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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 1 January 2026
Malaysia welcomed the New Year in grand style as the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Countdown Festival culminated in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, officially kick-starting the national tourism campaign ahead of 2026.
The landmark event, organised through a strategic collaboration between The Fame Events, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), served as a powerful curtain-raiser—igniting nationwide momentum and setting the tone for Malaysia’s global tourism ambitions.
Prime Minister Leads Historic Countdown
The highlight of the night was the iconic countdown moment led by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, who attended as Guest of Honour. He was joined by thousands of Malaysians and international visitors in welcoming the New Year.
Also present was YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, underscoring the national importance of the celebration.
“This celebration symbolises the ignition of momentum for Visit Malaysia 2026 while welcoming the world to our shores,” said Tiong.
“Malaysia is fully ready to showcase its unique culture, creativity, and warm hospitality. This marks a strong head start towards our aspiration of welcoming 43 million international visitors and further strengthening our position on the global tourism map.”
A Dazzling Multimedia Showcase
The VM2026 Countdown Festival drew thousands of domestic and international visitors and delivered a breathtaking multimedia spectacle featuring:
- Pyromusical fireworks
- Drone light formations
- Laser projections
- A stunning 3D anamorphic display starring VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja, the Malayan Sun Bears
Together, these elements transformed the Kuala Lumpur skyline into a visual celebration of Malaysia’s creativity and innovation.
Star-Studded Performances and Cultural Showcases
The main stage came alive with performances by a stellar lineup of celebrated Malaysian artistes, including:
Shila Amzah, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Vanessa Reynauld, Kidd Santhe, The Kuans, KLP48, Nazu, Rezza Shah, Danson Ooi, Euzen, and Penny.
Their performances were complemented by vibrant cultural showcases that blended traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds, creating an electrifying and inclusive atmosphere that resonated with audiences of all ages.
Nationwide Festivities Beyond New Year’s Eve
The Countdown Festival was part of a wider festive programme that began on 26 December 2025, extending celebrations beyond Kuala Lumpur’s city centre and offering visitors a deeper immersion into Malaysia’s cultural and creative heritage.
Key highlights included:
- VM2026 Bazaar at Pavilion Bukit Jalil
- VM2026 Arts & Culture Showcase at Fahrenheit 88, featuring cultural pop-ups and interactive experiences such as batik art, porcelain-making, and wau decoration
- VM2026 Bukit Bintang Food Bazaar at Lot 10, presenting a curated selection of traditional dishes, local favourites, and contemporary culinary delights
These activities attracted strong public participation and showcased the spirit of Truly Asia.
Visit Malaysia 2026 is guided by five strategic pillars:
- Sustainability
- Cultural heritage
- Nature-based adventure
- Digital innovation
- Global connectivity
Together, these pillars form the foundation of Malaysia’s tourism narrative on the global stage—one that shines brightest through collective national participation.
Strong Partnerships Behind the Success
The festival was organised with the strong support of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Tourism Malaysia, alongside key strategic partners including:
- Istana Budaya
- National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN)
- National Heritage Department
- Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation
Their collaboration ensured the event’s seamless execution and nationwide impact.
Looking Ahead to a Landmark Tourism Year
As the immersive countdown finale lit up the Kuala Lumpur skyline, the VM2026 Countdown Festival marked a confident and celebratory opening to the tourism year ahead—reaffirming Malaysia’s readiness to welcome the world in 2026.
The year will be anchored by a series of mega events, including major festive celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, highlighting Malaysia’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity.
This momentum will be sustained through high-impact tourism programmes, cultural festivals, conventions, and MICE activities (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), as well as large-scale tourism exhibitions nationwide—aimed at extending visitor stays and offering meaningful, immersive experiences across Malaysia’s diverse regions.
