Interview
New vision for Malaysia as a meetings hub
CEO OF MALAYSIA ’ S NATIONAL CONVENTION BUREAU , MYCEB , AZMAN HAJI TAMBI CHIK , TALKS TO
CMW ABOUT THE COUNTRY ’ S STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPING ITS MICE BUSINESS
I n your new role as the CEO of MyCEB , what is your vision for Malaysia as a a premium business events , destination ? We are calibrating with our neighbouring countries to be our own ‘ Event Manager ’ to create homegrown events . We ’ re seeing a lot of international organisers bringing their events to Malaysia , which we certainly appreciate , but we ’ re taking this further to create business events internally – to fill the calendar .
Recently , we just had Defence Services Asia ( DSA ) & National Security Asia ( NATSEC ) 2024 exhibitions at MITEC , Kuala Lumpur , which showed Malaysia ’ s prominence in the global defence and security arenas . So , I believe Malaysia has this opportunity to become a hub , the best hub , in South East Asia for business events .
Sustainability is an integral part of all events these days , so what is MyCEB doing in terms of contributing or helping each region of Malaysia achieve their sustainable goals ? We certainly give priority to sustainability activities . Now we are working closely with the government
Above : Azman Haji Tambi Chik , MyCEB
and with Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers ( MACEOS ), to deliver our sustainability programme in all regions , especially with key event venues in Kuala Lumpur , Sarawak , Penang and Sabah . We ’ re supporting the global Net Zero Carbon Events initiative – urging our regional partners to integrate sustainable practices , offering awareness and training programmes for their members . Additionally , MACEOS collaborates with Jabatan Standards Malaysia to develop and regulate standards for convention and exhibition requirements , ensuring global business continuity and quality in the industry . Without this , we are not able to compete with other destinations . This is also relevant to all new infrastructure projects . The Malaysian government is planning to build a new centre besides MITEC . MITEC can only cater up to 10,000 people , but we need more space . And , by integrating our sustainability programme into the build , I believe we ’ ll become one of the best hubs in South Asia for business events .
Malaysia has a very rich cultural heritage . How do you use local culture to attract and add value to business events ? We work with the ministry of tourism , arts and culture ( MOTAC ) when bidding for events . Malaysia is a multicultural nation with a rich diversity of indigenous groups . Each community boasts its own distinct traditions , festivals , and cultural practices , creating a vibrant mosaic of cultural opportunities for business events . We have traditional centres and the use of cultural enthusiasts from MOTAC . From our side ( MyCEB ), we offer traditional incentive opportunities , gala dinners with cultural dancers , along with traditional Malaysian cuisine .
Are there any particular emerging markets that MyCEB is targeting – to bring in business events ? Besides the homegrown events , we ’ re working closely with TCEB ( Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau ). We have created a combo package for business events , meaning that TCEB may secure an event in Bangkok , for example , but instead of a three-day event being held exclusively in one location , they might spend 2-3 days in Thailand and extend the trip to include 1-2 days in Malaysia . And vice-versa . So , we ’ re opening up our markets to one another .
What are the key economic sectors in Malaysia ? What type of events do you typically attract ? Aligned with the Malaysia Business
44 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 131