THE tourism industry is undeniably one of the most thrilling career options, offering enjoyable work experiences.
When you have a state like Penang that flourishes in the tourism sector, you equally need people who can captivate others and place the state on the world map.
Siti Hajar Mohd Yunus, 38, possesses the essential qualities for thriving in Penang’s blooming sector.
However, Penang is going to miss her at least for the next three to four years as she has accepted the role of Tourism Malaysia deputy director role in Jakarta, Indonesia, effective today (Feb 29).
Having been the deputy director in the Northern Region (Malaysia) since 2018, she is now tasked with promoting and finding new tourism products, particularly those in Penang.
Although not a Penangite, she confessed during an interview with Buletin Mutiara last month that she wishes she was born and raised in Penang.
She said Penang’s rich heritage, culture and arts, as well as its ecosystem, make it stand out amazingly when compared to other states in the country.
“There is just so much to learn in this little ‘big’ state, and the people here are friendly, warm and welcoming.
“I say this because when I moved in with my husband to our home in Straits Quay several years ago, our neighbours were so concerned and offered help since we were new kids in the block.
“Apart from that, it is truly amazing that the industry players here align with the state government’s mission and vision.
“They are also very independent in implementing policies and offer enticing tourism packages, which help boost tourism here,” Siti Hajar told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview recently.
Sharing more about her experience in Penang, vibrant Siti Hajar said during her stint here, she picked up several good qualities. These included effective people management, fostering togetherness with colleagues, and most importantly, recognising the importance of tour agencies.
“Sometimes, we may question the relevance of tour agencies, and most, if not all of us, prefer planning our holidays without their assistance.
“That is perfectly fine but during my days here in Penang, I understood how important a tour agent is, especially in planning visits to specific destinations for a holiday,” she added.
Elaborating on her new role in Jakarta, Siti Hajar said she will be working closely with the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta to promote Malaysian tourism in Indonesia.
“This is a good transition for me, from being in advertising and handling the Northern Region office, to being posted to Jakarta, one of Asia’s dynamic cities.
“I look forward to my new role and hope to deliver better results to promote Malaysia on the world stage continuously,” she added.
Siti Hajar has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
Before joining Tourism Malaysia in 2015, she worked for TV3, a local television in Malaysia as a broadcast journalist.
Back in her earlier days in the Kuala Lumpur office (Tourism Malaysia), Siti Hajar recalled a particular project that she was involved that took her to Barcelona, Spain, as part of a global advertising campaign.
“I had the opportunity to watch the popular El Clasico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, but not being a football fan, before the trip, I told my director to offer it to other senior staff instead, especially those who enjoy the sport.
“My director insisted that I went, and while there, I managed to meet Luis Suarez, a former Barcelona player, during a video shoot for an advertisement to promote Malaysian food and culture in Europe,” she said.
Siti Hajar is currently in Jakarta with her husband, Shan Kanniah, an entrepreneur, as she officially assumes office today.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of Siti Hajar Mohd Yunus