The promotion of Langkawi has moved to “space hyperdrive” when it was mentioned in the latest American science fiction television series “Star Trek: Discovery”.

Captain Philippa Georgiou of the space series is suddenly becoming a household name in Langkawi, not for being a famous mariner who has just landed but for claiming that she came from the island.

Georgiou is actually a character played by Malaysian Hollywood star Michelle Yeoh and when she mentioned Langkawi in a scene, it stirred excitement among the islanders with a clip going viral on social media.

The shout-out, even though brief, came as a good promotion and raised more interest among tourists to visit the island, said Langkawi Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Organisation (Usahabumi) secretary, Ahmad Phisol Ishak.

“It is really excellent and appreciated so that more and more tourists will come,” he said.

For 54-year-old tourism player Ilias Ismail, the dialogue mentioning Langkawi came as a satisfaction for him considering the popularity of Star Trek, as well as Yeoh, being an international superstar.

“We have been enjoying visits by tourists from Russia, the UK and China (to name a few) and with the introduction by Michelle Yeoh, it would make Langkawi even more famous,” he said.

Other than being a destination of choice for tourists around the world, the naturally beautiful Langkawi has also been a preferred location for filmmakers and television series producers from within and outside Malaysia. - Bernama