‘Malaysia is emerging as an education hub’

Coimbatore: Malaysia is emerging as an education hub, hosting international university campuses from countries such as the US and the UK, offering globally recognised degrees at nearly one-third the cost compared to studying in Western countries, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board chairman Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said on Wednesday.

Periasamy was speaking to reporters during the Sales Mission 2026 organised here by Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board in partnership with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents.




He said Malaysia is targeting 2.1 million arrivals from India in 2026. India remains one of Malaysia’s key source markets, recording 1,565,194 tourist arrivals in 2025 compared to 1,365,387 in 2024, marking a 14.6% growth.

He added that strong travel demand was supported by robust air connectivity, with 238 weekly direct flights offering 47,399 seats from 14 Indian cities. South India accounts for 151 weekly flights and 29,541 seats. He said Coimbatore might get direct air connectivity to Malaysia from the second quarter of 2026, adding that Mumbai and Delhi might also receive direct flights.

Periasamy highlighted the growing demand for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and wedding tourism, noting that 15–20 Indian weddings had been held in Malaysia recently.

Hishamuddin Mustafa, director of Tourism Malaysia, Chennai, said he would extend full support to industries in Coimbatore and other regions seeking assistance in freight movement to Malaysia. Nuwul Fadhilahbinti Ku Azmi, senior director of international promotions (Asia/Africa division) was also present.

The event brought together 49 sellers from Malaysia and key travel trade partners from Coimbatore and the wider Kongu region.