Malaysia continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading travel destination after receiving two major accolades at the Top Asia Corporate Ball 2025: Asia’s Ultimate Shopping Paradise and Asia’s Street-Food Capital.
The awards were presented to Tourism Malaysia, represented by its Director-General, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, at a grand ceremony held in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event, organised by the Research House of Asia and RHA Media, marked its 11th edition this year.
Commenting on Malaysia’s achievement, Datuk Manoharan said the recognition came at an ideal time, injecting renewed enthusiasm ahead of the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026).
“These awards carry profound meaning for us. They are not merely an acknowledgement of what Malaysia has achieved, but a powerful affirmation of what we continue to strive for: excellence in tourism, hospitality, culture, and the visitor experience. They arrive at a timely moment, as we stand on the threshold of one of our nation’s most anticipated initiatives: Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
“These two awards, when placed together, reflect Malaysia’s greatest strength: diversity. Diversity in taste, lifestyle, culture, and experiences. And it is precisely this diversity that will serve as the core of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026),” he said.
Meanwhile, RHA Media’s Managing Editor, Lee Seng Chee, said Malaysia’s recognition as Asia’s Street-Food Capital was driven by the country’s unique culinary identity, which offers endless exploration for food lovers.
“Malaysia stands at the forefront as Asia’s Street-Food Capital with its authentic dishes enjoyed by all walks of life. Penang serves as the nation’s gastronomic pulse, where Malay, Chinese and Indian influences blend to create distinctive aromas and flavours,” he said.
As for the Asia’s Ultimate Shopping Paradise award, he added that Malaysia boasts a comprehensive and diverse retail landscape.
“From world-class luxury malls to lively open-air markets, Malaysia offers a complete shopping experience for every preference and budget,” he said.
The ceremony also honoured several other countries for their achievements in various categories, including Indonesia (Asia’s Top Country for Romantic Getaways), Maldives (Asia’s Most Serene Wellness Retreat), the Philippines (Asia’s Top Destination for Spectacular Beaches), Sri Lanka (Asia’s Ultimate Wildlife Tourism Haven), Azerbaijan (Asia’s Cultural and Historical Tourism Nation) and Kazakhstan (Asia’s Must-Go-To Country for Nature & Adventure Tourism). These awards were presented to the respective ambassadors.
Beyond the tourism sector, the event also paid tribute to notable figures in the arts, corporate and education fields. Among the most celebrated recipients were two Nusantara music icons: Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, who received the Asia Legendary Lifetime Achievement award, and Dato’ Sri Rossa, honoured as Asia Legendary Music Icon.
Prominent social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye received the Lifetime Contribution to Nation Building award, while Malaysia’s renowned fashion label Rizman Ruzaini was named Brand of the Year.
In education, Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab. Yajid, President and Founder of Management & Science University (MSU), received the Asia Lifetime Achievement Award, while Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) was named Technopreneurship University of the Year. Taking another spotlight was Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Chuah Joon Huang, winning the Best Ceo of the Year Award 2025 in Education.
Several major Malaysian corporations were also honoured, including KPS Berhad (Malaysia’s Company of the Year), Bank Simpanan Nasional (Malaysia’s Bank of the Year), Tune Protect Group Berhad (Malaysia’s Company of the Year), Star Planet (ASEAN Personality of the Year Award 2025) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (Malaysia’s Company of the Year).
The Top Asia Corporate Ball 2025 brought together around 500 chief executives, business owners and distinguished personalities from across Asia, including industry leaders, celebrities and Malaysian legends.
The event was graced by the royal presence of Yang Amat Mulia Paduka Puteri Tunku Mariamz binti Al-Marhum Sultan Iskandar.