The announcement was made yesterday at a welcome dinner for 150 golfers from Guangzhou, China, led by Chiang.
“I know you are all huge fans of Johnny. He will help us to show the best Malaysia has to offer and he will make sure you’ll fall in love with Malaysia after this,” Nazri was quoted by the Malay Mail as saying in his welcome address to the Rasa Sayang Malaysia Golfing Holiday Group.
The minister also said that boosting the arrival of Chinese tourists was one of his ministry’s top priorities as China was the third largest inbound tourist market in the country.
“We have all the attractions that appeal to Chinese tourists, besides excellent facilities for ease of travel to Malaysia. There is better air connectivity and visa facilitation.”
Meanwhile Chiang, when addressing the crowd, said he was so excited upon learning he had been chosen as Malaysia’s Tourism Ambassador that he couldn’t sleep the night before.
“When I was nine, I wanted to be a diplomat, but I couldn’t because we were poor. Now, it doesn’t feel impossible anymore.
“Thank you to the tourism minister and the Malaysian government for believing in me. I am very happy and I will do my best in fulfilling this job,” The Malay Mail reported him as saying.
Chiang is the third tourism ambassador to be named for Malaysia after world-renowned local magician and mentalist Kabir Khan Mohamad Reaz and famous Kollywood film actress and model Shantini Theva. The duo were appointed on Oct 5.
Chiang, who is from the Republic of China although born in Seoul, Korea will promote Malaysia to potential tourists in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.
Kabir Khan will promote Malaysia in the US and UK, while Shantini will promote the country to the South Indian film industry, especially as a possible film location.