Malaysia is hoping to become one of the top five meetings destinations in the Asia Pacific region by 2020.

Currently lying seventh, according to figures issued by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), it has experienced a 24 percent increase in the number of international conventions held in 2010. 

A recent think-tank session called Malaysia Meetings Innovation Day Seminar 2011 explored ways of strengthening Malaysia’s international competitiveness in the global business events market with the help of renowned global experts. It was organised by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and co-hosted by ICCA and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

CEO of ICCA Martin Sirk said: “The government and private sector in Malaysia have not only been investing strongly in terms of great infrastructure, but also in professional education and in raising service standards. Even though the world is becoming ever more competitive, Malaysia has a great opportunity to position itself as a top level meetings destination, and I see the inclusion of international meetings in the country’s ‘Economic Transformation Programme’ as symptomatic of their clear understanding of our industry’s strategic importance.”

CEO of McCEB Zulkefli Hj Sharif added: “I am extremely pleased that we have gathered this dynamic and diverse team of industry experts in Kuala Lumpur to engage with potential local hosts as well as our industry players. We hope that all participants would take this information to strengthen their knowledge, awareness and skill sets to further propel Malaysia as a premier business events destination.”

Pictured: Martin Sirk addresses the Malaysia Meetings Innovation Day Seminar