The Singapore Tourism Board and Tourism Malaysia jointly announced in a statement Tuesday that they have launched a promotion to encourage greater youth travel and exchange between the two countries.

With the promotion, Singaporean and Malaysian youths aged 21 years and below will be granted complimentary admission to selected attractions when they visit each other's country.

The selected attractions include, among others, Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park and Sentosa Island in Singapore, and Sunway Lagoon, Zoo Melaka and Night Zoo, as well as Putrajaya boat ride in Malaysia.

The organizers believe that the initiative will help enhance cross-cultural exchanges, promote goodwill and deepen mutual understanding among youths in the two countries.

To last until Sept. 17 this year, the promotion is part of the ongoing joint marketing efforts under the auspices of the Malaysia- Singapore Tourism Council.

(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2006)