Last updated on December 25, 2025
MELAKA: Chinese film actress Fan Bingbing has been conferred the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (DPSM), granting her the honorific title “Datuk”, in recognition of her significant contributions to the Malaysian state’s tourism industry. The investiture took place in Melaka at a ceremony commemorating the 76th birthday of Governor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.
Upon receiving this honorary title, Fan expressed her gratitude and hinted at a return to Melaka soon.
“I will be here in Melaka next month to promote tourism and will travel here frequently,” she told reporters.
She also shared her appreciation for the recognition:
“This is such a precious gift to me.”
Appointed as Melaka Friendship Tourism Ambassador in May 2024, Fan’s initial three-day visit in June that year sparked major interest online, generating more than 1.5 billion impressions on WeChat, China’s largest social platform.
Her influence translated into a dramatic uptick in tourism: Chinese arrivals to Melaka soared from 204,818 in 2023 to 664,687 in 2024, a more than threefold increase.
Melaka’s Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, praised the impact of her ambassadorship:
“She has helped catapult the historic city into the global tourism spotlight, and we deeply appreciate her efforts.”
Fan’s recognition places her among several global icons honored by Malaysia for tourism contributions, joining the likes of Datuk Shah Rukh Khan and Datuk Jackie Chan.
Disclaimer: This article may include information sourced from official statements, regulatory filings, public disclosures, or third-party reporting. The Ledger Asia provides editorial context and regional relevance where applicable. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, not all data or claims cited may be independently verified at the time of publication.
