(2nd from right), YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC)
48 companies across 15 categories were awarded at The Malaysian Association of Theme Park and Family Recreations (MATFA) Golden Horse Awards 2023 held on 11 June 2023, at Resort World Genting – symbolizing the highest recognition and benchmark for exemplary performance in the theme park and family attraction industry at the national and regional levels.
The award ceremony was officiated by YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC), alongside the presence of YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia. According to YB Khairul Firdaus, the theme park and family attraction industry will play a significant role in Malaysia’s tourism sector.
He expressed that by collaborating with Tourism Malaysia and MATFA, the industry will expand further and attract more tourists and investors. He also emphasized the importance of introducing new and innovative products to showcase Malaysia’s diverse offerings and keep tourists engaged year after year.
Among the winners, Genting Skyworld Theme Park received multiple awards, including Theme Park of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, and Best Festival Experience. SplashMania Waterpark Gamuda Cove, a recently opened water park, also secured awards such as Water Park of the Year and Best New Water Attraction.
In addition to this, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, the Chairman and CEO of Genting Group, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in the individual category to acknowledge his contributions to the industry, economy, and nation.