Todt, whose fiancee is Malaysian-born international action star Michelle Yeoh, will become Malaysia's 'tourism ambassador' for a year to help promote the South-east Asian country worldwide, said a Tourism Ministry official.

Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen will hand the appointment letter to Mr Todt in Paris this weekend, the official said on condition of anonymity because she was not authorised to make public statements.

She did not immediately have details of what Mr Todt's activities would be.

Mr Todt, 63, resigned all his positions with Ferrari in March, concluding a 16-year career with the automaker highlighted by his direction of the Formula One team.

He had been a special adviser to the racing team for the last year after a short stint as Ferrari's CEO. He previously handed over his position as director of Ferrari's Formula One team to Stefano Domenicali.

Mr Todt is a frequent visitor to Malaysia with the Hong Kong-based Yeoh. He recently joined a Malaysian government programme that provides benefits in immigration, housing and taxes to attract foreigners to live or invest in the country.

Malaysia, popular for its tropical parks and island getaways, is bracing for fewer tourists this year amid the global economic slowdown. Officials expect to welcome 20 million foreign visitors this year, down from 22 million in 2008. -- AP