KUALA LUMPUR: With a jetset lifestyle and an extensive network of influential friends around the globe, Datuk Seri Jean Todt has the best credentials to help him in his role as Tourism Malaysia’s ambassador.
Todt, who is fiance to Malaysian actress Datuk Michelle Yeoh and was formerly Formula 1 Ferrari executive director taps into his contacts overseas to promote Malaysia.
“I would speak to influential people overseas about the country. Malaysians are low profile, so I’ll help them to speak about the beauty of Malaysia,” he said at An Evening with Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and Tourism Ambassador for Malaysia Datuk Seri Jean Todt at The Royale Chulan here last night.
Todt said he would also conduct familiarisation trips for selected groups of people in the hospitality industry and media, and bring them to various interesting spots in Malaysia.
“I’m very busy but I am happy to give a little contribution. As much as I can come (over), I’ll come,” he replied when asked if he has a fixed programme as a Tourism Ambassador.
Todt, who had always considered Malaysia as his second home even before he received the approval letter for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme two months ago, lists Sabah and Sarawak as his next destinations to visit.
Though based in Italy, Paris and Hong Kong, Todt has recently bought a condominium at One KL, located adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers.
Asked what was the best thing he loved about Malaysia, he promptly replied: “Michelle!”, drawing laughter from those present.
Pressed about the details of his impending marriage to Yeoh, Todt said: “We are living together and happy together. Time will come and tell.”
Dr Ng said the evening was very special as it was the first time the ministry invited top multi-national company leaders to dine with Todt.
“We have a big community of expatriates here. It’s about promoting MM2H as a lifestyle,” she said.
