Tourism Cooperation Between Malaysia and Singapore

Among all its neighbours, Singapore is probably Malaysia’s closest neighbour. After all, Singapore was once part of Malaysia, and even when Singapore left the federation, the 14 pointed star in the Malaysian flag did not change. Although relations can be a bit tense at times, Singapore and Malaysia have very close ties. Being a developed nation with a small population, it is highly unlikely that Singapore will ever enter into an armed conflict with Malaysia, as was the case with Indonesia and the conflict that is known as ‘the Confrontation’.

The relationship between both countries is nearly symbiotic, and what is good for Singapore is most probably good for Malaysia too. This is also true for Malaysia’s tourism sector, as many visitors who come to Singapore inveritably make their way across the Causeway into Malaysia. So it is unsurprising to see that a recent article highlighted both countries’ agreement to forge closer cooperation in developing their tourism industries together, especially in homestay programmes, cruise tourism and eco-tourism.

This shows that both countries recognise that not only are visitors to their countries interested in their neighbours, but also the fact that Singaporeans find Malaysia interesting, and vice versa.

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Read the full article below:
Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to forge close cooperation in developing the tourism industry, especially in homestay programmes, cruise tourism and eco-tourism.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the agreement was reached after she convened a meeting with Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry, S. Iswaran, who paid a courtesy call on her at her office here Wednesday.

For a start, Ng said Malaysia would send a team to visit schools in Singapore in a bid to promote the Malaysian homestay experience and programmes among the students.

“This is because the government of Singapore, through its Education Ministry, has introduced a programme called Learning Journey, which provides an allocation for students aged between 13 and 16 to visit other countries,” she told reporters.

Ng said Singapore was also willing to share its ideas and experience to further develop the industry of cruise tourism.

She said the cooperation in eco-tourism, on the other hand, would enable Malaysia to lure foreign tourists in Singapore.

Source - malaysia