POPULAR singer Ernie Zakri believes that the involvement and support of local artists and celebrities in boosting the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign present a great opportunity to promote the uniqueness of the country.
Ernie, who was honoured to sing the official theme song for VM2026, Surreal Experiences, said the influence of celebrities and artists on social media plays a crucial role in enhancing the impact of the campaign.
"Our role and the content we share on social media are very important. Whether through songs, videos or personal experiences, everything helps convey the message in line with the government's goals and the ministries involved.
"When we showcase the beauty of the country and promote it to our fans both locally and abroad, they will be indirectly attracted to visit Malaysia," she said.
When asked about the opportunity to perform the theme song, Ernie expressed that her involvement in the campaign was one of the most significant moments of her career.
"This song is meant to be sung together, infused with pop elements so that it’s easily accepted by all. The message is light but in line with the campaign’s objective.
"As a singer, my role is not only to sing the song, but also to promote Malaysia's tourism industry through social media platforms," she said.
The VM2026 campaign, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has recently become one of the key agendas for the ministry ahead of 2026.
At the same event, the VM2026 logo, mascot, theme song and special aircraft design were also introduced.
Meanwhile, Ernie's call aligns with the vision of the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who emphasised that the VM2026 campaign is not just a typical tourism initiative, but a strategic step to create a legacy with a significant impact on the economy and society.
Tiong explained that the campaign focuses on two main pillars: sustainable and high-quality tourism.
"This campaign reflects Malaysia's commitment to offering meaningful experiences while preserving the country's unique treasures.
"It also aims to increase tourist arrivals by extending short visits into longer stays, enriching cultural and eco-tourism experiences as well as encouraging higher spending through customised tourism promotions," he said.