Advertising Feature hospitality sectors . This programme allows one the flexibility to work for more than one employer and the independence to choose a working schedule . This programme helps us attract the younger workforce that favours the gig economy . Our part-time team members also benefit from complimentary on-the-job training and social security benefits .
To attract and develop the future talent pool for our industry , we are also working with universities and colleges to provide a real-life training ground and exposure for hospitality and culinary students with opportunity to be part of the Centre ’ s team for the long-term .
How is the exhibition market looking currently in Asia ? It was the fastest growing region in the events industry ? The Asia events market is already buoyant . Business has returned strongly and we see no signs of this abating . There is real pent up demand to return to face-to-face events of all types and especially exhibitions .
There have been some major acquisitions and mergers between event organisers and technology providers – clear evidence that the market is going strong . Moreover , there is a trend for corporate events to increasingly incorporate exhibition elements in their traditional events . They have recognised that the exhibition component contributes huge revenue .
With the borders of China recently re-opened , Malaysia is seeing an overflow of potential opportunities which benefits the SEA region more than other countries . We are perfectly positioned to host large exhibitions and with the capabilities to support growth in the market with new shows . Almost non-existent language barrier , affordable destination with an experienced supply chain , political stability and top destination for tourism , make us one of the top candidates to attract more exhibitions to this region and country .
KLCC recently hosted the UFI Asia Conference . What key outcomes came from the event ? A key take away was the key learnings from the pandemic times and the industry ’ s need to re-adjust to the post-pandemic landscape . Delegates engaged in several knowledge exchange sessions on tackling challenges and preparing for the future .
There was a huge emphasis on continued professional development for events executives and this was reflected in a number of Memorandum of Understandings signed during the two-day event . Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau forged a partnership with UFI to introduce the globally-recognised UFI Certified Professional qualification in Malaysia . This programme will provide courses on exhibition and venue management that will be delivered by the industry experts .
Apart from enthusiasm for the return of UFI Asia Pacific Conference after a long break and the opportunities to catch-up in-person with industry colleagues , it was observed that the entire global market is faced with a similar challenge .
They all come along the lines of lack of experienced workforce , reluctant future talents , higher demand for compensation packages , work-life balance and / or similar . We are a people ’ s industry and we seem to be lacking the people to drive the future growth of our sector .
As business momentum picks up , we need to find healthy solutions to ensure the longterm sustainability of our industry . Whether by tweaking our hiring policies with clauses that bring real value and benefit to our staff or creating new pathways for our working culture to evolve with more intrinsic values , we have to act now .
Sustainability is another key factor that tops the list when organisers are looking at venues for their next event . How sustainable a venue is KLCC ? We are committed to supporting the longterm sustainability of the Malaysian business events industry , the environment , society and communities at large .
Our sustainability agenda is pillared on Environment , Energy , and Community . Over the years , we have been actively investing and implementing new technology and programmes at the Centre to enhance our position as Malaysia ’ s sustainable venue .
Our most recent endeavour is to present the Kuala Lumpur City Centre ( KLCC ) precinct , where the Centre is located , as a sustainable meetings destination where delegates can travel to , meet and stay in the heart of the city as well as interact in an environmentally and socially-responsible setting . To effectively roll out its sustainability initiatives , the Centre has
EFE Expo 2023
forged the first public-private sector strategic partnership with URBANICE Malaysia . It also works with its precinct partners to develop and implement programmes and engagement . Its aim is to encourage and inspire people and partners in creating the offerings that deliver sustainable journeys and impactful experiences to clients , visitors and the public .
In 2022 alone , we rolled-out 10 sustainabilityled initiatives and activities targeted to a range audience . In the venue itself , we have AIpowered waste management solutions , waste composting machine , a hydroponic farm and an herb garden on our rooftops , and zero-energy rain water harvesting system . Most recently , we set-up a bee-hive on our rooftop to help save endangered species .
How closely does the KLCC work with MyCEB , in attracting events to Malaysia ? We have a long-standing relationship with our national bureau and work very closely in promoting Malaysia as the preferred business events destination .
We are actively involved with MyCEB from bidding for international events to creation of destination offerings . We also previously partnered in hosting fam trips for international meetings planners .
We have jointly organised knowledge exchanges between international experts and local industry professionals .
Over the years , we collaborated with MyCEB in industry development to ensure our events professional are on par with the global industry standards .
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