Malaysia’s Business Events Industry Drives Global Connectivity, Collaboration -- MOTAC Sec-Gen
KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s business events industry continues to strengthen its role in driving economic growth, knowledge development and global connectivity through stronger collaboration among the government, industry players and professional associations.
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said, “Through strong collaboration between government, industry players, and professional associations, Malaysia remains well-positioned to attract high-impact international conferences, corporate meetings and incentives, and exhibitions.”
He said this in his opening remarks at the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) Association Day 2026 today.
Shaharuddin said that MyCEB Association Day served as an important platform that brings together association leaders and the business events industry.
“This year’s theme -- ‘Governing with Purpose. Leading with Impact’ -- is both timely and highly relevant. It underscores the evolving role of associations, not only as professional bodies but as strategic partners that drive knowledge exchange, elevate industry excellence, and global connectivity,” he said.
He said MOTAC remained committed to bolstering Malaysia’s business events ecosystem via MyCEB’s strategic initiatives, including expanding international collaborations, accelerating digital adoption, and advancing sustainability practices aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Meanwhile, MyCEB chief executive officer Tan Mei Phing said associations continued to serve as key enablers within the business events ecosystem by driving innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange and attracting international events to Malaysia.
“Associations are more than professional communities. They are catalysts for progress, connecting expertise, advancing innovation, and shaping industry standards at both national and international levels,” she said in her welcoming remarks.
Tan said international conferences and conventions not only generated economic value, but also facilitated the exchange of ideas, technology and expertise that benefited industries and communities.
She said MyCEB’s Kesatria Malaysia Programme had secured 111 international business events, attracted over 135,000 delegates and generated approximately RM1.74 billion in economic impact to date.
Tan said programmes such as MyTripleE 3.0 under the “Meet in Malaysia” campaign were designed to support organisers in delivering impactful, future-ready events through stronger marketing support, sustainability integration, and technology adoption.
Separately, Malaysia Society of Association Executives (MSAE) president Lydia Abdul Latif said associations must evolve beyond traditional roles and focus on delivering meaningful value to members amid growing industry challenges.
“We live in a time where member loyalty is no longer given. It is earned through transparency, agility and tangible values.
“Our members do not just want a certificate, they want a partner in their professional survival,” she said.
Lydia said associations were facing growing pressure to remain relevant as members increasingly prioritised value-driven engagement, professional support and meaningful outcomes over conventional participation models.
She added that MSAE was also focusing on expanding its footprint in East Malaysia and elevating professionalism through education initiatives, including plans for a professional certification programme for association executives.
According to MyCEB, the fifth edition of MyCEB Association Day 2026 brought together association leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and advance Malaysia’s position as a leading business events destination.
-- BERNAMA