KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi launched the official song of Visit Malaysia 2020 at Istana Budaya here, today.
Titled "Visit Truly Asia – Malaysia", the song was composed by the dean of Music Faulty at Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan, Ramlan Mohd Imam; with lyrics written by Normah Kechut in Bahasa Melayu and James P.S. Boyle in English.
Mohamaddin said the song signifies another milestone as the ministry pushes forward with the campaign's marketing and promotion activities.
Elements of traditional music, which are evident in the song, reflect the rich, multicultural population of Malaysia. Traditional instruments such as gong, bungkau, bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, erhu and tangyu, as well as elements of dikir barat and kompang, symbolise the musical heritage of the country’s diverse communities.
The lyrics, meanwhile, emphasise universal themes of unity and hope, inclusivity and prosperity. The song is given further depth and enlivened by the powerful vocals of celebrated local singer, Idayu.
Mohamaddin said that he hopes the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign, alongside all marketing and promotional activities, will firmly put Malaysia on the map of travellers everywhere and encourage them to choose Malaysia as their holiday destination.
"I encourage all parties to use the campaign logo and play the campaign song at any appropriate opportunity to enhance the reach of the campaign, both locally and internationally," he added.