HEALING MEETS HOSPITALITY COMES TO LIFE THROUGH DR WIRA & SISTER MANJA

Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Brand Ambassador of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), pictured with Dr Wira and Sister Manja official plushies, following MHTC's strategic collaboration with Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with MYMT 2026 and VM2026.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) today introduced Dr Wira and Sister Manja, Malaysia Healthcare's healthcare-inspired interpretation of Wira and Manja, the official mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026. Developed in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, the initiative extends the spirit of Visit Malaysia 2026 into Malaysia's medical tourism story, bringing Malaysia Healthcare's brand promise of Healing Meets Hospitality to life while supporting the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT2026).

Originally introduced as the official mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026, Wira and Manja were inspired by the Malayan Sun Bear, one of Malaysia's most treasured native species. Beyond celebrating the country's rich biodiversity, the duo embodies the warmth, resilience, friendliness and welcoming spirit that define the Malaysian experience. These qualities have long shaped how visitors experience Malaysia as a tourism destination. Today, MHTC builds on that same foundation by translating these values into the healthcare journey, where patients are welcomed with world-class clinical expertise, compassionate care and genuine Malaysian hospitality.

Recognising the strong alignment between the values represented by Wira and Manja and the Malaysia Healthcare experience, MHTC has reimagined the beloved tourism mascots as Dr Wira and Sister Manja. Rather than creating new mascots, this healthcare-inspired interpretation extends the story of Visit Malaysia 2026 into medical tourism, illustrating how the same Malaysian hospitality that welcomes visitors also accompanies patients throughout their healthcare journey.

While portrayed as a doctor and a nurse, Dr Wira and Sister Manja do not represent individual professions. Instead, they symbolise the entire Malaysia Healthcare ecosystem, honouring the collective contributions of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, researchers, therapists, patient coordinators, caregivers and hospital support teams who work seamlessly together to deliver safe, high-quality and patient-centred care. Together, they embody the values that define Malaysia Healthcare: world-class clinical excellence, compassionate care, multidisciplinary collaboration, innovation and genuine Malaysian hospitality.

Every patient's journey is unique, yet what many remember most extends beyond successful treatment. They remember the reassuring smile before a procedure, the doctor who patiently explained every step of their care, the nurse who offered comfort during recovery, the patient coordinator who continued to check on them after returning home, and the many healthcare professionals whose kindness made them feel at home while receiving treatment in Malaysia.

These moments of empathy, attentiveness and genuine care, demonstrated by healthcare professionals across the country, have become hallmarks of the Malaysia Healthcare experience. They reflect a culture where healing goes beyond medicine, creating an environment where patients feel respected, reassured and cared for throughout every stage of their journey.
 
"Wira and Manja have become familiar representatives of Malaysia's warmth and hospitality through Visit Malaysia 2026. By reimagining them as Dr Wira and Sister Manja, we are extending that same Malaysian spirit into healthcare, celebrating the people and values that have made Malaysia a preferred healthcare destination. They are not simply characters in medical uniforms, but a reflection of the compassion, professionalism and hospitality that patients experience throughout their healthcare journey,” said Dato’ Suriaghandi Suppiah, CEO of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council.

With Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza serving as the official Malaysia Healthcare Brand Ambassador, the introduction of Dr Wira and Sister Manja further strengthens Malaysia Healthcare's brand narrative under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026. While Dato' Sri Siti continues to champion Malaysia's healthcare excellence with her trusted voice, authenticity and influence, Dr Wira and Sister Manja complement that role by bringing the Healing Meets Hospitality promise to life through visual storytelling and meaningful public engagement. Together, they reinforce Malaysia Healthcare's commitment to delivering not only world-class treatment but also a healthcare experience defined by compassion, empathy and genuine Malaysian hospitality.

Dr Wira and Sister Manja will make their public debut at selected Malaysia Healthcare engagements throughout the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026. Members of the public can also meet the mascots at the MH Wellness Fair on 16 July 2026 at Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, where they will have the opportunity to participate in a lucky draw to win the exclusive Dr Wira and Sister Manja plushies as well as MHTC X Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza’s exclusive postcard.

Because in Malaysia, healing begins with hospitality, and hospitality begins with people.

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Muhammad Rasydan Bin Ma’at
Head of Unit, PR and Media Unit
Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my
 

Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi

Head, Communications

Tel: +603 8776 6168

Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my 

--BERNAMA