Abdul Khani Daud is retiring from his position as a government officer with effective from 21 April 2023.
After 38 years of service in the tourism and business events
industry, Abdul Khani Daud, CEO of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition
(MyCEB), is retiring as government officer effective 21 April 2023.
Beginning in 1985 at Tourism Malaysia (TM), Khani quickly rose to the
position of acting director general before moving on to overseas
postings in global markets such as Australia, Singapore, South Africa,
and Thailand, where he played a crucial role in opening new markets and
increasing tourist arrivals.
Since taking the reins at MyCEB in February 2020, Khani has been a
highly respected leader in the global business events and tourism
industry. During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous local and
international projects, including the highly successful Meet in Malaysia
campaign that generated an estimated RM1.05 billion (US$237 million) in
economic impact between 2020 and 2022.
He also created the 3R initiative to help industry players achieve
maximum success, and was a driving force behind the ease of travel to
Malaysia.
Khani's contributions to the industry are widely recognised and
appreciated. Under his leadership, MyCEB joined the Hybrid City Alliance
together with 21 other cities worldwide and formed the Asia Convention
Alliance together with Thailand, Taiwan, and Korea. These initiatives
aimed to strengthen the business events industry for Malaysia and the
region.
He
also worked closely with various ministries to track all business
events activities taking place in the country, including major events
organised by different ministries.
Warm accolades from business events leaders
Many leaders and organisations in the tourism and business events
industry have come forward to express their gratitude towards Khani for
his contributions in light of his departure.
Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC)
Malaysia, praised his exemplary and inspiring service to the ministry,
tourism industry, and the nation.
Francis Teo, president of Malaysian Association of Convention and
Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), expressed his appreciation
for Khani’s efforts to fight for the survival of the industry during
the pandemic.
Vincent Lim, a board member of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and
Convention Associations (AFECA), commended him for initiating
progressive changes in the industry.
Senthil Gopinath, CEO of International Congress and Convention
Association (ICCA), thanked him for his endless support and drive
towards the association and the industry.
Hosea Andreas Runkat, the chairman of the Indonesian Exhibition
Companies Association (IECA-Asperapi), praised him for initiating
trailblazing changes and being an exemplary figure for the industry.