Malaysia’s growing appeal as a meeting, convention, exhibition and incentive venue is not surprising in view of the country’s many primary strengths to support such ventures. The country’s advantage lies in its strategic geographic location, value-for-money, modern integrated infrastructure, political stability and good accessibility, complemented with a wealth of natural and cultural pursuits. These contribute towards Malaysia’s competitive edge in the region.
Accolades like the 2008 World’s Be-st Airport (15-25 million passengers category) by the Airports Council International – Airport Service Quality (ACI-ASQ) bestowed upon Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the Green Globe Award presented to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), which recognises KLCC for its highest standards in food safety, quality, environment, safety & health (FOQESH) management systems, further strengthen trade confidence in Malaysia’s infrastructure and service providers.
The development of conference and meeting facilities has enhanced Malaysia’s popularity as an ideal conference venue. Located in Malaysia’s beautifully-landscaped administrative capital, Putrajaya International Convention Centre offers state-of-the-art conference and exhibition facilities and has the capacity to hold 10,000 delegates.
Other equally impressive venues include the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Putra World Trade Centre, both of which are located within the Central Business District of Kuala Lumpur; MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre and Sime Darby Convention Centre, in well-connected suburban areas; and Mid Valley Exhibition Centre and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, which are part of larger network of business, leisure and entertainment hubs.
Beyond Kuala Lumpur, other convention and exhibition centres with excellent facilities and unique attractions include: Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) – located on the beautiful, legendary island of Langkawi in the northern region; Persada Johor International Convention Centre – strategically located in the southern region of Malaysia with convenient access to Singapore; Borneo Convention Centre in Sarawak (BCEC) – located on the exotic island of Borneo which opens in October 2009 and offers meeting facilities amidst a 120 million-year-old rainforest; Genting International Convention Centre – a venue up in the cool highlands developed as a city of entertainment.
With its diverse attractions and unique mix of culture, Malaysia also makes the ideal, exotic destination in the Far East for incentive groups. Tour programmes can be tailor-made to showcase the many sides of Malaysia, from an entertainment-filled tour of the city, a cultural experience in the local villages, to an exciting adventure in the wilds of the rainforests.
Heritage tours of historical Penang and Melaka, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, highlight the old-world charm of Malaysia, while the many islands that dot the seas bring visitors closer to the rich marine life in the waters. There is much to discover of Malaysia through jungle-trekking, diving, golfing, shopping, and gourmet tours.
