PICC receive recognition as the PICC meets the certification requirements of the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard (Exhibition Venue) for the "Peringkat Kebangsaan" 2026–2028

 

A Proud Achievement for PICC!

We are truly honoured and grateful to receive recognition from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), as the PICC meets the certification requirements of the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard (Exhibition Venue) for the "Peringkat Kebangsaan" 2026–2028.

This achievement reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards in venue facilities and services while supporting Malaysia’s growing MICE industry. We extend our sincere appreciation to MOTAC, our valued partners, stakeholders and the entire PICC team for their continuous trust and support.

This recognition inspires us to strive for greater excellence, continuously improve our services and deliver better experiences for every event and client we serve.

Committed to Excellence, Driven by Continuous Improvement.

-Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

New Penang waterfront mall to boost business events and tourism

 

GEORGE TOWN: The new shopping centre at Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) will complement the area's mixed-use development, supporting business and tourism without creating a retail glut. 

IJM Perennial Development director Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung said the retail component is part of an integrated project including a convention centre, offices and hotels, and is not intended to compete with existing malls. 

"This shopping mall is integrated with the convention centre, offices and hotel, and functions as a catalyst by providing amenities to support the overall development and surrounding area," he told reporters after accompanying Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on a visit to the PWCC. 

Ling said concerns over an oversupply of shopping malls often depend on location and planning, but the PWCC development serves a specific complementary role. 

"For this development, it will not create an issue of a glut. It has a clear purpose in supporting the mixed-use environment and the activities generated by the convention centre," he added. 

The PWCC, which began operations in October last year, is expected to strengthen Penang's position as a leading business and tourism destination in northern Peninsular Malaysia.

The shopping mall, office spaces and hotel are scheduled for completion by mid-year, enhancing the overall functionality and appeal of the waterfront precinct. 

Ling declined to reveal the anchor tenant but said the mall would host new brands from Malaysia and overseas, with details to be announced closer to its opening in April. 

Meanwhile Chow said that Penang's convention and tourism sector recorded strong growth in recent years, with the estimated economic impact from related activities exceeding RM1 billion last year, benefiting industries such as transportation, retail, hospitality and supply chains. 

"With the addition of PWCC, the state expects this economic contribution to rise significantly by 2026," he said. 

Chow also said with its blend of modernity and heritage, supported by a robust hospitality industry, Penang has emerged as a highly sought-after destination for business and tourism.

-nst online.

Book Your Meeting & Seminar Packages @ Putrajaya, Malaysia

 

Don't miss out on our latest exclusive deal for meeting and seminar packages.

Explore various venues like upscale five-star hotels, a top-tier equestrian park, a prestigious convention center, or a scenic lakeside settings. Starting from only RM60 per person, we guarantee a stress-free and memorable event for your meeting, seminar, or conference.

Reach out to us now for more details!

-Pulse Group.

SICC breaks Asian record with its buffet of 870 cuisines from 55 countries

 

Sabah Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag (right) presenting a certificate of recognition to SICC chief executive officer Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki (centre) as Asia Book of Records official adjudicator, Evelyn Kuppa looks on. Pic by Paul Mu.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) chief executive officer Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki recently earned a mention in the Asia Book of Records for curating 870 different types of traditional, local, and international cuisines from 55 countries in one setting.

She achieved this feat with the Ramadan Dinner Buffet 2024, themed a 'Taste of the World' held from March 15 to April 9 at the convention centre.

She received a certificate of recognition from Sabah Chief Minister's wife, Datin Seri Juliah Salag for her achievement.

The record is under the category of preparing and displaying maximum dishes of international cuisines at the SICC, which was carried out on Thursday.

Juliah also presented certificates to all members of the SICC banquet team.

The remarkable accomplishment was confirmed by Asia Book of Records' official adjudicator, Evelyn Kuppa.

Rosmawati said the SICC initiated the diverse buffet spread in 2021 with a theme 'Selera Kampung' during the movement control order to ensure people could break their fast with a variety of food.

The number of cuisines expanded the following year with the theme 'The Taste of Asian'. "After that, we asked what is next? That is how the idea to curate the taste of the world came about," she said.

Setting a target to cater for 1,600 people every night, they offered diners a wide selection of cuisine to choose from. Rosmawati said mutton, satay and Chinese cuisine were always the most sought after dishes.

The record-setting endeavour was led by SICC director of Food and Beverage operations and chef, Mohd Firdaus Mohd Izhar and his team of 70 culinary experts.

"We hope that one day, Sabah will be a place for culinary tourism. That is our long-term goal,"said Rosmawati. She said with such an extensive array of dishes, diners are advised to eat slowly as the buffet was open from 5pm to 10pm.

"Our objective is to provide a place for people to gather with family and friends, as well as an opportunity for corporations to treat their staff and network with other companies. "SICC aims to promote the harmony of the state through food," she said.

-nst online.

Swissotel to rise in Genting Highlands

 

Accor will debut the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts brand in Malaysia for the first time come 3Q2028, with the property marked for King’s Park up on Malaysia’s Genting Highlands.

King’s Park, a development by Highlands ParkCity, in partnership with Crowne Estate Malaysia and Yuk Tung Group, will span 60.7 hectares and pack in a wide variety of retail shops, restaurants, convention centres, tourist attractions, entertainment outlets, hotels and amenities.

Swissôtel Genting Highlands will boast elegant rooms, all-day dining options, executive lounges, bars, as well as contemporary conference facilities, and a grand ballroom. The 300-key property will also come complete with a heated swimming pool, sundeck, fitness centre, spa, scenic jogging tracks and a kids’ club.

Guests at the 30-story building can enjoy unblocked views of the stunning mountains and the Genting Highlands summit, located just a 15-minute drive away.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on April 19, Sean Chen, COO, Crowne Estate Malaysia, said: “It is a huge step forward for Highlands ParkCity and Crowne Estate Malaysia in their goal to make King’s Park an eco-friendly tourist and destination hub for people all over the world.”

Garth Simmons, CEO, Accor for South & South-east Asia, Japan, South Korea and India, said: “The signing of Swissôtel Genting Highlands in one of the most popular destinations in the country for locals and tourists alike, further strengthens Accor’s leading position in Malaysia’s hospitality industry.”

-TTG Asia.

Johor’s Desaru Coast throws open its doors

Malaysia’s much-anticipated integrated destination resort of Desaru Coast officially threw open its doors last week, in a launch ceremony presided by the sultan of Johor, Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

Held at the Desaru Coast Conference Centre, the launch was witnessed by the chief minister of Johor, Sahruddin bin Jamal and Ahmad Pardas Senin, chairman of Desaru Development Holdings One (DH1), the master developer of Desaru Coast, as well as other dignitaries.

Roslina Arbak, CEO of DH1, said in a statement: “With the Visit Malaysia 2020 and Visit Johor 2020 campaigns, Desaru Coast is prepared to collaborate and partner with various stakeholders in pursuit of a common goal to provide a well-rounded, end-to-end spectrum of guest experiences. That is Desaru Coast’s commitment to the wider tourism ecosystem.”

In conjunction with the official launch ceremony, Desaru Coast also hosted the inaugural edition of the Ombak Festival (July 5-7). The Ombak Festival will be an annual event with specially curated activities including culture, music and food that highlight homegrown talent and products, and showcase local expertise and creativity.

-TTG Asia.
https://desarucoast.com/

Kota Kinabalu Port area to get tourism boost

Liew: The development of such magnitude will also spur the state’s economic status

through the creation of employment opportunities."

KOTA KINABALU: The old Kota Kinabalu (KK) Port area is set for a facelift with mega-development projects that will boost the tourism industry.

According to Suria Capital Holdings Bhdgroup managing director Ng Kiat Min, the ongoing and planned developments are estimated to be worth billions of ringgit.

The projects included the 15-acre Sabah International Convention Centre, the Kota Kinabalu Convention City (8.33 acres), Jesselton Quay (16.25 acres) and the One Jesselton Waterfront (seven acre).

Also in the planning stage are the International Cruise Terminal (ICT) and a ferry terminal, according to Ng, who is also Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd managing director.

She said this after making a courtesy call on the Deputy Chief Minister and State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew here on Sunday.

Given the KK Port area’s strategic location fronting the South China Sea against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Kinabalu, Ng said: “The upcoming developments would definitely woo more domestic and overseas visitors.”

On the proposed ICT development, she said it would be based on a low-density, low-rise model to preserve the water feature and minimise the environmental impact.

For connectivity, she noted that the proposed ICT and other developments within the KK Port land would be integrated and linked by a boardwalk featuring shops, eateries, amusement centres and lodgings.

“To make way for the proposed ICT, plans are underway for the construction of a new terminal in Sapanggar Bay for the relocation of the general cargo operations at the existing KK Port,” Ng pointed out.

The new facility may be known as the Sapanggar Bay conventional cargo terminal, she added.

According to Ng, the developments would collectively be known as the Jesselton Waterfront City (JWC), whereby “the projects would complement each other and transform the KK Port area into an integrated world-class waterfront destination.”

Other new attractions expected upon completion of the mega-projects are multi-storey commercial suites, a tropical-themed beach club, city pads, retail shops, hotel towers, malls and serviced suites.

During Ng’s courtesy call on Liew, matters pertaining to ways the state government and the company can work together were also discussed.

Liew said: “It is exciting to learn that JWC is designed to create a modern and friendly atmosphere for people to work, play, shop, dine.”

She was also interested in the realisation of the proposed ICT within the JWC.

The ICT is well-positioned to capitalise on the potential of elevating the KK waterfront area to the status of a major transportation and tourist hub.

Liew said the ICT’s integration with commercial development can be a tourist destination by itself, so the focus should be on promoting attractions for those seeking leisure, recreational activities and cultural experiences.

“The development of such magnitude will also spur the state’s economic status through the creation of employment opportunities and higher spending.”

Liew is also looking forward to collaborations between her ministry and Suria Capital in efforts to drive Sabah’s tourism development to new heights.

Kota Kinabalu has been a port of call to over 40 cruise ships since the 1970s.

-thestar online.

https://www.sabahtourism.com

I-City opens first convention centre

SHAH ALAM: I-City launches its first-ever convention centre as part of its RM3bil tourism expansion masterplan for the development.

This provides a platform for residents and foreign visitors to organise weddings, meetings and events at the convention centre, which is large enough to hold up to 1,000 guests (banquet-seating style) and 2,000 guests (theatre-seating style).

Located at Central Walk in i-City itself, the convention centre has a total gross area of 0.18ha (20,000sq ft) with three halls and 6,500 car park bays.

“Under the Tourism Masterplan, we have the i-City theme park, which started some 10 years ago and a shopping centre, which is scheduled to open next year.

“We will also have three hotels, two more convention centres and a medical wellness hub,” said I-Berhad deputy chairman Datuk Eu Hong Chew during the launching ceremony.

Eu added that with the official opening yesterday, they would be able to package the convention centre, theme park and the hotel as a MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination.

Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said MICE was an important sub-sector of the tourism market.

“I’m always excited to attend launches and events related to tourism, which have an impact on the country’s economy,” said Muhammad Bakhtiar.

He added that with MICE packages, it would attract more business tourism as visitors, especially foreigners, were more inclined to extend their stay or return with their family to explore the country further.

-thestar online.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre makes sound investment in event experience

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has invested RM1.8 million (US$430,221) on 190 new digital speakers and digital audio processors to raise the quality of event experiences at the Malaysian city’s main business event centre.

Norbiha Ismail, the centre’s AV manager, said in a press release: “The investment reflects our commitment to continuously upgrade as a means to enriching the client experience and to stay ahead of the curve in today’s increasingly technology-driven world. The digital speakers will facilitate clearer projection of voice and sound due to better audio distribution while the digital audio processors will result in increased audio performance.
 

“The digital audio processors are specialised microprocessors that have been optimised for the fast operational needs of digital signal processing. With this, our clients are assured their audio requests will be smooth and accurate. In addition, digitalising will improve our monitoring and control mechanism and in turn, help increase productivity levels.”
 

The 190 new digital speakers and digital audio processors are located in the plenary theatre, plenary hall, conference halls 1, 2 and 3, banquet hall and ballrooms 1 and 2. All audio processors in the exhibition halls have also transitioned to digital with the existing speakers maintained in analog format.
 

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has reported strong performance in the first half of 2015, having hosted 661 events with a total 778,414 delegates and visitors. These events generated RM264 million for the Malaysian economy.

-TTG Asia.

LICC kicks off a busy first year, raises Langkawi's MICE appeal

photo: Langkawi International Convention Centre facebook

The new Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC) has secured 10 regional conferences in its first year of operations as well as played host to high profile events such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting in March and the ASEAN Leaders Summit in April, since its opening on March 1.

LICC features pillarless function rooms that are equipped with high-end audiovisual facilities such as Bose sound systems, and offers plenty of natural daylight at its foyer areas. The grand ballroom has a capacity for 1,000 people in a banquet setting and can be partitioned into three smaller spaces. Seven meeting rooms ranging from 21m² to 1660m² in size make LICC ideal for international conferences, product launches and fashion shows.

Events with overseas participants are well supported by a variety of accommodation options close by. LICC sits adjacent to The Westin Langkawi and is also managed by the hotel. Hotels located a short drive away include St Regis Langkawi which is slated to open in November, Bayview Hotel Langkawi, Adya Hotel Langkawi and Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort Langkawi.
 

Ganneesh Ramaa, manager of Luxury Tours Malaysia, said: “Meeting delegates will have plenty of accommodation options. LICC will also complement Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre and put Langkawi on the map as a MICE destination.”
 

Saini Vermeulen, executive director of Within Earth Holidays, believes that LICC’s record of hosting high profile events will “make it easier for us to market Langkawi” to corporate clients and conference organisers.
 

“The fact that the new LICC, with its state-of-the-art facilities, has handled high profile events will give confidence to meeting planners and MICE organisers that Langkawi is (capable). Planners interested in holding an event in Malaysia now has another option,” Vermeulen commented.
 

He added: “Also, Langkawi has the required tourism infrastructure such as attractions and restaurants to support the leisure components of a convention programme.”

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia Traditional Show @ Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC)

 

45 Minutes Showcase of Malaysia Traditional Dance.

 

Deluxe Package

 

Traditional Show + Lunch

Adult : RM80.00 nett

Child : RM40.00 nett (6-12 years old)

 

Standard Package

 

Traditional Show

Adult : RM50.00 nett

Child : RM25.00 nett (6-12 years old)

 

For reservation : +603 8887 6000

-www.picc.com.my

Setia City Convention Centre sets sights on regional business

Less than two years since it first opened its doors, Setia City Convention Centre is expanding its focus from the domestic market to regional business.

Convention centre head, Francis Teo, said the convention centre is working with DMCs, PCOs, and event management companies to attract more regional business. “We’re targeting regional meeting organisers who are looking for a venue away from the traffic and distractions in the capital city, and yet, providing easy access to the city with good roads and highways.”

Its location, just off the New Klang Valley Expressway in Shah Alam, means the townships of Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and Klang are all within a 15-minute drive. Setia is also within a 45-minute drive to Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

The two-storey convention centre was launched in 2012 but opened to public bookings only last year, with an inventory consisting of a pillar-less ballroom for 180 tables that can be divided into three parts, eight meeting rooms including two that can accommodate up to 200 pax in theatre-style, three VIP rooms, and three AV rooms that can double up as interpretation booths. 

The convention centre will also appeal to environmentally conscious companies, boasting green element such as rainwater harvesting, solar panelling to generate electricity, and 21 parking bays with chargers for electric cars.

Said Teo: “We provide a venue option for companies wishing to minimise their impact on the environment and their carbon footprint.”

Setia City Convention Centre has so far confirmed three regional meetings, of which two will be held in September, namely the 1,500-pax AIA Regional Life Planners Congress, and 500-pax GD Express regional conference. The third meeting, an annual convention by Reapfield, will be in March for 500 delegates from across South-east Asia.

-TTG Asia.

PICC Promotes Local Food Through 'Feast Of Malaysia @ PICC' This August

PUTRAJAYA, June 17 (Bernama) -- The Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) is organising a 'Feast of Malaysia @ PICC' in conjunction with the independence day celebrations this year, offering the experience of traditional local foods.

PICC Chief Executive Officer, Badlishah Ahmad said the promotion which begins Aug 29 until 31, will be held at the PICC foyer and expected to draw 200,000 visitors.

"Chef Wan has been appointed special consultant to monitor and supervise the various programmes drawn up for the event which is being held for the first time here," he said in a media conference which was also attended by Datuk Ridzuawan Ismail or Chef Wan here Tuesday.

He said about 200 stalls would be set up for traders to supply traditional foodstuffs as well as sell food products, equipment and utensils. He said among the stalls put up during the three-day event was Chef Wan's Corner which offered visitors the opportunity to enjoy a special menu prepared by the noted Chef as well as a taste corner for visitors to sample local dishes.

Badlishah said among the activities were cooking demonstrations by noted local chefs like Chef Zam and Chef Florence who would demonstrate dishes from the different states in Malaysia as well as their own special creations. "Other activities include cooking competitions, talks by food experts, dinner buffets and a fireworks display on the eve of independence day, as well as cultural shows," he said.

Meanwhile, Chef Wan hoped that promotions such as this would attract foreign and local tourists in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2014. "All the time I conducted cooking programmes overseas, I noticed that our local foods were well-accepted throughout the world," he said.
-bernama.

Putrajaya International Convention Centre aims higher

The management of Putrajaya International Convention Centre, a 25-30 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, is actively seeking more international corporate business and aims to turn the centre into a renowned venue for international congresses, conferences and meetings.

The centre’s CEO, Badlishah Ahmad, said key international target markets are Greater China, regional markets, Europe and the US, and to achieve global reach PICC will join the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau in its overseas trade show participation.

Badlishah said China is on PICC’s radar due to good air connectivity and friendly bilateral relations between the two governments, which will result in government-led events.

He added: “With Putrajaya being the administrative capital of the nation and PICC’s convenient location, the centre will be a natural choice for meetings, conferences and congresses. “We can comfortably accommodate mega events of up to 8,000 delegates. We are the biggest conference and congress facility in the country and the only facility with a Head of State room for 180 pax.”

So far, the centre has secured one event from China this year. The International Chinese Film Festival, to be held from May 5 to 8, is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates from China, said Badlishah.

To capture more business from China, the centre will work closely with event specialists strong in the market. Badlishah added: “We are not just a venue provider, we can also assist with arrangements within Putrajaya for tours, transportation, hotels and entrance fees. We act as a one-stop centre.”

-TTG Asia.

Lanyards, Handphone Pouches Of Sarawak Beads For Atf Delegates

KUCHING, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Sarawak beads crafter and entrepreneur Susananne Lee Min Lih, 24, had her hands full of beads, literally, as she strove in her handicraft shop at Ewe Hai Street to ensure that one thousand lanyards and one thousand handphone pouches made of the tiny decorative objects are completed by January 16.

She explained that her mother, Florence Sujang, who is noted for her skills in traditional beads craft had received an order for the items, which would be presented as souvenirs to delegates of the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2014 to be held from Jan 16 until Jan 23 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

"The six of us, that is, my mother, myself, my sister and three aunties started making them last month," she told Bernama here. Susananne, an Iban-Chinese, said each of them could make about 20 lanyards and 10 handphone pouches a day.

"It is not that difficult to complete a lanyard if one is already skilled. But for the handphone pouch, one must be patient and meticulous in the task that would take longer to finish," she said, adding, she learned the trade at the age of seven. She said orders for such items had kept pouring in: "On one occasion, we received 5,000 for lanyards, for a function in Kuala Lumpur".

For Florence, a mother of five who hails from Kampung Tenggelam, Simunjan, about 150 kilometres from Kuching, the expertise that she inherited from her mother "ought to be handed down to the children so that it would be preserved and not disappear".

Meanwhile, the ATF 2014 is expected to be attended by tourism ministers from Asean countries, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Their dialogue partners, China, Japan, Korea, India, Russia and Brazil as well as 1,600 delegates are expected to participate in the international forum.
-bernama.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Announces New General Manager

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 January 2014 – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) has announced the appointment of Alan Pryor as General Manager Designate of the technologically-advanced, purpose-built facility.

Pryor takes over from Datuk Peter Brokenshire who retires at the end of March 2014 after 11 years with the Centre, which included spearheading the setting-up and opening of venue in 2005.

Joining the Centre in 2011 as Deputy General Manager, Pryor was responsible for the day-to-day operation including management of the audio-visual and technical services, catering, event co-ordination and exhibition services as well as international, regional and local promotional activities.

Pryor’s experience before the Centre was as Director of Operations at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) where he worked from pre-opening in 1997 for 10½ years. During his time at Durban ICC, he also oversaw the opening of the Arena extension. Shortly before moving to Malaysia, Pryor was lead consultant of the Architectural Department of the Municipality of Durban City on its Priority Zone development which included the Durban ICC and Arena, as well as consulting on several conference facility projects.

A respected industry professional, Pryor’s introduction to the hospitality industry began in 1978, in London, England, which involved experience at numerous hotels before moving to the Exhibition and Conference sector at the Kensington Exhibition Centre and the Connaught Rooms between 1986 and 1993. He then moved to Durban’s The Royal Hotel for four years before joining the pre-opening team of the city’s International Convention Centre.

-http://www.klccconventioncentre.com/default.aspx

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre upgrades IT infrastructure

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is investing RM7.5 million (US$2.3 million) over the course of the next year on four technology projects as part of its ongoing effort to improve service delivery.

The four projects include upgrading the data centre backbone infrastructure to 10 Gigabytes, introducing a digital walkie-talkie system, implementing an IP (Internet Protocol) CCTV system and improving the virtualised server environment for the data centre.

According to the centre’s IT manager, Richard Soo, the data centre infrastructure will pre-empt any future bottlenecks in Internet connectivity and usage, as well as provide team members with better monitoring and control mechanisms, which will help increase productivity levels.

“To provide guests with better security we are also improving our capabilities through the upgrades of the walkie talkie and CCTV systems. The former will increase our coverage area to ensure there are minimal ‘blind spots’. This will ensure better communication between our team members, which will help to provide a more responsive service for our guests.

“The latter will expand our video surveillance capabilities with better quality video coverage at more locations throughout the venue giving client’s added peace of mind,” said Soo.
-TTG Asia.

KLCC Sets Record As First To Receive ICCA Best PR Award

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) has set a benchmark as the first convention centre in the world to receive the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Best PR Award.

According to its media release made available to Bernama today, the KLCC bagged the award at the 52nd ICCA Congress 2013 held in Shanghai, China recently.

According to a statement, the win was attributed to the KLCC's strong story-telling, high visibility coverage and brand consistency through their public relations (PR) and media efforts.

Editorial Advisory Board of International Meetings Review (IMR) chairman Martin Lewis said it was the centre's measurement methodology and consistent creativity which won the day.

KLCC general manager Datuk Peter Brokenshire dedicated the award to the centre's team and support agency whose efforts and strategic approach contributed to the achievement.

"With a field of over 1,000 member organisations from over 90 countries eligible for the award, we are ecstatic that the hard work, dedication and persistence of entire team, now has been recognised and rewarded," he said.

The ICCA Best PR Award recognises exceptional PR performance by ICCA members.
-bernama.

Tourism: PM Wants Langkawi To Be Among Best In World

LANGKAWI, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today he is committed to developing the island of Langkawi as a tourist destination of the world to the ultimate level.

He said that to achieve this, it required investments in Langkawi and big brands to attract more high-class travellers. "It is time to continue (former prime minister) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's mission on Langkawi. We have achieved much...But we have to bring it to the ultimate level.

"We need a few anchor investments...top class brands to be in Langkawi. A game changer... To bring Langkawi to be on par with Bali, Monaco and other places, what we call nautical holiday destinations... Luxury! That is the concept...we want Langkawi to be among the best in the world," he said.

Najib said this when performing the ground-breaking ceremony of the Hotel St. Regis Langkawi & Langkawi International Convention Centre here. Also present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Rajawali Group chairman Tan Sri Peter Sondakh and Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli.

Najib said when he launched the Langkawi Blue Print in 2011, the goal was to draw three million tourists a year by 2015 but for this year the number had already reached 3.6 million. "But we need high end tourists as well...Who can spend and spread the word that Langkawi is among the best in the world," he said.

Therefore, he said, when completed in 2015, the nautical resort comprising integrated St. Regis Langkawi, which has 84 rooms and 11 villas, and the iconic and beautiful LICC would impact not only on Langkawi but Malaysia as a whole.

He said he also hoped that when the two facilities were completed, they could be used for the 2015 Asean summit due to be held in April that year. "(I) Look forward to this investment.. 15 months is a very tight schedule...Asean summit here in Langkawi...Free publicity...Free airtime... Aiming for the April deadline," he added.
-bernama.

MyCEB Expects RM55.8 Million Economic Impact From IDA 2013

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) expects an economic impact of RM55.8 million from the International Dragon Award 2013 (IDA 2013).

The four-day event begin here on Aug 15 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). An annual meeting, it is the world's largest gathering to honour Chinese finance and insurance professionals.

MyCEB Chief Executive Officer Zulkefli Sharif said with the participation of more than 5,000 delegates, IDA 2013 would contribute positively towards strengthening Malaysia's stature as a leading business event destination within the region.

"This is in line with Malaysia's positioning as 'Asia's Business Events Hub'. "Business events have also been included as part of the nation's Economic Transformation Programme (ETP)," he told a press conference here today.

Zulkefli said IDA 2013 was an excellent opportunity for the local insurance players to come together with their international counterparts and elevate the sector. "Malaysia's insurance sector accounts for around six per cent of the financial sector assets, led by life insurance.

"Under the ETP, Malaysia intends to increase its life insurance penetration to four per cent of the gross domestic product or 75 per cent of the population by 2020," he added.

Zulkefli said by Malaysia hosting conventions and conferences, the country can generate about RM20 billion in economic impact by year-end, which is a 10 per cent increase when compared to the RM18.2 billion in 2012.

"Last year, we welcomed more than 120,000 delegates to our events. This year, we are expecting 190,000 delegates," he added.
-bernama.
www.myceb.com.my