In an effort to become a recognized developed nation by 2020, officials in Malaysia intend to use international events to help drive the nation’s economy.
As provided under the Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Program, international events were listed as one of the “Entry Point Projects” to drive the nation’s economy towards a developed-nation status by the year 2020. To attain that goal, the International Events Unit (IEU), a component of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), recently held an international symposium attended by 158 local industry players from various fields.
“MyCEB is focused on grooming our local industry partners to enable them to compete internationally through our workshops and symposiums,” said Zulkefli Sharif, CEO, MyCEB. “Since the IEU was established in 2011, we have seen progress in this segment. With programs like this, it will definitely boost international confidence and attract more promoters to bring their events to our shore.”
Attending were experts in events management and organizing, event marketing planners and organizers, venue owners and representatives of various government entities. With the objective of building a sustainable events industry scene for Malaysia, the symposium featured many international speakers, including Kelly Dickson, deputy chief executive of Victorian Major Events Company in Australia; Gerald Seligman, executive director of the National Recording Preservation Foundation; and Guy Lundy, deputy chairman of Wesgro, South Africa.
During the symposium, invited speakers presented various topics on event management, such as how to create an attractive events destination and issues on risk management. Tips provided also entailed effective events initiatives, such as networking and transforming home-grown events into hallmark international events. Participants were encouraged to take part in a two-way discussion on maximizing the results of events sponsorship.
“I was very impressed by the organization and the attendance at the International Events Symposium in Kuala Lumpur. It is a clear indication Malaysia and the country’s events businesses are very serious about creating a world-class events industry,” said Lundy. “Malaysia certainly has the potential for it with attractive weather, geography, venues and culture, all of which come together to make it a very appealing events destination. I will be looking out for Malaysia’s increasing presence on the world’s events calendars.”
Officials for the IEU plan to conduct more symposiums in the coming year to equip local industry players to be competitive globally.
