The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has elected Nigel Wong as the new president for a two-year term (2023-2025).

He replaced Datuk Tan Kok Liang who had served three full terms (2017-2023) as their president.

Wong has served as a member of the MATTA Executive Council for over 10 years as the Vice President Research and Technology (2013-2015), Honorary Secretary General (2015-2021) and most recently as Honorary Treasurer (2021-2023).

Speaking about his new role, Wong expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and his commitment towards the members of MATTA. He stated “I am honoured to be elected as the president and I am fully aware of the challenges faced by our industry. Our key objectives have not changed; we will look into improving business prospects for our members, fostering innovation, and advocating for more favourable conditions that will benefit not just our Members but the travel and tourism industry as a whole.”

“I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the past presidents; the work they have done and the strong foundations they have built. We will continue to build and expand on these foundations and develop new initiatives and programs focusing on growth and sustainability to help our members remain competitive in a volatile and ever changing tourism landscape,” he added.

The newly elected Executive Council for the term 2023-2025 will intensify engagement with various key stakeholders and the authorities at national and state levels to elevate the standard and delivery of tourism services in Malaysia.

“I hope that the incoming president, Nigel Wong, and his team will be able to solve the many pending crucial tourism issues which have remained unresolved. Despite the efforts of the past presidents of MATTA and the many tourism Ministers that have come and gone, many of these longstanding issues remain embedded in government bureaucracy,” added Tan.