Lembaga Kemajuan Terengganu Tengah (KETENGAH), an agency under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), in collaboration with the Perak State Government, participated in the 2025 Osaka World Expo held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The participation took place during the KKDW-themed week at the Malaysia Pavilion, from 16 to 20 June 2025.

Under the theme “Rural Charms, Cultural Wonders”, KETENGAH showcased the richness of rural tourism and cultural heritage from the KETENGAH Region through modern technology and interactive exhibits.

A key highlight was the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, which allowed visitors to experience virtual tours to attractive destinations such as Kenyir Lake, explore the history of Bukit Besi mining, and enjoy traditional cultural performances including gamelan music and Terengganu folk dances.

In addition, textile heritage such as songket and batik fabrics was exhibited, giving visitors the opportunity to try on traditional attire. These activities not only showcased the fineness of local handicrafts but also allowed international visitors to experience the culture firsthand.

According to Puan Fadhlina binti Mohammed, Tourism Manager of KETENGAH, this participation provided a strategic platform to promote the KETENGAH Region as an authentic rural tourism destination, rich in culture and economic potential.

Meanwhile, Encik Hazroll Eizwal bin Jasni, ICT Development Manager of KETENGAH, emphasized that the use of VR technology opens new opportunities to promote rural tourism products globally, in line with the digitalization era.

“Through the combination of technology and culture, KETENGAH is confident in attracting more tourists and investors to explore the rural potential within our region,” he explained.

This participation forms part of KKDW’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rural and regional promotion internationally, aligning with Malaysia’s aspiration as a country rich in rural charm and cultural heritage, while providing KETENGAH with an ideal platform to highlight the rural tourism potential of the KETENGAH Region and Terengganu on the global stage.