Scenic Penang: the largest convention centre in Malaysia’s northern region, Penang International Convention Cultural & Arts Centre (PICCA) was launched in Butterworth in February 2023. Photo Credit: Adobe stock/Dudarev Mikhail
As part of M&C Asia’s CVB Update series, we feature Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s plans:
Projection for Malaysia’s MICE industry in 2023/2024
Based on current trends, a double-digit growth in all business events
segment including conference, exhibition, corporate meeting &
incentive and international sporting events is expected. Demand is high
and Malaysia is perceived as destination that offers world-class
facilities, strong government support, and value for money.
Business events industry is a key contributor to Malaysia’s economic
growth, and MyCEB alone supported 155 business events in 2022 and
generated RM1.2 billion (US$270 million) in estimated economic impact.
Business events in Malaysia are expected to return to the
pre-pandemic level from this year onwards. For 2023, MyCEB is
forecasting to support 190 business events with 381,150 delegates,
generating RM 2.72 billion in estimated economic impact.
The board expects RM1.8 billion in estimated economic impact by Q1 2024.
MyCEB’s key plans in the next three years
MyCEB will continue its strong trademark in international association
market with strategic pivot into exhibition industry, with a special
focus on Malaysia congress ambassador programme to bring back
significant events to the country.
The board will explore new market segments – such as mobility, new
energy, and digital economy – in line with Malaysia’s government
aspiration, and will strengthen its processes and ease in doing business
with international organisers. It will look at elevating industry
professionalism through international certification, with the launch of
Business Events Standard.
Malaysia’s newest developments
The Business Events Special Lane is available to all business events
delegates across major airports in Malaysia. The exclusive service
ensures swift and hassle-free arrival experience at the airports for
large groups of business events travellers.
Last year, MyCEB assisted 50 industry partners to obtain professional
qualification in the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) by
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). Currently,
MyCEB is assisting industry partners through UFI Certified Professional
Certification Programme (UCP) by the Global Association of the
Exhibition Industry (UFI) and certification for association management.
New hotels opening in 2023 and 2024 include Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur,
Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, and Hilton
Burau Bay Resort Langkawi.
Penang International Convention Cultural & Arts Centre (PICCA)
was launched in Butterworth in February 2023 as the largest convention
centre in Malaysia’s northern region. Meanwhile, the extension of the
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) is set to be completed by 2024.
Key MICE events
- Food and Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2023 – First time in Malaysia
- ENLIT ASIA 2024 - First time in Malaysia, after Thailand and Indonesia
- International Dragon Award Annual Conference & Worldwide Chinese
Life Insurance Congress 2024 – some 7,000 delegates, including C-Suite
executives are expected to attend.