Malaysia is set to launch its third National Art Gallery branch in the historic city of Ipoh, marking a significant expansion of the country's cultural infrastructure. The new facility will be housed in the iconic Ipoh Old Post Office building and is expected to begin operations next year, joining existing branches in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi in Kedah state.

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's Secretary-General Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot announced that the new gallery will feature what he described as Malaysia's most extensive immersive exhibition experience. Speaking at the official launch of the Ipoh Suka Langka Programme, Shaharuddin emphasized the gallery's role as a contemporary art hub that will significantly benefit Malaysia's artistic community.

"In terms of tourism, it will certainly have a positive impact, with more visitors expected to come and see the collections at the National Art Gallery," Shaharuddin explained. He added that the ministry plans to continuously upgrade the National Art Gallery system and introduce immersive exhibitions that will be among the largest in Malaysia. The event was also attended by National Art Gallery Director-General Amerrudin Ahmad, underscoring the project's national importance.

The Ipoh branch will showcase a unique blend of traditional visual arts enhanced with digital elements, creating a modern museum experience that appeals to contemporary audiences. The facility will feature two main exhibition spaces dedicated to displaying masterpieces by renowned artists from Malaysia and throughout Southeast Asia, highlighting the region's rich artistic heritage and cultural diversity.

The gallery's innovative design includes a dedicated lower level specifically designed for immersive exhibitions, utilizing cutting-edge technology to create interactive and engaging experiences for visitors. This technological integration represents a significant step forward in how Malaysian cultural institutions present art to the public, combining traditional appreciation with modern presentation methods.

Beyond art exhibitions, Shaharuddin revealed that the National Art Gallery will incorporate tourism and cultural products that showcase historical sites throughout Perak state. This strategic approach aims to draw more visitors to the region while promoting local heritage and encouraging cultural tourism development across the state.

The announcement comes as part of Malaysia's broader cultural promotion efforts, with the ministry actively working to boost the country's profile as a tourism and cultural destination. Shaharuddin reported that ministry representatives have visited more than 15 countries, including Switzerland, Poland, Thailand, Beijing, and India, to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026 as both a tourism and business destination.

The promotional campaign has been showing positive results, with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 proceeding smoothly. The ministry recently concluded the Malaysia Cultural Festival 2025, which served as part of the broader campaign and received strong responses from both Malaysian citizens and international tourists. The next major promotional program is scheduled to take place in Melaka at the end of the month, continuing the momentum of cultural promotion efforts.

"The programme drew strong response from Malaysians as well as foreign tourists. We will therefore continue organizing programmes to attract tourists, particularly for Visit Malaysia Year 2026," Shaharuddin stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to positioning Malaysia as a leading cultural and tourism destination in Southeast Asia.