At the 18^th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) held at Astana, Kazakhstan, Datuk Dr. Victor Wee was reappointed Chairman of the UNWTO Programme Committee. Members of the Programme Committee comprise representatives from six regional commissions of the world. The appointment is for the term of four years from 2010-2013. He served as Chairman of the committee previously from 2008 to 2009, and is currently the Chairman of Tourism Malaysia.

The Programme Committee will be responsible for the preparation of UNWTO's work programme for the next four years, as well as monitoring programme implementation and systematic evaluation of its outputs and results. The committee will set priorities in terms of programmes and resource allocation undertaken by UNWTO in different parts of the world. These efforts are to ensure that the vision and strategic objectives of UNWTO are met for the benefit of member states.

Wee's appointment is on the basis of his expertise in the tourism industry as well as experience in tourism policy, regulation, product development and marketing while serving as Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism from 2004 to 2008. In addition, he has vast experience as an economist during his 29-year tenure at the Economic Planning Unit and the National Economic Action Council (NEAC) during the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997/98.

During the General Assembly, Malaysia was elected as Vice Chairman of the Commission of East Asia and Pacific as well as a full member of the Budget and Finance Committee. This is in recognition of Malaysia's strong performance in tourism development and the country's active participation in UNWTO.

These appointments will strengthen Malaysia's participation in the international arena and contribute to tourism development within the country and globally.