to the following areas namely Professional Services, Management and Public Administration, Economic and Trade, Science, Technology and ICT Management, Industrial/Technical Training, Finance, Diplomacy, Health Services, Humanitarian, Academic/Education and Social Development.
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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