The fundraiser was launched after Lyia was denied financial support by the tourism, arts and culture ministry, citing “no funds.”
Melaka-born Lyia had applied for RM60,000 for the 10-day trip to Jefferson with her musician husband, Zack, who will help her to promote Malaysia’s tourism and cultural attributes at two seminars.
The drive in Jefferson is led by the vice-president of East Texas Performing Arts, Inc, Preston Taylor, who had invited Lyia to the 2021 Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards.
Taylor texted Lyia: “We have people working on funding. My wife and daughter are making it their mission to get you here. Nothing is certain but it looks promising.”
He said the people of Jefferson were raising money for the flights, accommodation, extra expenses required for travel and quarantine fees upon their return to Malaysia.
Lyia and Zack have also been invited by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, in association with Texas Tech University, to promote Malaysia as an “attractive destination for American travellers.”
They have been asked to lead a tourism and cultural presentation at the seminars involving some 500 attendees from various countries during the music festival from Oct 13 to 17.
“Your participation will reveal aspects of Malaysia that most attendees know nothing about.
“Most Americans have no knowledge of the beauty and dynamic lifestyles in your country,” Taylor’s invite read.
He said Malaysia’s presence at the event opened an opportunity for the organisers to further fulfil their efforts to forge cultural understanding and promote tourism between nations.
Taylor, who is also the festival producer, said television interviews would “support our mission of bringing world citizens closer together.”
Lyia also received a letter from the president of Marion County Chamber of Commerce, Paul Moore, welcoming her as an “asset” to their community, with a pledge to promote and support the seminars on Malaysia.
Since 2014, the festival has focused on country music as performed worldwide, attracting musicians from all the continents.
Lyia, who has been nominated for awards at the event, said: “Although I am disappointed, I am hopeful the government will consider my application next year as the benefits to the nation in terms of promotion of culture and tourism are immense.”
She said that when she was in Tennessee and won the World Artist of the Year (2018) and Artist of the Year (multi-genre – 2019) at the Josie Music Awards for independent artistes, many people were curious about Malaysia.
“They were excited to hear our country was diverse with different cultures, different religious festivals and the food was to die for,” she said.
Lyia said the trips to Tennessee with her husband were sponsored by people who “told us to go make Malaysia proud.”