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MCA-JAN-FEB-18-EBOOK

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DESTINATION | MALAYSIA JAN-FEB 2018 29 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com Kuala Lumpur – a highly-developed capital city and regional business hub – has always been the destination of choice for international meetings and events in Malaysia. But with research showing that the business events industry could add over RM3.9b (US$955m) to gross national income, the country is Words Brooke Thio WHY GO? A slew of new facilities and support programmes marks the competitive Southeast Asian country's move to develop its MICE capabilities in regions beyond Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's new moves is slated to open by 2019, adding over 13,000sqm of meeting and exhibition space to the region. In May last year, Sabah hosted its largest incentive group from China, a 3,500-member delegation from Nanjing Joymain Sci & Tech Development LTD ( JM). Similarly, in the first half of 2017, Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) brought in 40 business events that attracted about 13,000 delegates. "We've had bold brand campaigns, such as Redefining Global Tribes where we highlight the tribal values of Sarawak and how it is capable to drive the impact of business events to construct a stronger and globally diverse economy," said Amelia Roziman, COO, SCB. "Our business events community is made up of impassioned people whose products and services are bursting with creativity, stories and authenticity." swiftly diversifying its MICE offerings to compete against neighbours like Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. The progress has been remarkable: in December 2016, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) launched a Business Events Roadmap, which laid the groundwork for the country's MICE development through 2020. It has also launched several initiatives to grow the industry. "Our main goal is to compete effectively in the international arena and play a paramount role in the country's economic progress. This is successfully harnessed through events like Malaysia Business Events Week where we continuously lead the way in championing Malaysia's business events sector through our sessions and innovative programme pipeline," said Datuk Zulkefli Hj. Sharif, CEO, MyCEB, at the 3rd MBEW in September 2017. Regions moving towards MICE Long-established leisure hotspots like Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak are also seeing impressive new facilities, and support programmes for business events provided by regional convention bureaus. In Kota Kinabalu, the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) Above: The sustainably designed Borneo Convention Centre; Right: Amelia Roziman, COO of the Sarawak Convention Bureau "Our main goal is to compete effectively in the international arena and play a paramount role ..." – DATUK ZULKEFLI HJ. SHARIF, CEO, MYCEB

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