CALL it coincidence, good luck, or a sign when organic farmer Lee Kok Leong, 57, won an Economy Class return ticket to Melbourne at the MATTA Fair Penang 2024 Buyers’ Draw Contest.
Lee, the second-prize winner, and his wife Sim Bee Hoon, 53, had planned to visit Sim’s aunt in Adelaide, Australia. However, their plans hit a snag.
“We intended to visit my aunt this year. However, we encountered some problems with the visa,” said Sim.
Due to visa complications, the couple made the decision to postpone their anticipated trip to Adelaide and instead opted for a tour package to Beijing, China, during the recent MATTA Fair Penang.
“It will also mark our first journey to Beijing. We eagerly anticipate exploring the city in November this year,” remarked Sim.
“Who would have imagined that we would win the second prize in the MATTA Fair Penang 2024 Buyers’ Draw Contest, an Economy Class return ticket to Melbourne, Australia? Perhaps this is a sign or merely a coincidence,” pondered Lee, reflecting on their unexpected stroke of luck after the prize presentation ceremony at the Penang Marriott Hotel today.
The unexpected win prompted the couple to reevaluate their travel plans while maintaining their commitment to the Beijing trip. Melbourne, renowned for its cultural diversity, scenic landscapes, and vibrant arts scene, now presents an alluring destination.
“We are thrilled at the prospect of exploring Melbourne. Furthermore, we can conveniently catch a domestic flight to Adelaide from Melbourne to visit my aunt,” shared Sim, emphasising their intention to address the visa issue proactively.
The MATTA Fair, a popular travel fair in Malaysia, attracts thousands of visitors each year, offering exclusive travel deals and the chance to win exciting prizes.
Silversmith Tan Teik Wah, 57, won the grand prize of a Business Class return ticket to Beijing.
“My wife and I are staunch supporters of the MATTA Fair Penang,” said Tan.
“We bought a tour package to Zhangjiajie, China, and our trip is scheduled for December this year.
“While I am happy to win the grand prize, I was also hoping for two Economy Class tickets instead. I would love to travel with my wife to Beijing. At the moment, I am still considering what to do with the grand prize,” he said.
Tan and Lee were among 21 lucky winners who won amazing prizes at the MATTA Fair Penang 2024 Buyers’ Draw Contest prize presentation ceremony.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Penang Chapter chairman Carolyn Leong said the MATTA Fair Penang 2024 generated RM36 million in total sales turnover.
“The fair attracted about 39,300 visitors.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to all our sponsors. Without their support, this event will not be possible,” she said.
Leong also thanked the MATTA Fair Penang team for its efforts and congratulated the lucky winners.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai congratulated the MATTA Fair Penang team for its remarkable success.
He also extended his gratitude to the sponsors whose generous support made the event possible.
“I was unable to attend the MATTA Fair Penang 2024 because I was representing the state on a technical visit to Austria and Switzerland at that time.
Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, a leading Malaysian pioneer in the local rail industry with nearly 30 years of experience, has officially entered into a contract with Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, a global market leader in ropeway engineering, for the much-anticipated Penang Hill cable car project.
The Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group are also the manufacturers of the Penang Hill funicular system.
It was reported that the signing ceremony took place at Doppelmayr’s headquarters in Wolfurt, Austria on April 25; and the ceremony was witnessed by Wong, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and other key delegates from Penang.
On tourism, Wong said the state government could not overlook the significant economic boom that Penang’s tourism industry is experiencing, receiving international recognition.
“The government is committed to boosting tourism for the benefit of both the public and industry players.
“New direct flights, increased cruise arrivals, and the planned expansion of our airport all testify to this commitment,” he said.
Wong also highlighted several exciting and major upcoming events in Penang including Bon Odori, the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival, the George Town Festival, the Penang Bridge International Marathon, and the Chingay Parade.
“These events attract visitors from the surrounding region and around the world. They not only celebrate our rich cultural heritage but also contribute significantly to our economy,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar