PENANG, Malaysia— Venturing beyond conventional traditions, Tourism Malaysia spearheaded an unprecedented event – the Miss SHOPhia Shopping Hunt 5.0 – on October 28 at the vibrant heart of Penang Island.
Breaking free from the norm, this year’s hunt journeyed beyond Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, delving into the cultural richness of Malaysia’s Pearl of the Orient.
Fifty enthusiastic teams, comprising a diverse mix of domestic and international participants along with media delegates, eagerly took part in this exhilarating adventure.
Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General Datuk Musa Hj. Yusof, ceremoniously flagged off the hunt at The TOP, Penang. The adventure culminated at Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang, where the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy EXCO, YB. Wong Hon Wai, presided over the prize-giving ceremony.
Team Power 4 dominated the International Category, comprising representatives from Singapore and the Philippines. Brunei secured second and third place, while the remaining invited teams hailed from Indonesia and India.
“Miss SHOPhia Shopping Hunt 5.0 celebrated diverse exploration and sustainable travel, showcasing Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. We’re thrilled with its success and look forward to our next edition,” expressed Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.
Esteemed partners such as Penang Global Tourism, Penang Development Corporation, The Top Penang, Gurney Paragon Mall, Malaysia Airlines Berhad, and Firefly contributed significantly. Additionally, sponsors like OZO Georgetown, The Granite Luxury Hotel, Sunway Lagoon, Lost World of Tambun, and Spritzer, alongside major malls including Design Village, 1st Avenue Mall, Gurney Plaza, and Sungei Wang Plaza, made this event possible.
The organizers of this year’s Miss SHOPia shopping hunt emphasized the importance of fully adopting the tourist’s role rather than just treating the event as a race. Guided by this, participants dashed through the picturesque capital, Georgetown, immersing themselves in diverse flavors, absorbing captivating sights, and exploring the rich cultural tapestry and history of Penang Island.
As part of spotlighting Malaysia’s niche segments, Tourism Malaysia organized an exclusive pre-event familiarization trip for prominent 16 media representatives from India, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Brunei.
Generously supported by Malaysia Airlines and Firefly as Airline Partners, the trip provided an immersive experience in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, and Port Dickson, courtesy of hotel sponsors including Lexis Hibiscus, Port Dickson Hotel, The Granite Luxury Hotel, and The Lost World of Tambun.