Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) becomes the first official partner of Team MAS

Kuala Lumpur, 28 February 2019: The Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (MYOS), The National Sports Council of Malaysia (NSC) and The National Sports Institute of Malaysia (NSI) announced its first partnership for Team MAS at a Memorandum of Understanding ceremony held on 28 February 2019 in Putrajaya with Malaysia Airlines Berhad. (MAB).

Team MAS is a flagship partnership programme for all of the sports assets under the MOYS, NSC and NSI and it is equivalent to the Olympic Partner Programme (TOP) of the International Olympic Committee.

The sponsorship is the first of its kind, whereby a global Malaysian brand is associating itself with the current and future world-class Malaysian athletes, para-athletes, and upcoming junior athletes. Team MAS offers exclusivity for brands to associate and interact with the Malaysian sports ecosystem including development programmes at all levels under NSC and NSI.

Team MAS aims to present the Nation's sports assets from a commercial angle, unlocking the high value of sports and the emotional connection it has with fans and followers. This is in line with the new Government’s efforts to raise funds for sports and to cultivate a commercial-friendly sports industry in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s national carrier is the first Company and brand to join Team MAS and will carry the title “Team MAS Official Airline Partner” flying the athletes or ‘Malaysian National Heroes’ to and fro their competitions on the world stage. With a total value of RM10 million per year, the partnership will last for four (4) years, with key milestones including SEA Games Manila 2019 in Philippines, Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan, Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China and Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

The MOU signing was signed by the Director General of NSC, YBhg. Dato’ Ahmad Shapawi Ismail and Group Chief Revenue Officer of MAB, YBhg Mr Ignatius Ong Ming Choy, and witnessed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Tuan Syed Saddiq bin Syed Abdul Rahman, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of MAB YBhg. Captain Izham Ismail, newly appointed CEO of NSI, YBhg. Ahmad Faedzal MD. Ramli and the newly appointed Secretary-General of The MYOS, YBrs. Dr Waitchalla R.R.V Suppiah.

Speaking at the ceremony, YB Tuan Syed Saddiq lauded MAB on becoming the first partner of Team MAS, which he acknowledge being a symbol of national pride.

The national carrier has long been a strong supporter of various sports-related initiatives in Malaysia including individual sponsorships to national divers; Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Two-time Olympics Medallist, Pandelela Rinong Anak Pamg, as well as paragliding athlete, Nadiah Wafa. Recently, MAB sponsored flights for the National Football team during the AFF Suzuki Cup Final with the aim of boosting the national spirit and morale of the players and Malaysian fans overall.  

Team MAS highly aligns with MAB’s Malaysian Hospitality (MH) as they carry the same values, principals and most importantly the drive to achieve success and goals.

Meanwhile, commenting on the partnership, Captain Izham Ismail said, “Just like the athletes, Malaysia Airlines is the Nation’s flag bearer across the world. This partnership signifies our overall support for the development of sports for the country.

“By using Team MAS as the uniting factor, we acknowledge that sports and the support for Team MAS transcend race, religion, age, and cultural differences. We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship that not only empowers the athletes, officials, and organizers but also reiterates our commitment towards building the nation,” he added.