(l-r): Air China's Patsy Sze and Nicole Petersen; Azmina Pirani, Bestway Tours & Safaris
The Tourism Malaysia Canada Team
Haris Hadi symbolically hands over the reins to Kausar Kassim
On a relatively cold summer evening in Vancouver, Tourism Malaysia proudly introduced its first female Vice President for Canada. Kausar Kassim takes over the reins from Haris Hadi as the tourist board’s new head in Canada. The latter, who has been in the country for four years, will depart June 30th for a yet to be determined position back at Tourism Malaysia’s head office in Kuala Lumpur.
At the reception, which incidentally showcased excellent Malaysian cuisine catered by local restaurant Kedah House, Haris noted that when he took up his posting here in 2006, Canadian visitors to Malaysia numbered 34,780. Last year, Canuck arrivals reached 88,080. Haris graciously thanked the travel trade for their efforts and support. He also encouraged industry members to send in the links for packages to Malaysia which will be listed on the tourist board’s website under their “Hot Deals” section.
While the budget for marketing in Canada has not been increased, hence delaying the Malaysia’s Tourism Minister’s official visit for yet another year, the new Vice President revealed plans to meet members of the travel industry around the country in the upcoming months.
Just who is this new V.P.? Kausar Kassim has been with the tourist board for over 25 years and was most recently handling the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and events) portfolio. This is her second overseas posting - the last was in Osaka from 2000-2004 as Deputy Director. Kausar was still feeling a little jetlagged having arrived over the weekend. Top on her to do list? “To find a place to stay which is walking distance to the office,” said Kausar.
A warm selamat datang (welcome) to Kausar and to Haris, selamat jalan (bon voyage).