Drawing parallels with a film set, Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh likened Kuala Lumpur to a stage and the world as its audience as Malaysia prepares to unveil its story to global visitors through Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

The United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Road Safety and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) said the campaign is not merely about promoting tourism but serves as an open invitation for the world to experience Malaysia’s diversity, warmth, rich heritage and vibrant arts. 

"Visit Malaysia 2026 is not just about tourism. It is an invitation to experience our diversity, warmth, culinary symphony, and our vibrant arts,” she said in her speech at the "I Lite U” Festival launching ceremony at Bukit Bintang here tonight.

The evening, held as part of a larger festival of lights across the capital, saw iconic landmarks illuminated in a spectacular display, reflecting the vibrancy and innovation that Malaysia hopes to showcase to the world. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh at the launch of 'I Lite U' event in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Bernama

The Ipoh-born actress described the lights as more than decoration, but as a symbolic bridge connecting culture, creativity and community.

Yeoh said light symbolises guidance and hope for the future, while also acting as a beacon to signal Malaysia’s presence to the world. 

"First, it guides and illuminates our path forward. And second, it becomes a beacon that signals to others, ‘Here we are’,” she said.

Sharing her personal connection to the capital, Yeoh said, standing in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the city that shaped her early dreams, filled her with pride as the nation prepares to welcome international visitors. 

The internationally acclaimed actress said the illumination of the city tonight marked the beginning of a story of "breathtaking beauty, rich heritage, and relentless innovation” to be shared with the world in 2026.

Calling on Malaysians to embody the spirit of hospitality, Yeoh encouraged them to show the true meaning of Malaysian hospitality and said that the nation’s arms, hearts, and shining country were open to welcome future guests from near and far.

The Hollywood star added that the lights switched on tonight symbolised a shared aspiration for a brighter future.

"Let this light shine as a symbol of the glorious future that we build together," she said.

The "I Lite U” event is seen as a prelude to a series of cultural and tourism initiatives in 2026, reinforcing Malaysia’s image as a global destination for heritage, art, and innovation. - Bernama