Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has been conferred the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (DPSM), which carries the title “Datuk,” and has pledged to actively promote Melaka as an international tourism destination.
She received the award on Sunday (Aug 24) during the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Dr Mohd Ali Rustam.
“I will be here in Melaka next month to promote tourism and will travel here frequently,” Fan said after the ceremony.
The actress expressed her delight at the recognition, calling it a “precious gift.”
Fan, best known internationally for her roles in X-Men: Days of Future Past and I Am Not Madame Bovary, kissed her medal in front of the media to show her happiness.
She now joins the ranks of international stars such as Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and Hong Kong superstar Jackie Chan, who were previously honoured by Malaysia for their contributions to tourism.
Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said on Aug 21 that the award recognised Fan’s influence in drawing global attention to Melaka and boosting the state’s visibility on the world stage.
“She has helped catapult the historic city into the global tourism spotlight, and we deeply appreciate her efforts,” he said.
