M'SIAN STATE KEEN TO FORGE VENTURES WITH TOURISM FILMING PLAYERS

KUCHING (Malaysia), Nov 15 (Bernama) -- East Malaysia state of Sarawak is keen to forge partnerships with the tourism filming enterprises and players as an alternative means of promoting the state, especially during the current economic slowdown, State Urban Development and Tourism Minister Michael Manyin said Saturday.

He said that as tourism was an inclusive industry involving the many assets
in society, the ministy encouraged the MTV network's shooting of Sarawak, which
would help in promoting the state's tourism destinations as well as present its
unique beauty of nature, forest, cultural harmony and tradition to the
world.

"Such artistic presentations are like pictures that speak many words. It
will give not only the first impression but a unique lasting awareness and
fascination of the beautiful country that the film, digital video disc (DVD),
video compact disc (VCD) or compact disc (CD) present to the world at large," he
said at the launch of the MTV "M-Girls and Qiao Qian Jin" 2009 Chinese New Year
album here.

His speech was delivered by the ministry's permanent secretary,
Akit Sebli.

Various places of interest in Sarawak, including the state's capital
Kuching city, were selected as locations for the shooting of the album, which
will reach audiences throughout Malaysia and in every corner of the globe which
celebrates Chinese New Year.
-- BERNAMA