MELAKA – Internationally acclaimed Chinese actress Datuk Fan Bingbing has pledged to help promote Melaka to the world after being conferred the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (DPSM), which carries the title “Datuk.”
Fan, who is best known for her performances in X-Men: Days of Future Past and I Am Not Madame Bovary, received the honorary award during the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam, on Sunday.
Speaking after the ceremony, the 42-year-old actress expressed her gratitude and joy for being recognised by the Melaka Government.
“I will be here in Melaka next month to promote tourism and will travel here frequently. This is such a precious gift to me, and I will treasure it deeply,” she said.
Fan, who kissed her medal in front of the media to show her appreciation, is the latest international celebrity to be recognised by Malaysia for their contributions to tourism. She now joins the ranks of Bollywood megastar Datuk Shah Rukh Khan and Hong Kong action legend Datuk Jackie Chan, who both previously received similar honours for their roles in promoting Malaysia as a tourist destination.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh recently stated that Fan’s appointment as Melaka’s Tourism Friendship Ambassador in May 2024 had already shown significant results, especially in drawing visitors from China. He said the state had seen a sharp increase in Chinese tourist arrivals and credited Fan’s influence for boosting Melaka’s visibility on the global tourism stage.
With her Datukship, Fan’s commitment to continuously promote Melaka is expected to further enhance the state’s image as a leading heritage and cultural destination in Southeast Asia.
