Tourism Malaysia Strengthens Support For Malaysia’s Business Events Industry At MBEW 2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Tourism Malaysia was honoured to be part of the 11th edition of Malaysia Business Events Week (MBEW) 2026, held from 3–5 August 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Organised by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), the event was officially opened by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, following welcoming remarks by YB Dr. Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu, Chairman of MyCEB. Also in attendance was YBrs. Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, reflecting Tourism Malaysia’s continuous support towards strengthening Malaysia’s business events sector and advancing the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Bringing together diplomatic representatives, international delegates and industry leaders from around the world, MBEW 2026 underscores Malaysia’s continued growth and recognition as a preferred destination for world-class business events.

The event also featured the BE xChange Walkabout, which provided a platform for exhibitors and industry partners to showcase innovative products, services and solutions while fostering valuable connections, collaborations and strategic partnerships within the business events ecosystem.

Through platforms such as MBEW 2026, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to supporting the growth of Malaysia's Business Events industry, fostering stronger industry collaboration and reinforcing the nation's position as a premier destination for world-class Business Events.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And MyCEB Strengthen Presence In Central Asia Through Strategic Business Events Engagements

 

ALMATY & TASHKENT — The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), with the support of Tourism Malaysia Almaty and the Embassy of Malaysia in the Republic of Uzbekistan, successfully organised the Malaysia Business Events Seminars in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 2 June 2026 and in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 4 June 2026, marking Malaysia’s inaugural business events engagements in both cities. The seminars brought together representatives from the tourism industry, corporate sector, event organisers and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The engagements served as dedicated platforms to showcase Malaysia’s capabilities as a preferred destination for business events, conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel programmes. 

The opening and welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. Arhan Syafrisyah Shah Anuar, Counsellor of the Embassy of Malaysia to the Republic of Uzbekistan, on behalf of the Ambassador of Malaysia; Mr. Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of the Tourism Malaysia Almaty Office; and Mr. Edward Lim Chee Chong, Senior Manager of the Business Development Division at MyCEB. During both seminars, representatives from MyCEB and Tourism Malaysia highlighted Malaysia’s strengths as an international business events destination, including its well-developed infrastructure, modern hospitality sector, competitive pricing, efficient logistics and strong international air connectivity. Special emphasis was placed on Kuala Lumpur as one of Asia’s leading business events hubs, supported by a comprehensive ecosystem for meetings, conferences and exhibitions, as well as continued government support for the business events industry. 

Mr Nor Shazly Azmi, Director of Tourism Malaysia Almaty Office, said, “Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan continued to demonstrate encouraging growth as emerging markets for Malaysia. Improving air connectivity and expanding flight options between Central Asia and Malaysia made the destination increasingly accessible for both leisure and business travellers. These inaugural seminars in Almaty and Tashkent marked important milestones in strengthening tourism and business ties while showcasing Malaysia’s broader potential as a destination for corporate travel, incentive programmes and international events.” 

Meanwhile, Mr Edward Lim Chee Chong, Senior Manager of Business Development Division at MyCEB, said, “We saw significant potential for collaboration with Central Asian markets, particularly amid growing interest in Malaysia from the business tourism and corporate sectors across the region. Supported by modern infrastructure, strong international connectivity, government support and a diverse range of venues, Malaysia continued to offer highly competitive advantages for business events of all scales.” 

The seminar in Almaty also featured a tourism presentation by Ms Kamilla Chaldanbayeva, Marketing Officer of Tourism Malaysia Almaty, which showcased Malaysia’s tourism offerings for the Kazakhstan market, including leisure, family, luxury and business travel experiences. Participants were introduced to Malaysia’s offerings for conferences, corporate meetings and incentive programmes, alongside the growing potential of bleisure travel experiences that combine business and leisure tourism. The seminars also served as platforms for establishing new professional networks and exploring future collaboration opportunities between Malaysian and Central Asian tourism and business events industry players. 

The programmes highlighted the growing potential for cooperation between Malaysia and Central Asian countries in tourism, trade and business engagement, reflecting strengthening bilateral ties and increasing interest from both tourism and corporate sectors, in line with efforts under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed more than 43,000 visitors from Kazakhstan, making it the largest source market for Malaysia in Central Asia, while more than 20,000 visitors from Uzbekistan travelled to Malaysia, reflecting growing interest in the destination and strengthening people-to-people ties between the countries. Malaysia continues to strengthen connectivity with Central Asia through an expanding network of direct and connecting flights between Kuala Lumpur and the region. Current and upcoming routes include AirAsia X services between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty, direct flights operated by Uzbekistan Airways and Batik Air Malaysia between Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent, as well as Turkmenistan Airlines services connecting Kuala Lumpur and Ashgabat.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur rise in ICCA global rankings

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur have strengthened their global standing in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 Country & City Rankings, reaffirming their position as premier destinations for international business events.

The country hosted 129 international association meetings last year, moving up two spots to 31st in the global country rankings and holding firm at 9th place in the Asia Pacific, remaining within the region's Top 10.

Kuala Lumpur also made impressive gains, jumping six places to 26th in the World City Rankings.

"Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur's growing reputation reflects their compelling value proposition," said Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre's (the Centre) general manager John Burke.

With Kuala Lumpur International Airport served by 79 airlines and visa-free access for 175 countries, Malaysia provides the great connectivity that global business events demand, he said in a statement.

"On top of that, we have a mature supply chain aligned with global standards, wide English proficiency and a favourable exchange rate. Combined with its rich cultural heritage and natural assets, Malaysia is a competitive choice."

According to the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), business events are projected to contribute RM42.12 billion to the economy by 2030 and attract 5.9 million delegates. These events are expected to drive trade, boost tourism, and support job creation.

The Centre was a key venue last year, hosting many of the city's 78 international association events.

Owned by KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, a Petroliam Nasional Bhd subsidiary, the Centre is located beneath the Petronas Twin Towers in the KLCC precinct. It offers 34,000 sqm of flexible, purpose-built space with integrated facilities.

Burke noted that with sustainability becoming a growing priority in global events, responsible and long-term growth will be vital.

-nst online.

AITEX 2024: Premier Global Platform For Islamic Tourism And Trade Opens Soon

 

AITEX 2024: A Convergence of Global Trade and Islamic Tourism

The Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (AITEX) 2024 is set to open its doors from August 23 to 25, 2024, at the Sunway Resort Hotel, Bandar Sunway, Selangor. The event will serve as a key gathering for industry leaders, trade buyers, and public consumers, highlighting the immense potential within the Islamic tourism and trade sectors.

Exclusive Networking Opportunities for Trade Buyers 

Trade buyers at AITEX 2024 will have the unique opportunity to connect with exhibitors from a diverse range of countries, including Malaysia, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China, and many more. This platform is designed to facilitate the discovery of new products, services, and partnerships that can drive growth and innovation in the global Islamic tourism and trade industries. 

Attractions and Activities for Public Consumers 

Public attendees will find an array of exciting activities and offerings throughout the three-day event. From exclusive tour packages on sale to the Prophet Muhammad Artifacts Exhibition, which offers a rare glimpse into sacred Islamic history, there is something for everyone. 

Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the Virtual Reality Journey of Prophet Muhammad, a cutting-edge experience that brings to life the significant events of the Prophet’s journey. Shoppers who spend a minimum of RM 500 will also stand a chance to win return flight tickets to stunning destinations such as the Maldives, Vietnam, and more, courtesy of Batik Air Malaysia, the official airline partner of AITEX 2024. 

Partners and Collaborations 

AITEX  2024 is organized in collaboration with esteemed organizations such as the World Islamic Tourism Council, the Global   Islamic   Tourism   Organisation, and   the   ASEAN Federation of Umrah & Hajj, with support from the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB). Our official partners include Batik Air Malaysia as the airline partner, Sunway Resort Hotel as the hotel partner, TV Alhijrah as the TV partner, and TTW as the official media partner.

Insightful Conferences and Summits 

AITEX 2024 will also host several key conferences, including the Islamic Tourism Conference on August 23 and 24, where industry experts will discuss hot topics shaping the future of Islamic tourism. This year's theme is "EMBRACING DIVERSITY: THE PROMISE AND POTENTIAL OF ISLAMIC TOURISM. The event

will culminate on August 25 with the Ministers & CEOs Summit and Tourism Investment Asia, bringing together leaders from Cambodia, the Philippines, Zambia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan to explore investment opportunities and discuss the future of Islamic tourism. 

WITA  2024:  Celebrating  Excellence  in  Islamic  Tourism  and Trade 

A major highlight of the event will be the World Islamic Tourism and Trade Awards (WITA 2024), set to take place during a gala dinner on Monday, August 26, at the Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel. The awards ceremony will honor 30 exceptional individuals and organizations from the tourism industry and government sectors for their contributions to Islamic tourism and trade. Guests will be entertained by a popular Malaysian artist and the Combo Orchestra, ensuring an unforgettable evening. 

Event Details 

AITEX 2024 will be held from August 23 to 25, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with free entrance for all visitors. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a groundbreaking event that promises to shape the future of Islamic tourism and trade.

-AITEX 2024.

Malaysia Airline's inaugural airline trade event draws 300 delegates

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines' inaugural airline trade event,  Global Trade Elevation Summit 2024, brought together 300 delegates, including over 200 international attendees from 48 cities and 21 countries.

The event which ran from June 25, 2024 until June 27, 2024 sought to position Kuala Lumpur as a gateway for Asia and beyond.

It was held in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

In a statement today, Malaysia Airlines said key decision-makers from major trade companies worldwide participated in the summit, fostering global collaboration, strategising future initiatives, and strengthening ties crucial for advancing Malaysia's position in the global tourism landscape.

The event underscored the airline's commitment to leveraging its role as the national carrier to support national tourism objectives.

"We are pleased to collaborate with industry leaders, including travel agents worldwide and local stakeholders like Tourism Malaysia and MyCEB to drive innovation, efficiency and growth in the aviation industry and beyond," Malaysia Aviation Group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said.

"We will continue leveraging these partnerships to fuel our expansion, increase our reach and commit our efforts to drive growth both domestically and globally, and look forward to forging strategic partnerships that form a robust network, broadening our market reach," he added.

The summit also featured the prestigious Golden Wau Awards, the first of its kind in the industry to celebrate top-performing sales agents who demonstrated exceptional achievements in driving revenue.

Malaysia Airlines said the awards not only recognise excellence but also highlight the invaluable contributions of the trade partners to its growth.

"By introducing this award, Malaysia Airlines aims to set new industry standards and inspire excellence among all trade partners, thereby significantly contributing to its growth and enhancing Malaysia's presence on the global tourism stage," it added.

-nst online.

Bitney Fan Club Recognition Night - 3,200 Delegates From Vietnam

More than 3000 delegates from Vietnam chose Malaysia for their corporate incentive trip, enjoying four days of meetings, team building, city tour, and a gala dinner across Kuala Lumpur and Melaka.

Supported by MyCEB, the gala night 'Bitney Fans Club Recognition Night 2024' was held at MITEC, alongside enlightening tours for delegates to immerse themselves in the local charm. Creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience, delegates explored the vibrant streets of Melaka and Kuala Lumpur, complemented by a diverse culinary scene.

Malaysia was strategically chosen for its prime location in Southeast Asia, seamless flight arrangements, a plethora of luxurious 5-star hotels, and a rich tapestry of attractions, making it the top hub for exploration.

Organised by CVI Link Sdn Bhd, renowned for continuous innovation and sustainable development, and with flawless execution by Travelholic Vacations Sdn Bhd as the local destination management, every moment becomes a milestone in the journey of success. Tourism Malaysia Ho Chi Minh endorsed the group for MyCEB to supported them.

-MyCEB.

Tourism Malaysia Host Top Indonesian MICE Travel Agent And Media To Kuala Lumpur And Putrajaya

 

PUTRAJAYA, 26 February 2024 – Tourism Malaysia hosted travel trade partners and media from the Indonesian market on its familiarisation trip to promote Malaysia as the preferred tourist destination in the region in collaboration with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Garuda Indonesia.

A group of seven travel agents and one media representative from Jakarta embarked on a four-day, three-night (4D3N) journey to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya from 4 to 7 February 2024. The itinerary includes immersive experiences in Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition (MICE) venue inspections at renowned locations such as the World Trade Centre, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Le Meridien Hotel Putrajaya, InterContinental Hotel, Four Points Hotel, Renaissance Hotel, and a city tour.

In Putrajaya, the participants experienced the Souq Putrajaya (3D Museum & Largest Chocolate Shop in Putrajaya) and enjoyed a sunset cruise along with other engaging activities. Additionally, the itinerary features a shopping spree at Exchange 106 @ TRX and Mitsui Sepang KLIA, along with a half-day inspection tour to Splashmania and Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to experience the latest attractions.

The FAM Trip aims to motivate Indonesian travel agents, particularly those focusing on the MICE segment, to actively promote tour packages to Malaysia. It underscores the significance of the Indonesian market for Malaysia's tourism industry, emphasising the substantial growth in arrivals observed in 2023 and the strong connectivity with 628 direct flights per week from Indonesia to Malaysia. Indonesia remains a crucial market for Malaysia, and with Garuda Indonesia providing daily flights from Jakarta, there is optimism for restoring pre-pandemic performance and enhancing the bilateral relationship.

Last year, Malaysia has warmly welcomed over 3.1 million Indonesian tourists, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and friendship between both nations. Tourism Malaysia anticipates more arrivals from Indonesia in conjunction with the state visit year 2024 campaign in Melaka, Kelantan, Perak, and Perlis.

This campaign sets the stage for the forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which aims to attract 35.6 million foreign tourists, targeting a revenue of RM147.1 billion. To uncover more about remarkable Malaysian experiences, visit Malaysia.travel.

-Tourism Malaysia.

MyCEB to work with Asosia Travel Agent Indonesia to promote business event sector

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has formed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Asosia Travel Agent Indonesia (ASTINDO) to jointly market and promote the business event sector.

This collaboration aims to generate leads through the exchange of market intelligence on various campaigns, initiatives, programs, and projects.

As part of this effort, MyCEB also engaged with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in Jakarta during their trade mission to Indonesia.

MyCEB chief executive officer Azman Haji Tambi Chik expressed that the partnership with ASTINDO will contribute to mutually beneficial objectives for both Malaysia and Indonesia.

"The restoration of our countries' business events industry will facilitate knowledge exchange, and explore opportunities for other business cooperation."The year has started extremely well with this visit, reflecting MyCEB's commitment to international collaboration and growth."This venture has strengthened existing partnerships in addition to laying the foundation for new alliances that will shape the future of the business events industry," he added.

Azman said the goal is to collaborate with both local and international business events stakeholders, collectively strengthening Malaysia's position as a dynamic global hub for business events.

STINDO president Pauline Suharon said the MoC with MyCEB signifies a strategic step towards reinvigorating both countries' business event industries.

"With MyCEB, we look forward to generating quality leads and aim to create a dynamic and resilient ecosystem that will drive the industry's growth," she said.

Malaysia embraced a pivotal opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with deputy minister for tourism product and events Drs. Vinsensius Jemadu at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Republic of Indonesia.

The ministry expressed strong support for the collaborative efforts in building the ASEAN Business Events (BE) community between the two countries.

The ASEAN BE aims to strengthen regional ties, promote economic growth as well as enhancing the overall profile of the business events industry across Southeast Asia.

"This endorsement reflects a shared commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration and elevating the region's standing as a prominent hub for international business events activities," it added.

Furthermore, MyCEB took advantage of the occasion to meet with the Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (IECA-ASPERAPI), establishing a framework for future collaborative initiatives within the dynamic realm of international business events.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia & UITM Go Virtual To Discuss The Rise Of Millennial Travel

 

PUTRAJAYA, 8 July 2021 – Tourism Malaysia through its regional office Tourism Malaysia Central Region, conducted a webinar discussing responsible and niche tourism preferred by the millennials, the impacts faced by the tourism industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and interesting career opportunities through niche tourism products.

“Exploring Malaysia’s Niche Tourism Segment: The Rise of Millennial Travel” was held on 8^th July 2021 through the WebinarJam platform and was attended by both students and professionals of the industry. The webinar discussed the importance of promoting niche tourism products and incorporating more sustainable practices as measures towards responsible tourism, especially in preparing to restart tourism once Malaysia reaches herd immunity.

Being the most technology-driven generation today, the millennials are currently the largest group of the world’s population, at approximately 31.5% according to statista.com, making them an ideal demographic for the industry. Millennials, or Gen Y, is known to be the most educated generation especially due to the technology era, making them more aware and vocal of global issues such as climate change and sustainability.

With Tourism Malaysia’s new objective to promote Malaysia as the Top of the Mind Ecotourism Destination in the World, the webinar also discussed how the Malaysian tourism industry is now focusing on maximising the country’s existing resources through ecotourism, rural and experiential tourism, as well as enhancing niche tourism products such as birding, diving, and cycling. In addition, the webinar explored the shifting trend faced by MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions), one of the industry’s most important segments, especially after living in the new norm.

This webinar is the outcome of a collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and the Faculty of Tourism & Hotel Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. A panel of highly experienced professionals were invited as guest speakers, namely Mr Andrew Sebastian; President and Chief Executive Officer of Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), Tn. Syed Abdul Rahman Syed Hasan; Founder and Director of Kids Scuba Malaysia, and Mr Noor Ahmad Hamid; newly appointed Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

Mr Zulkifly Md Said, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, emphasised how the millennials have now become the industry’s most important marketing demographic, “The pandemic has accelerated the use of technology and digitalisation in all sectors and the tourism industry is no exemption. The millennials and the young travellers are quick to adapt to these changes, thus Tourism Malaysia realises the importance of this market segment in strategising marketing activities to rejuvenate the tourism industry.”

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia bags Most Expected MICE Destination for 2020 award from China MICE magazine

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's status as Asia's preferred destination for business events has been recognised at the 13th China meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions tourism segment (MICE) Industry Golden Chair Awards. 

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) in a statement said the country was named as the fourth in the category of Most Expected MICE Destination for 2020.

"This award aims to commend teams and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to China's MICE industry and set pioneering examples for the development of the industry there.

"The award received is highly significant in ensuring encouragement and promotion for the common progress and high-quality development of Malaysia's business events industry," it said.

MyCEB chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Khani Daud said this award is a strong testament of MyCEB's strong performance and its branding efforts in promoting Malaysia as a preferred business events destination. 

Abdul Khani said successful events of all sizes and scope have seen MyCEB repeatedly recognised for its unparalleled attributes and achievements despite the trials and tribulations 2020 has brought upon the business events industry.

"MyCEB has worked closely with the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) and Business Events Council Malaysia (BECM) to formulate MICE standard operating procedures (SOP) which was endorsed by the Malaysian government.

"To add, MyCEB has also launched the Meet in Malaysia campaign that is still ongoing until the month of December 2021 to further boost the industry and entice more international stakeholders," he said. 

The Golden Chair Award was initiated and established in 2007 by the China MICE Magazine, a leading high-end tourism and conference and exhibition publication representing China.

-nst online.

Malaysia eyes green zone regions for travel bubble plan

Nancy Shukri (middle) flanked by Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s Noor Zari Hamat (left) and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s Abdul Khani Daud at the Meet in Malaysia campaign launch

Malaysia is exploring the possibility of setting up travel bubbles with green status destinations, as opposed to countries, in efforts to spur economic growth in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister of tourism, arts and culture, Nancy Shukri, said the travel bubbles may not involve Malaysia as a whole but only select green zones within the country with other foreign destinations that are also green zones.

She added that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture will have its first meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 27 to identify the green zones in foreign destinations that could collaborate with Malaysia on the proposed travel bubbles.

“The proposal to hold a travel bubble with these countries is based on the potential of the market to contribute to overall economic growth, including trade activities, business, business travellers and the influx of foreign tourists, as well as significant short-term tourism income contribution to the country,” she said at a press conference on Friday, after launching the Meet in Malaysia campaign.

During the campaign launch, Nancy also shared that the ministry is looking at the possibility of creating travel bubbles with green zone regions in Australia, Brunei, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

She added: “Its implementation is subject to bilateral discussions with paramount consideration on the aspects of health, immigration, data tracking and continuous monitoring by respective agencies concerned in both countries.”

Nancy stressed that nothing had been finalised and no timeline has been determined for the creation of these travel bubbles.

-TTG Asia.

The Future of Business Events in Malaysia - Tuesday Talk Live ( 5 May 2020 )

TuesdayTalk LIVE - tomorrow at 10.00am!

The 5th edition of TuesdayTalk LIVE tomorrow, this time in collaboration with MACEOS, will be discussing the Future of Business Events in Malaysia, with speakers from different states in Malaysia, including Dato’ Sri Abdul Khani Bin Daud, CEO of Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

Tune in as our speakers share their market outlook and trends of the Business Events industry in Malaysia and their plans for business recovery.

Set your calendar reminders, this webinar is not to be missed. See you tomorrow!

Join here:
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85856496191
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0XM-KQk4JWd-PIN1KaZScA

-Place Borneo MICE Management.

MyCEB to lead Malaysian delegation to IBTM World 2019

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 -- Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) will be leading a Malaysian delegation to the IBTM World 2019 in Barcelona, Spain from Nov 19-21 to attract more corporate meeting and incentive group to the country.

In a statement today, MyCEB said the delegation will include Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Sabah International Convention Centre.

MyCEB chief executive officer Datuk Zulkefli Sharif said he will share new products and developments available in Malaysia that would enhance the country’s offerings to the business events industry as well as entice event planners and organisers to hold their meetings, corporate and incentives groups, conferences and exhibitions.

“I firmly believe that IBTM World has always been and will continue to be a strategic platform for us as it is one of the avenues that opens up to the European and international market.

“While 2018 recorded an overwhelming total of 152 secured business events contributing around 118,735 number of delegates, raking in a notable RM1.58 billion in estimated economic impact to the country, it is a good indication that Malaysia is getting a stronger hold of the business events industry,” he added.

MyCEB is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Meanwhile, MyCEB said Malaysia will introduce 10 new hotels by December this year, 11 hotels in 2020 and two hotels in 2022 to cater to business travellers.

-bernama.

https://www.myceb.com.my

MyCEB secures 301 business events worth RM3.9 bln in economic impact

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 -- The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has clinched 301 business events between 2019 and 2028 with an estimated economic impact of RM3.9 billion in the first half of the year.

In a statement, MyCEB, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the business events are expected to draw 570,741 delegates, including 208,555 international delegates.

Among the winning bids are the University of Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS 2019), 7th Asia Pacific Urban Forum (APUF 7) 2019, 19th East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) Teachers’ Conference (ETC 2021), and Conference of International Society of Travel Medicine (CISTM 2021).

Meanwhile, for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM 2020), Malaysia has lined up 37 business events as of July 2019 with an anticipated convergence of more than 44,600 delegates, primarily from the healthcare, telecommunications, science and technology industries.

MyCEB, together with its industry partners, has secured an impressive record of 1,100 international business events over the last eight years, comprising international conferences, corporate meetings, incentive travels and trade exhibitions which have substantially contributed an estimated economic impact of RM8.5 billion to the country.

-bernama.

More business events means more business travellers to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- More business events held in Malaysia means more business travellers to the country, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik.

He said events like Malaysia Business Events Week (MBEW) 2019 organised by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) was in line with the ministry's aspiration of achieving 30 million tourist arrivals in 2020.

He said business travellers and international delegates coming here for seminars and conferences tended to stay longer as well, as they had more spending power compared with ordinary travellers.

The term 'bleisure' (a portmanteau of business and leisure) is used to describe this new type of business travel, as the travellers tend to continue with their stay after the events.

"They spend more time to experience the cities of Malaysia, they have more spending power on our local products...they are normally high-end tourists," he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama after officiating at the event, here, today. Also present was MyCEB chief executive officer, Datuk Zulkefli Sharif.

Muhammad Bakhtiar said Malaysia had the ability to become a business events destination with advantages like having world-class facilities and services, a variety of accommodation, unique locations and a solid track record of hosting numerous significant business events.

MBEW is held annually and it is a strategic platform built for industry stakeholders to converge, communicate and debate on issues that impact the future growth and sustainability of the business events industry.

Meanwhile, Zulkefli said since MyCEB's inception until 2018, it had successfully secured more than 1,100 international events, generating some RM 8.5 billion in estimated economic impact to Malaysia.

"Last year alone, MyCEB and our industry partners managed to secure 152 future events comprising international conferences, incentive group programmes and trade exhibitions that will translate into an estimated economic impact of RM1.58 billion and the arrival of 102,211 international delegates.

“It is a business to be taken seriously as its contribution to the country is significant and it complements the knowledge and creative economy,” he said.

-bernama.

Global chefs to cook up a storm in KL next year

image: Worldchefs - Association of Chefs facebook

In July 2018, chefs from 105 countries will convene in Kulala Lumpur for the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2018 to address food trends and share thoughts on food culture from around the world.

Organised by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs), the four-day event, themed Asia on a Plate, will begin on July 11. It is expected to attract over 1,000 attendees and generate an estimated RM11 million (US$2.6 million) in economic impact.

Speaking at a press conference, Zulkefli Sharif, CEO of Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), described the congress as the ideal platform for Malaysia to further showcase its unique cuisine influences and expertise to the world.

He added: “Worldchefs Congress & Expo perfectly highlights Malaysia’s exceptional appeal as a global food destination. We hope our local chefs will take this enticing opportunity to network with like-minded industry players, gain insights and ideas on the latest food technology and trends, as well as share best practices with their counterparts from all over the world."

Previously held in European and Nordic countries, Malaysia is the second country in South-east Asia to host this congress. It was last in this region in 1990, in Singapore where some 700 delegates were in attendance.

The congress bid placed by MyCEB and local organiser Professional Culinaire Association was announced to be a successful one at the 2014 Worldchefs Congress in Stavanger, Norway.

-TTG Asia.
https://www.worldchefs2018.org/

First WTM Connect Asia plugs the gap for Malaysia

The inaugural edition of WTM Connect Asia in Penang next month aims to connect South-east Asian sellers to international buyers, and plugs the gap for Malaysia in having a branded travel trade show at last.

An offshoot of World Travel Market, the three-day event will be held from May 18. The first will showcase more than 50 exhibitors and 75 hosted buyers, according to organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions. The opening will be held at E&O Hotel Penang while business meetings will be at Straits Quay Convention Centre in Penang.

Zulkefli Sharif, CEO of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), said: “This show is important for Malaysia as we don’t have a travel trade show of international standard. It also provides an opportunity for South-east Asian sellers to meet with international buyers without having to travel far.”

MyCEB is targeting an economic impact of around RM15 million (US$3.8 million) from the three-day event and a total international spend of RM7.7 million.

Buyer breakdown is as follows: 40 per cent from Asia-Pacific, 20 per cent from Europe, 10 per cent from Middle East and Africa, and the rest from North America and Latin America. The show will also host a number of key outbound Chinese leisure travel buyers, providing more business opportunities for exhibitors targeting the Chinese market.

Show highlights will include pre-scheduled business meetings onsite, numerous networking opportunities, as well as speeches by Azran Osman Rani, former CEO of AirAsia X, and Jamling Tenzing Norgay, Sherpa Everest Climber, mountain guide, motivational speaker and author of Touching My Father’s Soul.

This show is supported by Ministry of Tourism and Culture, MyCEB and Penang’s state tourism.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia one of the world’s best for business tourism

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been recognised as one of the top 10 best international destinations for business tourism.

The award was bestowed at the Ninth China MICE Industry Golden Chair Awards ceremony in Beijing. (MICE is the acronym for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.)

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) chief executive officer Datuk Zulkefli Sharif said the award was testament to the nation’s capabilities and expertise in hosting business events on a global scale.

“It is an achievement to be proud of,” he said in a statement.

Throughout last year, MyCEB hosted many large international conferences, exhibitions, meetings and incentives groups.

“China is one of the top markets for corporate meetings and incentives, contributing 25% of this sector’s arrivals.

“Last year, Malaysia welcomed the Perfect China Incentive & Travel Seminar group that brought in 6,000 participants and the Infinitus Jiyang Overseas Training trip that saw some 4,800 participants,” said Zulkefli.

He added that getting the award in China was particularly meaningful, given the close bilateral ties between the countries.

Last year, MyCEB supported 214 business events – 78 conventions, 112 corporate meetings/incentives and 24 trade exhibitions – in Malaysia.

These events accounted for 108,105 international delegates and raked in RM825mil in visitor expenditure.

They also created an economic impact of RM1.3bil.

The China MICE Industry Golden Chair Awards is an authoritative award granted by MICE Magazine to commend hotels, destinations, airline companies and travel agencies.

Winners of the award are selected by trade reputation and reader feedback, and evaluated by a panel of experts from November 2015 until January 2016.

-thestar online.