Foreword

Minister of Tourism, Malaysia

My heartiest congratulations to the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society for its effort and initiative in organising the 1st World Congress on Healthy Ageing 2012.

Malaysia is indeed well-poised to tap into the growing potential of the high-yield and ever-expanding business tourism industry. Our strategic location, award-winning convention facilities, economic stability and the best of multi-cultural hospitality make the country a top-of-mind destination for business events.

Under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), Malaysia targets to increase business tourism arrivals from five percent to eight percent of the overall tourist arrivals. This translates to an increase from 1.2 million to 2.9 million arrivals by the year 2020.

As part of our objectives to enhance and promote Malaysia as the choice destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, we are proud to lend our support to the 1st World Congress on Healthy Ageing 2012. The inaugural congress will see the convergence of renowned speakers and delegates from around the world to our shores and will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange on healthy ageing.

Besides taking advantage of the networking and learning opportunities during the congress, I hope the speakers and delegates will take this opportunity to experience the many facets of our country. We are proud of our rich cultural heritage, our million-year-old rainforests, beautiful islands and modern cities. We have a great wealth of culture, cuisine, festivals and exciting events all year round, offering you an exciting time in Malaysia.

On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, I welcome you to Malaysia for a successful congress and may all of you have a pleasant stay in Malaysia.

MALAYSIA TRULY ASIA

Thank you.

Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen
Minister of Tourism, Malaysia