Reinforcing Malaysia’s Growing Leadership in Global Business Events Industry
submitted by Nalinie Rajah, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
KUALA LUMPUR – The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s (the Centre) General Manager, John Burke, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) for 2025, strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the global meetings and conventions industry. This prestigious appointment underscores both the Centre’s leadership in hosting world-class events and Malaysia’s growing influence in shaping international standards for convention excellence.
Commenting on his appointment to the AIPC Board, John said, “This role offers a valuable platform to collaborate with global peers in shaping the future of convention centres, while highlighting the strengths of Malaysia and Asia Pacific on the world stage. I look forward to exchanging regional best practices to elevate standards across our venues and further position Kuala Lumpur and the region as leading hubs for international business events.”
With representation from over 55 countries around the world, the AIPC brings together professional convention and exhibition centre managers worldwide and is committed to advancing excellence in venue management through research, education and global networking. Its Board of Directors oversees the strategic direction of the Association, recommending policies and programmes that serve its members and elevate global standards across the industry.
As a Board member, John will be working alongside industry leaders such as Julianne Jammers of the SwissTech Convention Center, who serves as President, and Taubie Motlhabane of the Cape Town International Convention Centre, who serves as Vice President of AIPC.
John’s appointment also aligns with Malaysia’s broader business events ambitions. With the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) projecting 5.9 million delegates and RM42.12 billion in economic impact by 2030, this role provides a strategic platform to accelerate growth.
“This is an opportunity to amplify Malaysia’s voice on the global stage,” he said. “By collaborating with AIPC’s international network, we can directly contribute to MyCEB’s targets while elevating Kuala Lumpur’s reputation as Asia’s most dynamic meetings hub.”
For updates and latest news, visit the Centre’s Newsroom at www.klccconventioncentre.com or connect on social media (Facebook – @klccconventioncentre, LinkedIn – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Twitter – @klccconvention and Instagram – @klccconventioncentre).
ABOUT THE KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) is Malaysia’s premier award-winning purpose-built venue, owned by KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and is proudly managed by Convex Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a joint-venture between KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd and ASM Global.
Located right in the heart of the country’s capital city, and as part of the integrated Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) precinct, the Centre is ideal for large, high-profile conferences, large-scale exhibitions to exclusive private functions. With great accessibility, the five-level purpose-built facility encompasses a total of 34,000 sqm, featuring a wide range of customisable multi-purpose function space including, two auditoria; a Grand Ballroom, Banquet Hall, three Conference Halls, eight Exhibition Halls and 28 meeting rooms; and, supporting facilities such as Hospitality Suites, VVIP Lounges, F&B Outlets, Medical Room, and many more.
The Centre is the first in Asia to receive the AIPC Gold Certification and is Green Building Index-certified. It maintains its world-class status through strict compliance to international quality standards and accreditation requirements, namely, ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 22000 (Food and Safety Management System), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System), ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery Management System), ISO 41001 (Facility Management System), MS 1500 (Halal Management System, EarthCheck Gold, and Healthy Venue Bronze certifications.
Committed to excellence, safety, and sustainability, the Centre aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and actively tracks its monthly performance in areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste reduction.
ABOUT ASM GLOBAL
ASM Global is the world’s leading venue management company and producer of live event experiences. Acquired by Legends in 2024, with over 400 premier venues worldwide, ASM Global operates and invests in the world’s most important stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters, including entertainment districts and mixed-use developments.
We produce over 20,000 live events annually, welcoming more than 164 million guests each year. As the global leader in content programming and revenue optimization, our best-in-class management leverages the latest data-driven marketing strategies to deliver maximum value and profitability for venue owners.
