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Hong Kong-Malaysia twin-destination package for Indians
MUMBAI: The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Tourism Malaysia have tied-up in India to promote a twin-destination package in partnership with the Malaysia Airlines. Between now and 15 September 2004, Indian travellers can club their holidays in the Asia’s World City – Hong Kong along with Kuala Lumpur, for just Rs. 29,990.
The offer includes return airfare to Hong Kong on Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur, hotel accommodation with breakfast, airport transfers and half-day sight seeing tours in the two cities. The promotion is launched in association with leading tour operators in India.
Commenting on this duo-destination promotion, HKTB regional director – South and South East Asia – David Leung said, “A significant number of the Indian travellers enjoy a multi-destination itinerary. Through this enhanced promotion, in partnership with Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines, we have created a value added programme for the Indian travel trade to package two amazing destinations at an attractive price.”
The launch of this twin-destination package is perfectly timed to coincide with the 2004 Hong Kong Shopping Festival, which is on from now till 31 August. The festival extends beyond the delights of shopping to include dining, entertainment and multi-media performances to create a ‘total experience’ for the Indian visitors, stated an official release.
The Indian visitor arrivals to Hong Kong continue to grow this year, with family visitors taking advantage of special holiday offers. In the first five months of 2004, Hong Kong recorded a phenomenal growth of 75.4 per cent from the Indian market, over the same period in 2003, as per the release.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
