MATTA Announces Newly Elected Executive Council for 2026–2029 Term

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has officially announced its newly elected Executive Council (EXCO) members for the 2026–2029 term during the 51st Annual General Meeting held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL). The announcement marks a new chapter for the association as it continues to strengthen its role in industry advocacy, member engagement and tourism development in Malaysia under refreshed leadership.

Reflecting strong support from members, Nigel Wong Chun Teim has been re-elected as MATTA President for a second term, following a tenure that saw significant transformation and progress within the organisation. The newly formed EXCO represents a balance of continuity and renewal, with seven returning leaders and three new members joining the council, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to support MATTA’s evolving priorities in a competitive global tourism landscape.

MATTA stated that this leadership composition underscores its commitment to building on past achievements while embracing innovation and new ideas to meet the changing needs of the travel and tourism industry. Over the next term, the EXCO will focus on strengthening member services, enhancing industry advocacy, supporting digital transformation, and positioning Malaysia as a more competitive and future-ready tourism destination.

During the 2023–2026 term, MATTA recorded several key milestones, including its 50th anniversary celebration and the introduction of the MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), aimed at encouraging sustainable and responsible tourism practices among industry players. The association also expanded its focus into niche sectors such as sports tourism and Muslim-friendly tourism, creating new opportunities for members to tap into emerging travel markets.

In addition, MATTA strengthened its industry safeguarding efforts through the TRUST initiative, supported by the AI-powered TravelWatch.ai platform, which aims to improve transparency, reporting mechanisms and combat illegal tourism activities. The association also played a key role in fostering international collaboration through multiple B2B engagements, opening new market opportunities for Malaysian travel operators and strengthening global partnerships.

MATTA further contributed to national tourism efforts by partnering with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and Tourism Malaysia for the Visit Malaysia Year campaign in early 2025, ensuring member businesses were integrated into national promotional strategies. The association also worked closely with government stakeholders on key industry issues, including regulatory improvements, transportation challenges and digital transformation, reinforcing its position as a key voice in Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem.

The MATTA Executive Council (EXCO) for the 2026-2029 term includes:

MATTA Chapter Leadership for term 2026-2029:

• Perak Chapter Chairman: Shin Wen Ying
• Kuala Lumpur Chapter Chairman: Venkatesvarrao Malla Naidu
• Pahang Chapter Chairman: Mohd Amirizuan Ahmad
• Kedah/ Perlis Chapter Chairman: Subramaniam Punusamy
• Kelantan Chapter Chairman: Muhammad Zaqer Asslam Mohd Zaki
• Terengganu Chapter Chairman: Wan Jaafree Wan Abd Hamid
• Johor Chapter Chairman: Lee Hwee Ching
• Sarawak Chapter Chairman: Dyg Azizah Abg Hj Zaidan
• Sabah/Labuan Chapter Chairman: Alex Chong Vui Loong
• Melaka Chapter Chairman: Halimah Ahmad
• Negeri Sembilan Chapter Chairman: Nurul Husna Satar
• Selangor Chapter Chairman: Vijiya Kumar M. Krishnan
• Penang Chapter Chairman: Leong Mei Ching

Looking ahead, the newly elected EXCO will prioritise talent development, industry advocacy, digital innovation, international market expansion and sustainable tourism growth. President Nigel Wong emphasised that MATTA’s leadership remains committed to delivering value to its members by understanding their needs and implementing practical initiatives that strengthen the industry.

As MATTA enters its 2026–2029 term, the association continues to position itself as a driving force in Malaysia’s tourism sector, with a renewed focus on competitiveness, sustainability and innovation. The leadership team aims to ensure that Malaysian travel businesses remain resilient and well-prepared for the evolving demands of the global tourism landscape.