Malaysian associations to birth business events council

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Eight national industry associations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to synergise efforts to advance Malaysia’s competitiveness as a preferred business events destination by forming the Business Events Council Malaysia (BECM).

The eight national associations were The Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS); Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA); Malaysian Association of Hotels; Malaysian Society of Association Executives; Malaysia Shopping Mall Association; Malaysia Retailers Association; Arts, Live Festival and Events Association; and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA Malaysia Committee).

Business Events Council Malaysia signing ceremony

The agreement was signed during the Business Events Forum organised by MACEOS on October 10.

BECM is currently headed by Alan Pryor, general manager at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, as the protem chairman.

Pryor said the immediate priority is “to engage with the government as their support for Malaysia’s business events industry is critical, as such advocacy and a strong relationship with Malaysia’s various government bodies will form a key focus of BECM”.

As an independent industry council, BECM is also supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and state convention bureaus in the country to provide oversight and support for the implementation of Malaysia’s Business Events Road Map 2020.

According to the roadmap, business events is expected to grow to eight per cent of total visitor arrivals, and contribute 16,720 jobs and RM3.9 billion (US$939 million) incremental Gross National Income.

Gracie Geikie, director/ principal consultant of Place Borneo Group, said: “The formation of BECM is timely for us in Malaysia as we do need a platform, and a strong voice to represent the business events industry. Standards and professionalism can be enhanced and improved on, to make Malaysia a viable destination for international conferences and events.”

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