Known to all in the youth travel community just as Ramchand, he set up MSL Travel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1975 and went on to become a member of FIYTO in 1987. He was the ISIC card issuer for Malaysia.
Ramchand’s involvement with ISTC was marked by his service on various Boards and the FITYO/ ISTC Steering Committee which ultimately led to the formation of the WYSE Travel Confederation.
Among the ISTC Association Boards on which he served was his decades-long involvement with IASIS, the International Association for Student Insurance Services. Ramchand’s contributions provided continual and meaningful support to its members, fostering growth and stability in the field of insurance services.
From Francis Stivala of NSTS, we learn of Ramchand’s long-standing loyalty and the respect he commanded. Francis notes, “Ramchand was a very long-standing loyal member of ISTC who had the respect of all and sundry. He later joined WYSE Travel Confederation when this succeeded ISTC. He practised strong principles and held consistent high values in his discussions and deliberations, offering insights into the Asian market for ISTC to develop there.”
Ashraf Wali of ESTS recalls his first encounter with Ramchand at the ISTC meeting in Davos in 1985, when Ashraf was new to the ISTC community. Ashraf reflects, “He was a great person to know and learn from, especially about our industry and specifically student travel. I had the opportunity to work alongside him on the Steering Committee of WYSETC, where his steady efforts and support of our community were evident. His dedication extended further to the IASIS Board for Insurance, where he continuously brought new ideas, insights, and comparisons to the table.”
Ramchand dedicated more than fifty years of his life to the travel and student travel industry, representing Malaysia with pride and passion. His hard work and commitment have touched many lives and made countless journeys possible. His contributions to international student travel in Malaysia and the international community helped shape the foundations for WYSE Travel Confederation today.
We recognise that time moves on, and with it, so does each one of us. However, that which we do outlives us. Ramchand’s legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit and the impact of his work will endure.
In loving memory of Ramchand Duhlanomal, may he rest in peace.
Ramchand (right) with his IASIS colleague Francis Stivala