Tell us about the launch of Malaysia's convention bureau?
We have received inputs from the relevant authorities and this requires some adjustment
to the original plan. The bureau will be established as soon as we receive approval from the government, which will happen in the first quarter of 2008.
How will the bureau be structured?
We have proposed that the bureau will be run as a company to enable the bureau to carry out its operations professionally and more effectively, and avoid the so called ‘red tapes’ of other bureaucracies. It will have its own board of directors comprising ministry and tourism officials.
What will the bureau’s first plans be for Malaysia's MICE industry?
To promote Malaysia as an international MICE destination. To make Malaysia a premier MICE destination, improving its current ranking from 23rd placing in the world to a top ten spot as well as to improve its Asia ranking from tenth to sixth spot.
Do you feel that without a convention bureau Malaysia has been missing out on some major international events?
Yes, the competence and speed of winning the business needs a boost before we can host
major international conventions. We have been working closely with convention centres such as KLCC, PICC and PWTC and we have been successfully bidding for some international events. A bureau will help us win bigger events. We have seen that MICE players like Singapore, Japan and Australia have dedicated bureaus that have worked well in their favour.
What can Malaysia do to maintain its competitive edge?
The convention bureau and the restructuring of Tourism Malaysia will maintain this.
The development in infrastructure and facilities, such as the building of more convention venues and hotels will help Malaysia to compete with other meeting and incentive destinations.
Countdown to a convention bureau
Tourism Malaysia gives some much-anticipated answers about its newest organisation
