KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has secured 149 business events under its belt so far this year, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said these events would contribute to an estimated economic impact of RM2.4 billion and welcome around 494,015 delegates to the country.
He said some of the events that already took place this year were the 22nd International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (Archidex) and Food and Drinks Malaysia 2023, both held in July.
"The two events welcomed 35,000 trade visitors resulting in RM17.43 million in estimated economic impact and 12,000 trade visitors with an economic impact of RM11.21 million respectively.
"Another event, the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress (APAO) in February, saw a total of 4,500 delegates, which contributed to RM75.68 million to the nation's economy," he said in his speech when officiating the Malaysia Business Events Week today.
His speech was read by the ministry's deputy secretary-general Datuk Mohd Zamri Mat Zain.
Present was MyCEB interim chairman Datuk Saraya Arbi and acting chief executive officer Zain Azrai Rashid.
Tiong added this year, the business events industry received a designated allocation of RM24.4 million from the ministry and the government.
"This funding has been directed to MyCEB, aiming to further enhance and uplift the business events sector within Malaysia.
"The ministry is proactively supporting business events activities and welcomes bigger collaborations with non-industry parties including non-government organisations to achieve the next phase of growth for this sector.
"As such, I urge us all to also think big, go for regional collaborations to collectively promote the Asia-Pacific region because a win for our neighbours is also a win for us in terms of awareness and pull factor," he said.
Source : https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/945997/myceb-secures-149-business-events-rm24-billion-estimated-economic-impact