The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is looking forward to welcoming international tourists when the country’s borders reopen on April 1.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said her ministry has been preparing for the return of international tourists with all sorts of activities.

“The country is preparing to welcome back our foreign tourists, especially those who have been waiting to visit Malaysia,” she said after the opening ceremony of the Food and Hotel Malaysia 2022 (FHM 2022) exhibition. Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, FHM 2022 is being held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre until April 1.

It marks the first physical hospitality trade fair since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, which VP Ian Roberts said has seen an encouraging turnout of participants during the first day.

“For everyone in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector, it has been a particularly challenging couple of years but we are obviously very grateful for the reopening of the country.

“We have a whole host of events in the second and third quarter of 2022, and we are confident in bringing back more international tourists into the country,” he said. Roberts believed that the MICE industry can bring quality tourists who would spend more money which is beneficial to the country’s economy.

About 200 exhibitors from multinational and local brands are showcasing their latest products, services and innovations to more than 8,000 participants at FHM 2022. Such brands include Friesland-Campina Professional, Pastry Pro, Bidfood Malaysia, Global Pacific Victory, DKSH Malaysia, Unox (Asia) and Bestari Sales & Marketing.

Moreover, visitors can also observe the latest industry trends such as plant-based food, food technology, IR4.0 advancements, pastry innovations and sustainable packaging, as well as enjoy a wide array of stimulating side activities and culinary showcases during the event.

This year’s edition will feature a Pastry Innovation Lab which includes cooking demonstrations by the Professional Culinaire Association’s top chefs daily which comprises of 15 demonstration sessions and six tasting sessions

These chefs would show their innovative techniques, ingredients and state-of-the-art machinery to craft unique desserts, pastries and showpieces infused with Malaysian and Asian flavours.

Returning to FHM 2022 is Culinaire Malaysia, Asia’s “The Battle of the Chefs” competition which will include up to 1,000 professionals competing in seven categories namely “Cold Display”, “Patisserie”, “Artistic”, “Butchery Skills”, “Individual Hot Cooking”, “Team Challenge” and “Food and Beverage Skills”.

The culinary showcase is open to the public with RM10 as an entrance fee.
On the other hand, there will also be seminars for industry players regarding the developments of the hospitality industry and how the pandemic has shifted the landscape.

Other line-ups include a “Wine Features” series by Entwine Consultancy as well as a “Crafted@ Culinaire” series by AYS Wine & Sake Consultancy.

With the reopening of Malaysia’s international border on April 1, the exhibition provides a platform for players from the industry to bounce back following the challenges faced during the pandemic.